Coathanger (Australian rules football)

A coathanger is a dangerous high tackle in Australian rules football, Rugby League, and Rugby Union.

It occurs when a running player is stopped by an arm to the chest or neck and usually gets knocked backward onto their back.

This type of tackle can cause serious injury and is almost always a reportable offence. It is similar to the clothesline move used in professional wrestling but involves more speed with the players running in open space and therefore, higher likelihood of the hand or arm damaging the tackled player's throat.

See also

• Spear tackle
• Grapple tackle