A recent investigation has confirmed what many coaches have long believed: shoulder-led tackles are the most effective way to halt an opponent. The 2025 peer-reviewed study, Tackle Height and Tackle Success, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, analysed more than 52 000 tackles from 271 male matches across England, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, and the United States.

The researchers reported that the “active shoulder” technique consistently delivered the highest success rates across every age group and contact height. In senior elite rugby, active shoulder tackles achieved an 86% success rate, compared with just 69% for arm tackles aimed at the mid-torso.

The study compared four tackle styles, active shoulder, passive shoulder, smother, and arm, while also considering situational factors such as tackle direction, sequence, and the ball carrier’s intent. The clear verdict was that arm tackles are the least reliable, while shoulder-led techniques dramatically improve defensive outcomes.

For junior players in particular, targeting the shoulder proved more effective than tackling lower down the body or at the legs. The authors suggest that by tailoring training towards the most effective tackle types for each level, coaches can both sharpen defensive performance and support safer, more robust player development.