DEVELOPMENT

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Fundamental Tackling Skills

TACKLING (STRAIGHT ON)

Objective:

• Stop the forward progress of the ball carrier by forcing him to the ground.

Procedure:

• Come under control just before contact with the eyes focused on the torso or belt buckle area of the ball carrier.
  
  
• Keep head up in the “turtle” position (head extend upwards and pulled into the shoulder pads) for contact.
  
  
• Arms are extended with a low body position for stability.
  
  
• Move the head to the side of the ball carrier, aiming for the hand in which the ball is being carried and drive the front of the shoulder pad into the
  
  
• torso while thrusting the hips forward.
  
  
• Wrap the arms around the opponent and use short choppy “power” steps through the ball carrier; attempt to take the legs of the ball carrier away by squeezing the arms or “wrapping up” the legs.

Coaching Emphasis:

• Tackler should be under control in order to react to any change of direction to the ball carrier.
  
  
• Avoid “lunging” to make the tackle. This causes the tackler to 1) lose power, 2) leave the feet and 3) put the head in a very vulnerable “head down” position.
  
  
• Attempt to take the opponent’s feet and legs away so he cannot break the tackle.
  
  
• This is not a head tackle! The head should never make primary contact with the opponent, only the shoulder!
  
  
• Reinforce the “turtle” neck position just before impact; if the ball carrier changes direction in the last second causing the head to make contact, the chance of injury is minimized.
  
  
• Try and keep the eyes open throughout the tackle.

TACKLING (ANGLE)

• Come under control in a low body position and a wide base of support just before contact.
  
  
• Maintain an “inside/out” position on the ball carrier. This position prevents a cutback and missed arm tackles.
  
  
• Drive the head ACROSS and IN FRONT of the ball carrier’s numbers, not behind the hips.
  
  
• Similar to the straight-on tackle, contact is made with the front of the shoulder pad, with the arms wrapped around the opponent.
  
  
• Roll the hips and drive through the ball carrier using short choppy “power” steps.
  
  
• Attempt to take the legs of the ball carrier away.

Coaching Emphasis:

• Similar to the straight-on tackle, avoid lunging.
  
  
• Anticipate where the ball carrier will be or you will end up “where he was”.
  
  
• Placing the head ACROSS and IN FRONT of the ball carrier stops his forward momentum and extra yardage.
  
  
• On impact, stay on your feet (avoid a “drag” type tackle) and lift and drive through the opponent.
  
  
• “Turtle” the neck and keep the eyes open.

For more information concerning Fundamental Tackle Skills contact us at admin@footballcanada.com.

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