1. Proper Tackling Technique
The proper technique for tackling in football begins with the idea that you always want to be the first to make contact. Never let the offensive player hit you first. Before the tackle, get low to the ground in order to get proper tackling leverage. Then bend your legs, drive through the player, and take him to the ground. Be sure to use both arms to tackle. Keep your head up and bury your shoulder into the opponent's chest as they fall to the ground.
2. Running Through the Tackle
When you have effectively wrapped up the offensive player for a tackle, it is important to run through the tackle. Keep your feet moving and do not stop until the player is on the ground. Some players will tackle the ball carrier but then stop their own momentum, thereby allowing the other player to regain their balance and possibly break your tackle.
3. Tackling Is Violent but Not Vicious
Remember that the point of the tackle is to take the opposing player to the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible. Tackling is never about injury or hurting another player. In the heat of the game it can be tough to remember this, but the minute a player turns his or her attention toward injury and away from proper form tackling in football they will make a mistake. This mistake will result in either injury or a missed tackle. So play the game of football with controlled aggression, sportsmanship and no malicious intent.
4. Angling for the Football Tackle
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, however the wrong straight line in football tackling will get you beat on defense. This is where pursuit angle knowledge comes in handy for tackling in football. If you take longer angles and are patient, you can become a proficient tackler. For instance, if your angle is too direct on a running back, all they have to do is make one cut and they are behind you. However if you are patient and take a sufficiently wide angle you will not overrun the play and will make the tackle for a loss.
5. See What You Hit
To prevent injury and error on a proper tackle a football player must see what they hit. It is human nature to want to duck your head and not look at that onrushing defender but you do so at your own peril. People that tackle with their heads down are far more susceptible to head and neck injuries, because the lowered head can jam back into the neck due to the force of the collision. Keep your head up.
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