Low impact tackling drills are designed to improve your tackling form and technique without forcing you into full-contact situations. Low impact tackling drills range from tackling-dummy drills to tackling-sled drills. Low impact tackling drills are designed for players who are looking to preserve their bodies for a full-contact game or scrimmage.
Form Tackling Drill
This drill increases your quickness and boosts your ability to make a tackle from a compromised position. Place two pylons four feet apart from each other. Lie down with your back flat and head right next to the ball. On your coach's whistle, jump up off the ground and turn around. At the same time, a running back should be standing next to the ball and ready to grab it. As soon as he grabs it, shuffle your feet and try to prevent him from running past you. Instead of performing a full tackle, wrap him up to stop his forward motion.
Five-man Sled
This drill improves your footwork and ability to perform a solid first step. Place a five-man sled in the center of the field and have your defensive players line up in a single file line in front of the first dummy on the sled. On your whistle, have the first player burst forward using both hands to leverage the dummy off the ground. Have him repeat this with the additional four dummies. Have every player in line repeat this drill until fatigued.
Throw the Hands Drill
This drill aids your form and helps you to move a blocker out of your way to make a tackle. Break your team up into two lines, one for defense and one for offense. Have the offensive linemen form a third line in front of the offensive players. Stand a foot in front of the linemen and wait for your coach's signal. On his signal, push forward with your hands at shoulder height to move the blocker out of the way. If you get him out of the way, wrap up the offensive player who is trying to get by you with the ball.
Shoestring Tackle Drill
This drill improves your tackling around the ankles of offensive players. Have a player line up several feet away, at a point where you can tackle him only if you fully extend your body. On your coach's whistle, dive toward the other player, wrapping both of your arms around his ankles and twisting until the player falls down to the ground. As your form improves, attempt the drill while the other player is on the move.
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