How To Tackle In Football

Tackling Technique

While there are a number of ways to successfully complete a tackle in football, there are several essential techniques to keep in mind in order to execute a safe and effective takedown of the opposing player. Each step is outlined below:

Step 1. Get Set

Get into a tackling stance by setting your feet shoulder-width apart, crouching with legs bent, and thrusting your shoulders back. Establish a low center of graving by getting low to the ground, as tackles made below the waist are much harder for the ball carrier to slip than tackle attempts at shoulder level.

Step 2. Keep Your Head Up

Keep your head up in order to recognize and react to any moves the ball carrier might make in an effort to avoid being tackled.

Step 3. Watch The Ball Carrier’s Hips

Watch the ball carrier’s hips in order to get a sense of which direction the player is headed. Once it is clear where the ball carrier wants to go, it becomes much easier to cut off the running space and make a tackle.

Step 4. Run to the Ball

Run at full speed in your normal running stance. As you approach the ball carrier, crouch and drop into your tackling stance.

Step 5. Move Your Feet

Slow down just before making the tackle, keeping the feet active (shuffling) prior to making contact with the opposing player. This helps prevent the defender from eluding the tackler with a juke or spin move.

Step 6. Drive with Your Core

Once you have dropped into a tackling stance, use your legs, hips, and core muscles to initiate the motion of the tackle.

Step 7. Lead with Your Shoulder

Lead with your shoulder, not your head, as contacting the opposing player head-first will result not only in a penalty but potentially a severe upper-body injury as well.

Step 8. Raise Your Arms

As you accelerate into the ball carrier, raise your arms under theirs. This will lift them off the ground and throw them off balance.

Step 9. Wrap up Their Legs

Wrap your arms around the ball carrier’s legs as the ball carrier is being brought to the ground. Wrapping and squeezing the opposing player’s legs makes it nearly impossible for the player to get out of a tackle.

Step 10. Bite the Ball

“Bite the ball” by placing your face mask on the ball when making a tackle to increase the chances of the ball popping out and being recovered by a teammate.

Benefits of a Proper Tackle

Using proper tackling techniques helps to ensure the safety of both the ball carrier and the defender while also preventing any penalties related to illegal contact or unnecessary roughness. Keep in mind that the defender’s goal is to bring the ball carrier to the ground or force the ball to pop without causing injury. When executed properly, a tackle can be the difference between winning and losing by preventing the opponent from gaining crucial extra yards throughout the course of a game.

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