Shoulder To Shoulder Charge

Key Points

Move into position alongside the opponent
Keep the upper arm tight to the body flexing the elbow to bring the forearm out and across the torso
Planting at least one foot on the ground
Shift the body weight towards the opponent, charge the opponent side to side.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic

This is a basic drill to practice the side to side charge technique.
Players pair off and stand approximately one meter from their partner side to side
On the whistle both players step towards each other and perform the side to side charge in a slow and controlled manner
The players switch sides after a set number of goes to practice the charge from the other side
As the players become comfortable in the contact situation and more competent at the technique increase the distance between them and allow them to walk into the charge
As they develop further increase the pace to a jog
It is important to ensure that the players are matched equally and that each takes due care when performing the technique

Drill 2 – Intermediate-Tackle Bag Charge

This is an intermediate drill to practice the side to side charge technique that focuses on developing the confidence of the player in the contact situation.
Mark out a zig zag formation using 6 cones, each approximately 5m
One player holding a tackle bag is positioned at each of the 4 middle cones
These players must hold the tackle bag correctly using a sturdy grip, keeping it high for protection and with one foot forward to brace themselves
The remaining players line up at one end of the formation
Each player in turn jogs through the formation practicing the side to side charge with the right and left shoulder at each alternate tackle bag
Rotate the players after a set time

Drill 3–Intermediate–Jog and Charge

This is an intermediate drill to practice the side to side charge technique.
Place two cones 5 meters apart
Divide the players into pairs, one of each pair lined up behind each cone
Place a further cone 5 meters in front and between the players
On the whistle each pair jog forward and perform the side to side charge at the cone before returning to the back of the line
As the players become more competent place a football 3 to 5 meters beyond the front cone
The players must contest a side to side charge at the cone to gain an advantage to win possession of the ball
As the players develop further this drill may be adapted by removing the front cone so that the players are required to time and synchronise the side to side charge without any guidance
As this is more difficult the pace of the drill should be reduced before being gradually built up again

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