Tackling an opposing player on a football field may feel like something that is instinctual, but only through proper drills that teach how to tackle can a coach ensure that his players are safe on the field. Good form is of the utmost importance when it comes to correct football tackles. Improper or reckless tackling can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones or paralysis. Tackling drills should never be performed at full speed.
Fit Position Drill
The goal of the fit position tackling drill is to learn proper tackling form. The drill consists of ball carriers and defenders facing off on the line of scrimmage. Upon a whistle blow, defenders are to engage the ball carriers by keeping their feet apart at shoulder width and bending their knees. This creates the fit position. From here, the defender wraps his arms around the ball carrier's waist or buttocks, while keeping his back flat and back end out. Another whistle signals players to hold their positions. The coach checks that defenders are tackling with their heads up, making contact primarily with the shoulders and chest.
Form Tackle Drill
The form tackle drill is an extension of the fit position drill. In this drill, the same maneuvering from the fit position drill is repeated, only this time the defenders are to follow through on the tackles and not hold their positions upon contact. Ball carriers are not to resist the tackles. Instead of facing off on the line of scrimmage, defenders and ball carriers should line up with about five yards between them. The coach keeps an eye out for proper form throughout the drill, ensuring that defenders are correctly engaging and not tackling by leading with the helmet.
Angle Tackling Drill
The angle tackling drill teaches tacklers how to properly approach a ball carrier from an angle. Ball carriers and defenders line up 20 yards apart from each other. Upon a whistle, both lines advance five yards, then on another whistle, ball carriers cut 45 degrees to the right or left. Defenders mirror the ball carriers' moves and prepare for engaging a tackle. Defenders must keep their heads in front of the ball carrier as they approach. As the tackle is engaged, the defender drives his body up and forward, keeping the head up throughout.
Sled Tackle Drill
The sled tackle drill requires the use of a tackling dummy. A defender takes a running start at the dummy and drives the dummy up in the air after having wrapped his arms around it. From there, the defender turns the dummy in the air and brings it down on its side. The objective of this drill is to ensure that the ball carrier is not injured when being forced to the ground, yet to still create enough power in the tackle to stop the ball carrier and finish the tackle.
Creep-Up Tackling Drill
This drill's name refers to the run-up the defender makes just before engaging the tackle. The defender charges at a ball carrier from three to five yards away, using short and quick running strides. Once near the ball carrier, the defender pulls up to slow down, while keeping his feet moving so as to not overrun and miss the ball carrier. This run-up is known as the short-creep, which is performed while maintaining an athletic stance. The tackle is made with the head up and powering the arms into the armpits of the ball carrier. The knees are being driven up to generate power and force the ball carrier back.
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