Train tracking.
Talk tracking.
The following drills breakdown tracking training into modules that can be adapted, built upon or varied.
Notes:
Build up from NO-contact to Full-contact.
Additionally add change of direction and more complex scenarios as player tracking improves.
Drills can be trained with or without safe-D tracker. We believe it is better when safe-D tracker is used, it provides the player & coach with a visual reference.
Terminology - getting on the same page
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Terminology D-drills
D-drills
Body shape stays fwd with head over toes & feet get shorter
Hands are up in a boxers stance ready to execute tackle
Defenders control speed going fwd with shorter steps
D-drill Download
Add change of direction
Body shape stays fwd with head over toes & feet get shorter
Hands are up in a boxers stance ready to execute tackle
Defenders control speed going fwd with shorter steps
Step in with lead leg (left) to match (left) shoulder
D-drill Download
No change of direction
Commence with slight offset angle approx. 5 degrees
Take control as a defender
Defender DO NOT go where you think the attacker will end up — go to where they are NOW
“Get up the line”
D-drill Download
No change of direction
Angle of approach can be anywhere on grid
Train LEFT & RIGHT shoulders = ALL OPTIONS
Body shape stays fwd with chest over toes & feet get shorter
Hands are up in a boxers stance ready to execute tackle
Step in with lead leg (left) to match (left) shoulder
Defender - Proactively get out to meet the Attacker
D-drill Download
Add change of direction
Always have the attacker on a left or right shoulder to start with
“Angle of approach”...... “Tracking angle” is different each time!`
Defender DO NOT go where you think the attacker will end up — go to where they are NOW
When shifting shoulders, you should just step in with other foot to execute
D-drill Download
Whole Group working in 5x5 grid setups
Drills in Action
This drill is designed to replicate game tracking situations from 7metres.
The longer the tracking distance the more difficult it becomes for a defender to intuitively predict, adapt and correct their optimal tracking line (path) to an attacker.
This "Long track" safe-D tracker drill replicates long tracking game situations which allows for explanation of tracking, and for refining through repetition of these difficult, highly variable defensive situations.
This drill is designed to teach, train and test intermediate defensive tracking with repetition through to fatigue.
The tackle is not executed but the defenders tracking response, time, line and speed are all being tested and can easily be sighted, reviewed and discussed.
A great drill that can be done as a group or just as a pair on your own.
This safe-D tracker drill trains repetitive short reflex timing of correct tackle tracking in a tight moment. If the tracking is correct the tackler puts themselves in a safe optimal position to adjust their head & shoulders in response to the attacker’s movement.
The athlete is training correct positional body postures & embedding reflex intuitive movements.
This drill allows for a coach to pause athletes throughout the drill & explain correct body postures & angles whilst maintaining a constant visual reference between the attacker & defender.