Tackling is when a player on the defense stops the forward progress of the ball carrier by forcing them to the ground. When the ball carrier touches the ground, the down is over. A tackle in football is the action of running into an opposing player to knock them to the ground. When a ball-carrier is tackled, the play is called dead. This write-up will cover all the basics with regards to proper tackling technique.
While there are a number of ways to successfully complete a tackle, there are several techniques to keep in mind in order to execute a safe and effective take down of the opposing player. Each step is outlined below:
Using proper tackling technique 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 from being called. Keep in mind that the defender's goal is to bring the ball carrier or to the ground or force the ball to pop without causing severe 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.
Down by contact is when the ball carrier touches the ground and play immediately ends. In the NFL, down by contact happens when both knees of the ball carrier touch the ground. In the NCAA, down by contact happens when one knee of the ball carrier touches the ground.
A sack is when the quarterback is tackled for a loss of yards behind the scrimmage line. Sacks are great for the defense because it increases the likelihood for a turnover on downs.