The definition of a coach is someone that can get players to do something that they will not ordinarily do on their own. Tackling is one of those things. Let’s face it, we don’t see our players out practicing tackling techniques in January through March on their own. They would much rather practice their one handed catch or play in a pick up “mud bowl” game at the park. However, I have discovered, the Polynesians I have recruited over the years, have a particular love for playing Rugby during the off season. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion, that this sport is why so many of them are so aggressive and such good tacklers. Obviously, I need to encourage our players to find a Rugby team to join.

Needless to say, football is a violent collision sport. It is not normal for someone to want to run as fast as they can and collide with another human being. If someone did that on a public street, they’d be arrested! However, if that person is to survive on a football field, it becomes a critical necessity. Therefore, let’s assume, in the first place, our players like physical contact and want to hit someone. Secondly, let’s also assume, 75-80% of tackling is desire. If the assumptions above are true, it means 20-25% of tackling is technique. This, we can teach objectively through drills. – If I new how to teach the desire part, I’d be living on the beach in Malibu rubbing elbows with all the fat cats –. This, like all things football, starts with the quarter eagle position. From that “coiled spring-like” stance, tackling can become fun.

The good crisp tackle is to football what the homerun is to baseball. If you’ve ever hit a baseball out of the park, you know what I’m talking about. Oftentimes, you come back to the bench feeling like you barely swung the bat. It is the same with a good tackle. Like the batter attacking the baseball, the tackler must attack the ball carrier. He can’t sit back and “catch” him. If he does this, the game rapidly deteriorates to an exercise in pain.

In a nutshell, here are the techniques of great tackling:

1. Players get into the “quarter eagle” position that they have already been taught.
2. They get their feet chopping – buzzing— from this hit position.   
3. They focus their vision on the mid section of the ball carrier. Their eyes will tell them how to react.
4. Their contact area is the numbers of the ball carrier. Their heads are up with their necks bowed.
5. Shoulders are parallel to the line of scrimmage . This allows the tackler to move right or left with the ball carrier.
6. “Wrapping up”: if they can, wrap their arms completely around the ball carrier. If not, “wrap and grab cloth” of ball carrier’s jersey.
7. The legs and hips are the keys to a good tackle. The tackler must come from a low plane up through the ball carrier to a high plane. Sometimes this is referred to as hitting on “the rise “. This action will get the ball carrier off his feet with his cleats in the air. The tacklers’ feet must not stop moving throughout the tackle. When done correctly, this tackle will punish the running back. This is often referred to as a form tackle and is the ideal.

Unfortunately, a tackler doesn’t get a chance to use the ideal tackle but a couple of times in a game. So that means there are other types of tackles. They are as follows:

1. The “Decleater” Tackle is hopefully the one most often used in a game. It is used when the tackler knows he has help from teammates close by. This type of tackle is usually the one that hits the hardest because the tackler is not too worried about missing. It must be an all out effort on the tackler’s part.

1. Create a violent collision. You can “gamble with house money” because you know you have help.
2. Aiming point is beyond the running back.
3. Try to run through him to the aiming point.
4. Keep your head up!
5. Keep your feet moving.
6. Upon contact, explode with your hips and thighs.
7. Don’t think about it. You’ll be too late.
8. You are looking to knock the ball carrier backward with his feet in the air and create a fumble.

2. The “Angle” Tackle. Players must take proper pursuit angles. When done properly, the tackler gets a “feeling” that if the running back cuts back, he will hit him square in the mouth. Normally an angle tackle is made anywhere between 45 to 90 degrees to the path of the running back. It is sometimes called a sideline tackle, which may be a fairly long run, or it might be only a couple of yards.

Coaching points:

1. Get an inside out relationship to the ball carrier.
2. When you get proper angle on the ball carrier, “throttle down” and get your speed under control.
3. As you “break down”, – quarter eagle – set your sights on the far front number of the R.B.
4. As you close on the running back, drive up through him with your head up and in front him.
5. “Wrap up”. Get your arms completely around him and drive him sideways to the ground.

1. The Open Field Tackle. This tackle is usually made by linebackers and defensive backs. They are isolated one on one with a ball carrier. Sometimes they are the last defender between the man with the ball and the goal line. Obviously, they must be patient and not “throw and miss”. The tackler cannot be faked out of position and he must be on balance. This is probably the most difficult tackle to make and requires athleticism.

Coaching points:

1. “Break down” get under control.
2. Move your feet in short choppy steps.
3. Get into the hit position.
4. Try not to be head up with the ball carrier. Eliminate his breaking in or out.
5. Focus your sight on his midsection. Don’t go for any head fakes.
6. Keep your head up and eyes open.
7. This does not have to be a form tackle. Take what you can get. Grab an arm or a leg or cloth, but at the very least, slow him up until help arrives.
8. Do not leave your feet.
9. You have done your job if you have somehow taken him down or if you’ve slowed him up long enough for help to arrive.

1. Over The Top Tackle. This type of tackle is executed usually on the goal line. When a ball carrier attempts to dive over the line of scrimmage, the tackler must meet him in mid-air and knock him back. Timing is extremely important. The tackler “fires out” into the ball carrier. If he dives too soon or too late, he will miss. This mid-air collision must be an all out effort by the tackler.

Coaching points:

1. Don’t get turned. Keep shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage.
2. Focus your vision on his mid section and don’t blink.
3. Explode through the numbers of the ball carrier.
4. Throw your hips and keep your feet moving.
5. If and when he tries to dive over the pile, you must mirror him.
6. Try to knock him backwards. But, at the very least create a stalemate.

I hope this article has been of help and thanks for taking the time to read it.