Blocking and tackling are the basics of football. Successful teams have players who can block and tackle opponents with skill and consistency. Many fans look at both areas as a matter of effort and that if players simply "try hard," they will be successful in both areas. But both fundamentals take skill and practice. Effort is a huge part of tackling, but it takes athleticism and strength to excel as a tackler.
Quickness
Linebackers have to make quick movements to get themselves in a position to make a solid tackle. A running back may take a handoff from the quarterback and sprint to the outside of the field before turning upfield. The linebacker must get to the sideline with speed and quickness before he has a chance to make a tackle. In addition to having good speed, the linebacker also has to fight off blocks from offensive linemen by using aggressiveness to throw the blocker aside.
Coordination
A tackler may have to dive to stop a running back or receiver who is running free in the open field. Diving at a player's lower body is difficult and may not always get the desired results, but if you are not in a position to run down the ball carrier it may be your only option. When you dive at a player, you need to coordinate your dive so your shoulders hit his legs with force and power. If you miss, the runner will be in the open field and moving toward the end zone.
Strength
Strength is a key factor in football and it may be the most important factor in tackling. For example, a linebacker may be able to time his hit on a running back, but if he is not strong and powerful enough when he makes contact, the running back will get away and make extra yards after contact. Players need great leg strength to drive the ball carrier backwards or stop him in his tracks and strong hands and arms to finish the hit and drive him to the ground.
Intelligence
Football players have to understand what the opponent is trying to do on offense if they are going to make successful tacklers. Football players at the high school, college and professional levels look at films during the week to find an opponent's tendencies. When you look at films, you learn the type of moves your opponents regularly make when running with the ball or moving upfield on a pass pattern. An intelligent player will use this information to get in a better position to make a hard hit that could turn the game around.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- "Inside the Helmet"; Peter King; 1993
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