Tackle Bag or Hit Shield: What to Buy as a Club?
You want to invest in contact training equipment for your club, but you're not sure whether to buy tackle bags, hit shields, or both. Coaches see it as a major purchase, while the wrong equipment ends up sitting in the corner for months. This article helps you make the right choice for your specific training goals and budget.
A tackle bag stands independently and absorbs the full impact of a tackle; a hit shield is held by a teammate and provides active resistance back. For solo tackling technique and youth training, you need a tackle bag (from €109); for partner contact training and team drills, use a hit shield (from €79). Most clubs combine both: 3-5 hit shields for warm-up and technique drills, plus 2-3 tackle bags for solo and contact station work.
Tackle bag vs hit shield: the direct difference
The fundamental difference is in how they are used. A tackle bag sits on the ground and waits for the player. You tackle it, it falls, you practise. A hit shield is held by someone else: a coach, assistant or teammate. That person provides resistance, can move around and can vary the pressure.
| Feature | Tackle Bag | Hit Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Solo or small group | Always with partner or coach |
| Resistance | Passive, absorbs impact | Active, gives resistance back |
| Realism | Static target (except Roller/Rip-Roller) | Moving target, variable |
| Beginner safety | Good for solo technique | Better for first contact lessons |
| Youth U12 | 8 kg Fun Design or Target Bag | Light wedge shields |
| Forwards training | Excellent (Ripper, Rip-Roller) | Good (Ruck N Roll, Body Pad) |
| Entry price | From €109 | From €79 |
| Players per item | 1 per bag | 2 per shield (holder + tackler) |
What do you train with a tackle bag?
Tackle bags are built for solo tackling technique and for groups working in stations. Each bag has a specific function:
A Standard Tackle Bag trains the basic tackle: approach, body position, impact. Players tackle it to the ground and get back up. Simple, repeatable, scalable for large groups.
A Target Tackle Bag has a clear target zone at the correct height for low tackling, in line with World Rugby safety guidelines. This makes it particularly suited for youth and beginner training.
A Ripper Tackle Bag trains two skills simultaneously: tackling and ball security after the tackle. The bag has a built-in ball holder; the player rips the ball directly after the tackle. This is realistic forwards training.
A Roller Tackle Bag moves away on impact. This forces the player to train their timing and distance judgment. Good for both backs and forwards wanting to improve tackle timing and speed calculation.
A Rip-Roller combines both: it moves away after impact and has a ball holder. This is the most complete solo contact training you can offer per player.
The training session has 4 stations of 7 players each. At stations 2 and 3, two Ripper Tackle Bags of 20 kg are set up. Players tackle, get up, rip the ball. No extra coaches needed. The bag is ready, the drill runs itself.
What do you train with a hit shield?
Hit shields simulate contact with a teammate. The holder provides resistance, can run in, turn, or step back. This makes hit shields irreplaceable for first contact lessons for beginners and youth, ruck and maul training, drives and carries for forwards, contact warm-up blocks, and technique drills for backs with direction changes.
A Single Wedge Hit Shield (€79-€119) is the standard entry point. Compact, for all levels, works for technique and warm-up. A Wave Hit Shield has a curved shape that protects the holder's arm and offers a wider contact zone. More comfort during hard drives.
A Ruck N Roll Hit Shield is specifically for ruck and maul work. Its shape allows multiple players to push against the same shield simultaneously, ideal for forwards training with a prop or flanker as carrier.
Four coaches each hold a Single Wedge Hit Shield. Players practise in pairs: one player runs in, makes contact, the coach provides controlled resistance. No tackle bags needed: these are the first contact lessons of the season.
Comparison table: which to buy for which situation?
| Training situation | Tackle bag | Hit shield | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| First contact lessons for beginners | ✓ | ||
| Solo tackling technique (no coach needed) | ✓ | ||
| Youth rugby U8-U12 | ✓ (8 kg Fun Design) | ✓ (light wedge) | ✓ |
| Forwards: ruck and maul | ✓ (Ruck N Roll) | ||
| Forwards: ball security after tackle | ✓ (Ripper) | ||
| Contact timing and moving target | ✓ (Roller, Rip-Roller) | ||
| Safe low tackling (World Rugby) | ✓ (Target Bag) | ✓ (Body Pad) | ✓ |
| Multiple simultaneous stations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contact warm-up block | ✓ | ||
| School PE lesson (few coaches) | ✓ (Target 10 kg) | ✓ | ✓ |
Which tackle bag type suits your club?
| Type | Weight | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tackle Bag | 8-28 kg | €109-€279 | Versatile use, all levels, multiple stations |
| Target Tackle Bag | 10-28 kg | €179-€259 | Safe low tackling, youth, World Rugby coaches |
| Ripper Tackle Bag | 10-27 kg | €259-€359 | Ball security, forwards, advanced players |
| Roller Tackle Bag | 10-15 kg | €249-€299 | Timing, moving target, backs and youth |
| Rip-Roller Tackle Bag | 10-27 kg | €319-€399 | Advanced: timing + ball security combined |
| Weighted Half Tackle Bag | variable | €159-€199 | Low tackles, binding, forwards |
| Fun Design Tackle Bag | 8 kg | €139 | Youth U8-U12, schools, first contact training |
Weight rule of thumb: 8 kg for U8-U12, 15 kg for U14 and women's rugby, 20 kg for senior men, 28 kg for trained forwards. For mixed groups, 15 kg is a safe compromise.
