Buy the Learn to Tackle program and get Wrestling for Rugby and Solo Tackle Prep for free, use code "TOM" at checkout:


The Art & Science Of Coaching The Tackle

Take our comprehensive Rugby Physical Preparation Audit to discover your strengths, identify your limiting factors, and receive personalized guidance to elevate your game:


In this episode, I continue my conversation with Keir from Learn to Tackle and dive into how I coach tackling beyond bags and into real match situations. We discuss game-based learning, constraint-led progressions, how I develop contact skills in both kids and adults, why grappling isn’t the same as rugby tackling, and how improving skill can have a huge impact on conditioning and performance.


00:00 Intro
01:48 Game-Based Learning
06:02 Tackle Progressions
13:32 Mental Toughness
16:16 Kids vs Adults
20:26 Coaching Games
22:39 Video Analysis
25:09 Grappling vs Rugby
27:48 Skill & Conditioning
34:55 Courses & Discounts


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In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, I sit down with Keir Wenham-Flatt to break down concussion prevention, why most tackle training is ineffective, and how purposeful practice can help players become both safer and better.

Drawing from his experience working with professional rugby teams and developing the Learn to Tackle course, Keir explains the five phases of an effective tackle, why static bag drills don’t transfer to matches, and what rugby can learn from grappling sports.


In this pod:

00:00 Intro
01:33 Concussion Prevention
04:21 Keir’s Journey
12:52 Why Learn to Tackle
16:52 CTE & Head Impacts
20:32 Lessons from Grappling
26:02 The 5 Phases of a Tackle
37:02 Games-Based Training
40:23 Final Thoughts

Buy the Learn to Tackle program and get Wrestling for Rugby and Solo Tackle Prep for free, use code "TOM" at checkout:
https://learntotackle.com/?orid=4663

The Art & Science Of Coaching The Tackle
https://learntotackle.com/art/?orid=4663

Take our comprehensive Rugby Physical Preparation Audit to discover your strengths, identify your limiting factors, and receive personalized guidance to elevate your game:
https://assessment.rugby-muscle.com/

Get the Rugby Muscle Training Week Playbook
https://rugby-muscle.com/playbook

Join Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugby-muscle.com/team

Get personalised 1on1 Coaching from me for S&C
https://rugby-muscle.com/aaa

Get early access to the ALL-NEW 5-day Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/blueprint

Support the show

Unlock your rugby strength and conditioning potential by understanding why context is king! In this video, we delve into why conflicting advice in rugby training can all be true and how to make smarter training decisions for your performance on the pitch. You'll learn why applying a generic programme might not be the best approach and how to tailor your physical preparation for rugby to your unique circumstances.

Many rugby players hear vastly different advice regarding their training, from specific exercises like squats to conditioning methods, and often assume one side must be wrong. However, this episode explains that context is everything. We'll explore how understanding your individual needs, available time, and playing style is crucial for optimising your rugby performance. Discover how to move beyond generic guidelines and truly personalise your training, whether you're focusing on speed, power, or aerobic development for rugby players.


Get the Rugby Muscle Training Week Playbook

Join Team Rugby Muscle

Get personalised 1on1 Coaching from me for S&C

Get early access to the ALL-NEW 5-day Rugby Athlete Blueprint






#RugbyTraining #StrengthAndConditioning #RugbyPerformance

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