Purpose: To develop good tackling technique and a good aggressive approach so the player gains confidence in his tackling ability.

Equipment:1 shield w/player and 5 dummies formed into a mat behind the shield man. Last player holding shield goes behind the dummies and resets them after the next tackle.

How:  Player w/ shield lines up in front of the “Pit” facing the tackler. The shield should be at nose level and he should be “cocked” and ready to take a hit.  He provided minimum resistance. The tackler starts in a good tackling position 2 yards away and on “GO” he charges forward and makes a good tackle. He should be on top of the other player on the end of the drill. 

Form Tackling Technique

1. Hit (breakdown position; knees bent, tail back, arch in back, neck against helmet, eyes up)

2. Fit (shoulder to numbers, helmet to side of the ball, eyes to sky, upper body between ball carrier and goal line)

3. Lock (At instant of contact, wrap arms around ball carrier’s thighs and squeeze him with your arms pressing in ward, lift his butt of the ground)

4. Lift (forward thrust of hips and driving your shoulder pads into his chest will create lift)

5. Drive (use legs, upper body holds tight, move ball carrier up and back)

SAFETY:   STRESS HEAD UP “EYES TO THE SKY”, SERIOUS NECK AND/OR SPINAL INJURY CAN RESULT FROM PLACING THE HEAD DOWN

Variations – Blocking – use wishbone blocking instead of tackling

Kickout/Trap – T gets in a 3-pt stance facing left or right in a proper stance.

Pull – T shift left or right five yards with a cone 2 yards in front of P.  T pull and comes around the cone and then blocks P.