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Coach Tom Bass

Tackling is the skill most associated with football. Knowing how to tackle is a must for every defensive player, but it is also important that every other player on the team know how to tackle. Offensive players need to be able to tackle when there is an interception or a fumble recovery. Special teams players assigned to kickoff and punt coverage also have to be good tacklers.

Tacklers need to be aggressive. Desire and wanting to make the hit are important parts of being a good tackler. When you first start playing football, you may be afraid to make tackles. That's natural. You will find that practicing how to tackle safely, with proper technique, will make you more sure of yourself. Pretty soon, you will be bringing down ball carriers without a second thought. Practicing with a friend will help you become a better tackler, but make sure an adult is present when practicing these drills.

Drill 1 - Open Field Tackling

Click the image below to view a video from the USA Football Film Room on how to execute an open field tackle. Enjoy full access to Film Room videos through USA Football membership.

Drill 2 - Front Tackling Drill

Purpose: In this drill the ball carrier (BC) runs at half speed, straight at the tackler (T) and jumps up into the air as the tackle is made. Work on form and not contact. This is the type of tackle you will use during games when a ball carrier is coming straight at you, and he doesn't have room to cut to his right or left.  

TECHNIQUE

As you near the ball carrier, in order to make the tackle you:

• Shorten your stride and widen your base.
• Lower your hips by bending your knees.
• Keep your back straight and your head up. Your eyes should be focused on the center of the ball carrier's chest.
• Explode off the foot on the side of the shoulder making contact.
• Hit with your shoulder pad and NOT your helmet.
• Drive your shoulder pad up and through the ball carrier's chest.
• Keep your head up and allow it to slide to the side of the ball carrier.
• Wrap both arms around the ball carrier and grab his jersey.
• Continue driving with your legs. Lift and carry the ball carrier back a few steps. In a game, you would take the ball carrier to the ground.

 

 Drill 3 - Angle Tackling Drill

Purpose: Players usually tackle ball carriers from the side, so it is important to learn how to make tackles when you are coming at a ball carrier from the left or the right. In this drill, the ball carrier (BC) and the tackler (T) run straight at each other at half speed for five yards. The ball carrier then cuts at an angle to either his right or his left. This is the type of tackle you will use during games when the ball carrier has cut to his right or left, or when he is running between you and the sideline.

TECHNIQUE

As you near the ball carrier, in order to make the tackle you:

• Shorten your stride and widen your base.
• Lower your hips by bending your knees.
• Keep your back straight and your head up. Your eyes should be focused on the center of the ball carrier's chest.
• Explode off the foot closest to the ball carrier.
• Hit with your shoulder pad and NOT your helmet.
• Keep your helmet in front of the ball carrier's chest.
• Drive your shoulder pad up and through the ball carrier's side.
• Hit across the ball carrier's chest with your front arm.
• Make contact with the ball carrier's lower back with your back arm.
• Wrap both arms around the ball carrier and grab his jersey. Continue driving with your legs.
• Lift and carry the ball carrier back a few steps. In a game, you would take the ball carrier to the ground.