Why are we still using the ‘tackle’ bag to train tackling?
The origin and history of the tackle bag
Mimicking the ball-carrier?
Just posing the question highlights all the limitations of the tackle bag. The main one of course being that the tackle bag does not move compared to the ball-carrier in a match. There are a number of others too, weight, distinction between body parts, counter-drive etc.
Tackling technique
The obvious, major contention with the tackle bag is the technique players are learning and executing while ‘tackling’ the cylindrical shaped foam filled bag. During training session using the tackle bag, players typically dive into contact. Add into the drill a conditioning component (a common practice), players tend to start falling into contact. Technically speaking, this goes against most (if not all) safe and effective techniques prescribed for executing a tackle. I will refrain from going into detail and compare specific techniques required for safe and effective tackling, and the techniques used when using the tackle bag – we try to keep these articles short.
Scientific Research?
Studies specifically comparing techniques executed when using different equipment compared to live tackle training and tackling during matches don’t exist (to my knowledge). With that said, the tackle bag is mentioned in some studies looking at the tackle event. For example, in a paper on attitude and behaviour of junior rugby union players towards tackling during training and match play, the tackle bag was ranked in the top five most frequently used methods for coaching the tackle. One of the lowest ranked methods was ‘‘live tackling in a 1 vs. 1 player grid’. These findings imply that coaches prefer using padded equipment such as the tackle bag or shield rather than live 1 vs. 1 tackling, perhaps in an attempt to safeguard the players from injury in training. While the use of the padded equipment may arguably lower the risk of injury in training compared to live tackling, tackle bags and shields do not mimic real match conditions, and therefore may increase the risk of injury in matches. Other studies used the tackle bag as part of their methods to investigate muscle activity around the shoulder when tackling, and the forces produced when tackling a stationary tackle bag.
Sharief Hendricks
References
Hendricks, S., Matthews, B., & Roode, B. (2014). Tackler characteristics associated with tackle performance in rugby union. European Journal of Sport Science. doi:10.1080/17461391.2014.905982
Usman, J., McIntosh, A. S., & Fréchède, B. (2011). An investigation of shoulder forces in active shoulder tackles in rugby union football. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 1–6. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.05.006
Horsley, I., & Herrington, L. (2006). Electromyographic analysis of the tackle within rugby football. Physical Therapy in Sport. doi:10.1186/1758-2555-1
Hendricks, S., Jordaan, E., & Lambert, M. (2012). Attitude and behaviour of junior rugby union players towards tackling during training and match play. Safety Science, 50(2), 266–284.
Rugby Science 
Great informative read Sharief! I’m glad that someone actually opened up this discussion. The tackle situation is where most injuries happen due to poor technique. If more coaches are able to understand the tackle situation and look at the focal points i.e. Ankle tackles, leg tackles and side-on tackles from a younger age, I feel that the progression into a “double hit” and “man and ball” tackling techniques will become a lot more effective – especially within South African rugby.
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Thanks for the comment Pallo…agree, we (including coaches) need to understand more about the tackle situation to optimise training. We have a few projects going with this aim in mind.
SH
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Great article.
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Thanks Kererua!
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i agree completely and find tackle bags more of a hindrance than help while developing technique. Their main benefit, as i see it, is to replace or protect the “ball carrier” in drills, which is fine when tackle technique is at a high level.
The stages of a tackle, for me are;
1) prediction – learning to read the speed and direction of the ball carrie,r to know where to go, so the tackle will be made.
2) fitness – sufficient speed and agility to get there in time.
3) prediction – reading subtle body movements that may indicate if the ball carrier will change direction.
4) reaction – ability of tackler to adjust body position accordingly, if ball carrier changes direction, to make the tackle.
5) technique and confidence- ability to make the tackle while avoiding ball carriers knees, hip bones and hand-offs, knowing that it can be executed, at intensity, without harm to the tackler.
6) Team organisation and trust – holding defensive lines, perhaps developing the 2-man tackle and trusting that teammates will do their job.
Tackle bags prevent all 6 and will only develop the ability to tackle a stationary, soft target – there aren’t many of those on a rugby pitch!! i have seen far better results with underage players using player v player games / drills.
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Nice article Tim. And thanks for the mention! (and doing it correctly) 😀
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