gun tackle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Technical/Sports
Quick answer
What does “gun tackle” mean?
A specific method of tackling an opponent in rugby, by aiming to hit them with the shoulder and wrap arms tightly around the legs, typically just below the hips, to bring them to the ground effectively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific method of tackling an opponent in rugby, by aiming to hit them with the shoulder and wrap arms tightly around the legs, typically just below the hips, to bring them to the ground effectively.
While primarily a rugby term, it can sometimes be referenced metaphorically to describe a swift, direct, and low physical engagement in other contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively British/Commonwealth rugby usage. In American English, the term is virtually unknown; 'tackle' in US sports (American football) refers to the general act but without this specific, named technique.
Connotations
In rugby communities, it connotes proper technique, power, and safety. Outside those communities, it is an unfamiliar term.
Frequency
Used frequently within rugby coaching, commentary, and analysis in the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, etc. Zero frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “gun tackle” in a Sentence
[Subject] executes a gun tackle on [Opponent].[Subject] was penalised for a high gun tackle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gun tackle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to gun tackle the winger just short of the try line.
- Coaches emphasise the need to gun tackle safely.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- His gun-tackle technique was flawless.
- They practiced gun-tackle drills all afternoon.
American English
- Not used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in sports science papers analysing rugby technique.
Everyday
Only among rugby players, fans, or coaches.
Technical
Core term in rugby coaching manuals and referee guidelines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gun tackle”
- Using it to describe any tackle.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun.
- Confusing it with 'gang tackle' (multiple tacklers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, within rugby it is a technical term for a safe, controlled method of bringing a player to ground, focusing on the legs to avoid dangerous high hits.
Yes, informally within rugby contexts (e.g., 'He gun tackled him'), though it's more commonly used as a noun (e.g., 'He made a gun tackle').
The etymology is uncertain but likely relates to the idea of being 'shot out' of the defensive line low and fast, like a projectile, or from the straight-line power of the hit.
American football involves similar low tackles, but the specific term 'gun tackle' is not part of the standard American football lexicon.
A specific method of tackling an opponent in rugby, by aiming to hit them with the shoulder and wrap arms tightly around the legs, typically just below the hips, to bring them to the ground effectively.
Gun tackle is usually technical/sports in register.
Gun tackle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌn ˌtæk.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable (technical rugby term not used in American sports lexicon). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'gun' as in something that fires straight and low; a 'gun tackle' shoots straight for the legs.
Conceptual Metaphor
TACKLING IS A TARGETED PROJECTILE (The tackler is launched like a bullet at a specific low target).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'gun tackle' specifically used?