1. Common Themes in Football Tackling Drills
Whatever football tackling drills you choose to use, there needs to be some common themes in any drill. First, the drills have to maintain and reinforce the fundamentals of tackling. Things such as balance, wrapping up, keeping the head up and finishing the tackle should be staples of any tackling drill. In addition, any drill should emphasize safety first. Improper tackling form can lead to serious head and neck injuries.
2. Use the Lower Body
The most common error for tacklers is that they believe that tackle is a function of the upper body, when, in reality, the power and explosion in tackling originates in the lower body, legs and hips. So, with any drill you choose, concentrate on lower-body movement. Getting the players to understand the importance of balance and exploding through the tackle is of primary importance.
3. Tackling for Dummies
Use aides in tackling drills to reinforce the live-tackling drills and to reduce the risk of injury. Tackling dummies and pads are useful tools for tackling drills. They not only allow the players to be more aggressive, they save the team from unwanted injury when players are tackling each other.
4. Build from the Basics
If you are teaching younger players to tackle properly, you need to start out with the basic tackling movements and stay away from full contact drills until the young players understand the basics of tackling. Without a basic fundamental tackling knowledge, you are risking injury especially in prepubescent players whose bodies are still growing and are more susceptible to concussions or other head injuries. Just take it slow and err on the side of caution with any tackling drills with young tacklers.
5. Demonstration
Demonstrate how to perform each tackling drill and do not just tell the players how to do each drill. Most people learn by example and if they do not see something done correctly first, then chances are they will not learn the drill and there could be a chance of injury. Too many times, a coach or instructor will just assume players understand what they are saying. There needs to be clear and concise instruction for each tackling drill to make certain the athletes understand exactly how do it. Because not only can this result in injury, it can also lead to bad tackling habits.
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