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The Art & Science Of Coaching The Tackle

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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/

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https://rugby-muscle.com/playbook

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

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https://rugby-muscle.com/aaa

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

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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.


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#RugbyTraining #StrengthAndConditioning #RugbyPerformance

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Improve your rugby performance with this crucial training shift! Many rugby players make the same mistakes in the gym, training harder but not seeing the benefits on the pitch. This video reveals the one fundamental change you need to make to ensure your gym time isn't wasted and actually enhances your game.

After 20 years of performance training and over a decade coaching amateur rugby players online, I'm making the case for full-body training. Discover why this approach is superior for rugby athletes, especially compared to traditional body part splits. I'll delve into how it provides more frequent quality exposures to key movement patterns, offers greater flexibility for in-season niggles, and allows for varied training stimuli throughout the week. Crucially, full-body training frees up your week to prioritise conditioning, speed, and actual rugby training, which are often overlooked in favour of gym-focused off-season programmes. Learn why fitness is often the real bottleneck to your best performance and how to avoid sacrificing it for temporary gym gains.


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https://rugby-muscle.com/playbook

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https://rugby-muscle.com/team

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https://rugby-muscle.com/aaa

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https://rugby-muscle.com/blueprint



If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up to support the channel! Subscribe for more rugby training insights and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out. Let me know in the comments if you've ever struggled with your training programme falling apart due to missed sessions or if you've prioritised gym work over fitness, I'd love to hear your experiences!

#RugbyTraining #FullBodyWorkout #RugbyFitness

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Unlock your rugby potential: In-season training secrets for amateur players! Discover how to optimise your fitness, recovery, and performance without overtraining. This episode challenges traditional methods, revealing breakthroughs in in-season training that will help you stay stronger, fitter, more explosive, and injury-free throughout the season. We'll cover everything from strategic recovery days to effective game day nutrition, ensuring you're firing on all cylinders every match.

Learn how to revolutionise your weekly schedule, understand the hidden benefits of aerobic fitness for strength, and optimise your gym sessions for maximum progress with minimal fatigue. We'll also debunk common myths about pre-game meals, focusing on what truly impacts your performance on the pitch. Get ready to transform your approach to rugby fitness and see real results!

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If you found these insights useful, please hit the like button, subscribe for more actionable rugby advice, and comment below: Which breakthrough will you implement first this season?


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00:00 Training Breakthroughs Intro
01:17 Fix In-Season Fatigue
03:04 Smarter Weekly Schedule
05:06 Recovery Days
06:10 Sort Your Priorities
09:02 Cardio Plan For Rugby
10:57 Strength Volume Needed
12:44 How Many Sets for Strength?
14:42 Game Day Nutrition Truth
16:44 Coaching Offer And Wrap

#RugbyTraining #AmateurRugby #InSeasonFitness

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In this episode, I break down the most effective upper body movements I use to build real rugby strength and on-field performance. This isn’t bodybuilding or powerlifting, it’s practical training that carries over directly to tackles, contact, and shoulder resilience.


00:00 Intro
02:18 Pull-ups
05:50 Bench press
07:58 Explosive push-ups
10:52 Single-arm rows
13:07 Face pulls
14:23 Tricep extensions
15:43 Hammer curls
16:45 Wrap up

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In this episode, I break down the most effective lower body movements I use to build rugby strength, speed, and resilience. I explain how each exercise transfers directly to on-field performance and how to program them correctly for real results.

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In this episode, I break down the biggest mistake amateur rugby players make in the gym, copying pro-level training. I share my own journey, explain why pro methods don’t work for players balancing work, school, and life, and show the simple framework I use to help athletes get stronger, fitter, faster, and stay injury-free. I also walk you through my first-principles approach so you can build a sustainable system that actually improves your rugby performance.


In this episode:
00:00 Introduction: The Common Mistake in Rugby Training
01:40 Personal Journey: From Amateur to Coach
03:04 The Problem of Information Overload
04:31 The Reality of Amateur Training
07:11 The First Principles Approach
09:44 Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Training System

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

Support the show

Support the show