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Question
Nick,

I have seen some of your previous advice and I sincerely hope you can give me some pointers as well. I am new to rugby and play a starting position as full back up in Canada for my highschool. I was assigned to this position as I am extremely quick. Problematically, I am not exactly built for rugby. I'm 15 years old, about 6'1" and weigh 150 lbs. My biggest problem comes when I must tackle players much bulkier than myself. I have no problem catching them, but for the most part find myself making a flimsy attempt at the tackle. I am not unsuccessful but I am not nearly efficient enough to be the last man back if the opposition gets a break. Any pointers on the bigger players? Do you find that hesitation is the biggest problem if my form is quite well done? Cheers.


Answer
High Andy, it sounds like you have everything except actual muscle bulk. I would focus on eating well, getting rest and having hi level of fitness and endurance. If you muct work out go for a regime that improves your strength rather than adds bulk - there is a difference ask a proper trainer at a good gym.

The reason I say this is that you will eventually fill out and when you do you will be happy to maintain speed fiteness and agility while naturally gainng muscle as your body becomes adolesent/yong adult.

I have pasted a past answer on tackling below but do read over my other tackling answers as there are some pointers in each that are different.

It is probably the most asked question I get.

Size is not an issue the goal is to stop them, it might not look pretty but if at the least you grab a jersey until help arrives then that is ok. Your team mates and you will not worry if you drag the guy down ugly but you will remember when a player breezes buy.

Tackling:

Your head should go to the side that is "out of the way". If the player is running at you going to the left you head should go to the right side and vice versa. If the guy is running directly at you it would be best to put you head on the side the guy hold the ball but really don't over think it on that angle. The big thing is to drive your should into the guys guy or lower sternum.

When tackling from the side the rule of thumb is "cheak to cheak" face to butt.

Here is a simple method for improving your tackle. When a player is moving towards you (or vice versa) do not look at their body as a whole, instead focus on the point of center between their hips. Often a coach will tell you to "eyeball" the "string of their shorts". This focus will allow your brain to only register the runner's center of gravity: the "mass" of their torso. No matter what a runner's arms, legs or head does the torso is usually stagnant.

Keep you feet active, stay on your toes either moving towards them or running in place. Close the space between you and the runner swiftly but stay in control. This is to limit the runner's options as much as possible. If you overcommit to running into the tackle the player has a better chance of stepping you.

Focus on the "string of their pants" and drop your center of gravity to set up the hit. Aim the shoulder to that string.

so summarize:

1. keep the feet active "live"
2. focus on the "string of their pants"
3. drive the shoulder through the "string of their pants"
4. wrap the player up and drive with the legs in short steps.

Don't try to pick the player up, this is dangerous and will probably get you penalized. Drive hard with the shoulder and legs