Tackling is arguably the most fundamental of all football defensive skills. Tackling players is essential to keeping the offense from advancing up the field and scoring. A missed tackle can mean the difference between a touchdown and four-and-out. Tackle drills help players learn the basics of bringing opponents to the ground and stopping an offensive drive.
Open Field Tackle Drill
Helping your players learn how to tackle a player in the open field can save your team from giving up a big score during the game. Divide players into two groups---ball carriers and tacklers. Have the first players in each line stand about 10 yards away facing each other. Set up two cones on an imaginary line of scrimmage between the two players about ten yards apart. On the whistle, the ball carrier begins running to one cone or the other. The tackler must react to the ball carrier's direction and pursue him. The ball carrier must run to the outside of the cone, after which he can do anything to get downfield. The ball carrier must tackle the player before he reaches a certain point downfield.
Angle Tackling Drill
One of the hardest parts of tackling is getting a proper angle on your opponent. To help players learn proper angling, run them through this drill. Have players line up on one side of the field, about 10 yards apart. Set up a cone about 20 yards away on the other side of the field. On the whistle, the ball carrier must run with the ball across the field toward and around the cone. The tackler must maintain a proper angle in order to tackle the player at or near the cone. If the ball carrier gets the ball past the cone, he earns a point. If the tackler brings down his opponent before he can get the ball past the cone, he earns a point.
Tackle From Behind Drill
Bringing down a player who's in front of you headed for the goal line is a must-have skill for preventing touchdowns. To do this drill, line up a tackler and a ball carrier about 10 yards apart, both facing the far end zone. Blow the whistle once, allowing the tackler to start running. When the tackler is about 5 yards away from the ball carrier, blow the whistle again to signal the ball carrier to start running. The tackler must bring down the ball carrier before he reaches the end zone. Teach the tackler to try and strip the ball away as he performs his tackle.
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