At any level, from Pop Warner to the pros, blocking and tackling are the basics of football. Players who don't know how to tackle properly won't be able to play defense for their team. While force and hard hitting are important in tackling, good form and having the speed to get in the proper position are the keys to good tackling.
Function
The main thing you as a coach want to teach your players is how to tackle safely and competently. Youngsters play football to be part of a team and to get healthy exercise. Many players will never go any further than the youth level, and safety is paramount. Teach your players to drive into their opponent's midsection with their shoulder and then reach around and wrap up the opposing ball carrier with their arms. Players should never lead with their helmets when tackling.
Effects
When a player powers into his opponent with the shoulder while going at full speed, the tackle can have devastating impact. When the player's shoulder hits the ball, it can force the tackler to fumble the football, which can result in a turnover that gives the defensive team possession of the football. A player who reaches for his opponent and attempts to drag him down rather than hit him might not bring enough force to tackle the ball carrier.
Specific Drills
Oklahoma Drill: In this drill, an offensive lineman and a defensive lineman square off at the line of scrimmage, and the running back gets the ball. As the two linemen battle, the running back tries to cut behind the offensive lineman's block while the linebacker attempts to tackle him. The linebacker must keep his head up and drive his shoulder into the ball carrier's midsection.
Johnny Tackle: In this drill, the linebacker and the running back line up back to back. On your whistle, both players retreat 5 yards. The running back grabs the football from you, and the linebacker touches another coach's hand and then attempts to make the tackle. This is a power drill where the linebacker uses his power to bring down the running back while the running back tries to run over the linebacker.
Outside the Hashmarks: In this drill, the linebacker lines up 5 yards from the center. The running back lines up 5 yards behind the center. On your whistle, the running back takes off for the sidelines; when he reaches the far hash mark, he turns upfield on a power sweep. At the same time, the linebacker ranges to the sideline. When he sees the running back turn upfield, he drives his shoulder into his midsection.
Considerations
When teaching young players tackling drills at the start of training camp, emphasize form and technique over speed. You want players to tackle the proper way and to feel comfortable doing it. With each tackle, increase the pace of the play. That will get players used to running and tackling, then doing it at game speed.
Warning
Teach your players that tackling by leading with their helmet can cause serious neck and head injuries. Young players are not likely to generate the force needed to cause a catastrophic injury, but using the correct tackling form as a youngster leads to using the correct form as an older player. Conversely, players who attempt to tackle by leading with their helmet as a youngster are likely to use that technique as they get older--sometimes with terrible consequences.
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