Tackling is one of the most dangerous skills in football. Every player must practice tackling, and most should practice it in some form every day. Even quarterbacks must tackle on occasion if a turnover is committed. When tackling is broken down into its component parts and taught piece by piece, it can be safe and still provide those big hits that give a team that extra boost of adrenaline sometimes needed to finish off an opponent.
From a Knee
Place the tackler on one knee with the runner standing a foot or so in front of him. On a signal, the tackler explodes off the ground and make contact with his face and torso, driving his arms into the armpits of the runner, squeezing his elbows together and grabbing cloth on the back of the runner's jersey. His knee that was on the ground should drive all the way up into the armpit of the runner to achieve proper explosiveness.
Standing Still
From a standing position, complete the same drill. This time, it will be necessary to teach proper knee bend to explode up into the runner, rolling your hips and keeping your head up so that you can see what you are hitting. Imagine trying to hit the runner with your eyebrows first. This time the knee should drive high up into the armpit because there is less distance for it to travel.
From the Creep
Have the tackler move back three yards. On the signal, the tackler creeps toward the runner using very short, quick strides to simulate slowing down before a tackle so you do not overrun or miss the ball carrier. After the short creep, which must be done in the athletic, bent stance, explode into the runner with your eyebrows first, firing your arms into the armpits and driving your knee up.
On the Run
Move the tacklers back 15 yards. Have them run towards the ball carrier at full speed, then slow into a creep at three to five yards. The techniques of the tackle do not change, but the force will, so instruct your runners to step into the contact and protect themselves. This drill can be modified to have the runners step to a predetermined side once the tacklers begin their creep to incorporate an angle-tackling aspect.
Sled Tackle
Single-man sleds work well as tackling dummies given their size and weight. Take a running start and drive into the dummy with your shoulder before driving it up into the air and wrapping it up, turning the dummy to drive it down on its side. This provides a useful way to learn how to bring force behind you and finish the tackle by getting the ball carrier on the ground without an injury.
Angle Tackle
Align two players across from each other at a distance of 10 yards. Instruct the runner to run at a 45-degree angle towards the side of the drill. The tackler moves also, staying inside the ball so that there is no cutback possibility. When they reach the sideline, the defensive player drives his head in front of the runner and drive him out of bounds and into the ground.
References
- "101 Football Defensive Drills; Run Defense Drills"; Bill Arnsparger and James Peterson; 2001
- "AFCA Defensive Football Drills": 1996
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