1. Purpose of the Progression
The tackling-progression drill establishes the fundamentals of tackling in football. The drill's purpose is to ingrain in younger players the foundation for proper tackling. However, you can use this drill at all levels to reinforce the correct method of tackling. It is usually broken down into three separate sections, which are the fit, fit and lift, and the form tackle. The tackling-progression drill also requires that each player has a partner for the drill.
2. Fit at First
During the first part of the drill, the player breaks down in front of their partner and moves into proper fit tackling position. The feet should be a shoulder-width apart, the knees bent and the head up. Be sure that the player also keeps his or her back straight. Then, have the player lean his shoulder into the partner and wrap his arms around his butt. Finally, the player should stay in this position until someone can check to make sure the player is fundamentally sound in his fit position.
3. Lift and Fit
For the second phase of the progression drill, have the player walk back to his original position, five yards away from his partner. Then, repeat the first part of the drill and get into fit position. Next, have the player lift and move his partner back a few yards. Be sure the tackler rolls the hips as he lifts the partner up and back. Notice that the head stays up and the player bends the knees when performing this part of the progression.
4. Form Tackling
Now, you can move to the final section of the football tackling-progression drill. This part is the culmination of the first two parts, with the addition of the form tackle. Therefore, you are going to move the players five yards apart again, only this time the partner will be on the move. Have the partner jog at a 45-degree angle, while at the same time, the tackler will move closer using the two previous parts of the drill to make contact and lift the jogging player off the ground. However, the tackler will finish the drill by tackling the partner to the ground. All three parts should follow the fundamentals establish during the drill.
5. You Know the Drill
For safety's and fundamental football's sake, you do not want to move to the next progression until the tackler demonstrates an understanding and mastery of the previous step. Finally, allow the player to execute the entire drill when he shows that he comprehends each step entirely. The form tackle at the end of the progression drill should be one fluid motion. The contact level for this drill should stay the same and not increase in intensity. The drill is not about aggression, it is about learning the fundamentals of tackling.
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