Do Women Tackle Differently? Coaching, Challenges, and Solutions

Rugby Coach Weekly

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In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell discusses tackling in women’s rugby with Kathryn Dane, an international rugby player, sports scientist, and coach.
Kathryn, who has 23 caps for Ireland and is the coach for Ulster Women's Rugby and Old Belvedere, shares insights from her groundbreaking research into safety, skill acquisition, and performance in tackling. She discusses:

• The differences in how women develop tackling skills compared to men.
• Challenges unique to women’s rugby, such as late entry into the sport, limited resources, and coaching disparities.
• Findings from her research, including the effectiveness of techniques like the "wrap and clamp" for successful tackles.
• The psychological and tactical preparation required to overcome fear and build confidence in contact.
• Strategies for introducing and developing tackle skills progressively, ensuring safety and skill retention.
• The critical role of intentional coaching, creating supportive environments, and leveraging leadership within teams.

The findings are essential for anyone who is involved in the women’s game or keen on improving tackle coaching across all levels of rugby. Kathryn also shares practical tips for balancing safety, performance, and progression in training.

Find out more about Kathryn’s work on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Instagram. Dive deeper into the science of tackling with Sharief Hendrik’s rugby research roundup. Links are available on Rugby Coach Weekly.

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