Full-speed tackling drills for youth football improve tackling form as well as the ability to bring down runners in a fast and effective manner. Because youth athletes have not fully developed in size and strength, tackling proficiency is something that has not fully developed at this age. Despite this, proper form and repetition in youth football will help them bring players safely and effectively to the ground.
Angle Tackling
Angle tackling drills improve the point of contact and follow through when performing a basic tackle. Place two cones five yards apart from each other. Have the defenders stand behind one cone while the running backs line up behind the other. Have the first player in each line step in front of their respective cones.
Stand behind the defender, motioning to the left or right to the running back. After you blow your whistle, the runner will run in the direction you pointed. As soon as he moves, the defender should follow the angle of the runner, running directly at his midsection. Instruct the defender to tackle through the running back, bringing him down from the waist. Repeat with all of your defenders.
Wrap Tackling
Wrap tackling is one of the most effective ways of bringing down a running back while running full speed. Wrap tackling drills can work in a one-on-one setting or in a full-game scenario. Break your team up into a full offense and full defense, putting them directly against each other.
On your whistle have the offense run a basic sweep to the right or left side. Instruct all the defenders to perform wrap tackles by throwing their arms around the bottom portion of the legs of the running back. Once a player gets his arms around the runners legs, instruct him to pull both legs tight to his chest, bringing the runner down to the ground.
Gauntlet Drills
Gauntlet drills are important for improving tackling form as well as the durability of the running backs on your team. Place two cones, five yards apart. From here, move downfield four to six yards, placing another two cones down. Do this two more times. From here, have a defender stand between each of the two cone pairs. Place a running back five yards in front of the first defender.
On your whistle, have the running back run through the gauntlet, attempting to get past all the defenders. Each defender is free to perform any type of tackle he wants. Repeat until all of your running backs have gone.
Follow Through
Follow through tackling drills are to improve your players' mechanics and form while completing a tackle. Have a running back stand in an offensive stance with a football in hand. On your whistle, have a defender run full speed at the running back, hitting him directly at the waist with a tackle. Instead of finishing the tackle, have the defender hold this position, waiting for a second whistle. On your second whistle, instruct the defender to roll his hips and push the running back backwards five yards before completing the tackle.
Member Comments