Which hit shield type suits your training?
| Type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single Wedge Hit Shield | €79-€119 | Entry level, all ages, technique drills |
| Double Wedge Hit Shield | €109-€129 | More protection for holder, heavy contact drills |
| Wave Hit Shield | €89-€119 | Versatile, drives and carries, all positions |
| Ruck N Roll Hit Shield | €119-€139 | Ruck and maul training, forwards |
| Body Pad | €119 | Realistic carrier simulation, safe low contact |
| Flat Hit Shield | €89-€99 | Line training, passing, warm-up |
| Curve Hit Shield | €89-€99 | Comfortable for holder, gentle contact build-up |
Budget split: how many of each?
| Club size | Hit shields | Tackle bags | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (15-20 players) | 3 wedge shields | 2 standard bags (15 kg) | ±€500-€700 |
| Medium (25-40 players) | 4-5 (mix wedge + wave) | 3-4 (mix standard + ripper) | ±€900-€1,500 |
| Large (50+ players, multiple teams) | 6-8 (mix all types) | 5-6 (mix all types) | ±€2,000-€3,500 |
Checklist: before you order
Always check
- 🔴Age group of your players - Never exceed 8-10 kg for U12. Too-heavy equipment increases neck and shoulder injury risk.
- 🔴Number of stations in your session - 1 tackle bag = 1 station. Count how many simultaneous stations you want to run before setting your budget.
- 🟠Storage space - Tackle bags are large (60-90 cm tall). Check whether you have storage in your clubhouse or equipment room.
- 🟠Training goal per session - Decide whether you're training tackle technique, ball security or contact build-up. Choose the bag type for that goal.
- ⚪Invoice and VAT - Clubs and schools can order on invoice. Request a club quote for bulk orders.
- ⚪Custom options - Tackle bags and hit shields can be supplied with your club logo. Ask about minimum quantities and lead times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tackle bag and a hit shield?
A tackle bag stands independently on the ground and absorbs the full impact of a tackle without giving resistance back. A hit shield is held by a teammate and provides active resistance, simulating contact with a moving target.
What weight tackle bag do I need for youth rugby?
For children up to age 12 (U8-U12), 8 kg is the maximum. For U14 and women's rugby, 10-15 kg is recommended. For senior men, 20 kg is standard. For mixed groups, 15 kg is a safe compromise.
How many tackle bags and hit shields does a rugby club need?
A club with 25-30 players needs at least 3-4 hit shields for simultaneous drills and 2-3 tackle bags for solo tackling technique. For a full contact training session with multiple stations, plan for 5-6 hit shields and 4-5 tackle bags.
Can I start with only hit shields?
Yes, for beginners and youth teams, starting with hit shields is even recommended. Hit shields teach correct body position and carry less risk than solo tackle bags. Add tackle bags once players have mastered the basic technique.
What does a complete set cost for a club?
A starter package (3 hit shields + 2 tackle bags) costs between €500 and €900. A fully equipped club with multiple stations can expect €1,500 to €3,000 depending on weight and type.
What is the advantage of a Target Tackle Bag over a standard tackle bag?
The Target Tackle Bag has a lower target zone that matches World Rugby guidelines for safe low tackling (below the armpit). This makes it particularly suited for clubs working on safe tackling technique, youth rugby and coaches following current regulations.
What is a Rip-Roller tackle bag and who is it for?
The Rip-Roller combines two training goals: it has a ball holder so players can practise ripping the ball after a tackle, and it rolls away on impact so timing and distance judgment are trained. Suitable for advanced players and clubs wanting more realism in their contact training.
How do I choose between a Ripper and a Roller tackle bag?
The Ripper Tackle Bag trains ball security after the tackle: tackle, get up, rip the ball. The Roller moves away on impact and trains timing and distance judgment. Training ball security? Choose the Ripper. Training tackle timing? Choose the Roller.
How long does a tackle bag last?
A well-maintained tackle bag lasts 3 to 7 years depending on frequency of use and storage. Leaving bags outside in sun and rain significantly shortens their lifespan. Store bags dry and check the seams after each training session.
Can clubs order on invoice?
Yes, clubs and schools can order on invoice. Contact us via the contact page for a club quote, VAT invoice and information about bulk discounts.
Browse all tackle bags and hit shields from RAM Rugby
RAM Rugby supplies tackle bags and hit shields to clubs, schools and academies across Europe. Whether you need a starter set for a youth team or a complete contact park for your whole club, we help you choose the right combination.
- Tackle bags from 8 kg to 28 kg, in all types
- Hit shields for every position and every level
- Custom options with club logo available
- Club quote and invoice on request
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