Purpose:  To develop proper tackling technique while hitting a stationary player 1 yard away.  This is a controlled ½ speed tackle to ¾ speed tackle in controlled environment at a controlled distance. This emphasis’s technique while controlling the speed and force of the tackle. 

Equipment:  Two lines of players facing each other with 1 yard of distance between the lines and 2 yards distance between each player in a line.   Normally 5 and 5 but with multiple coaches you can double or triple the number of players. 

How:  Two lines of players facing each other and one yard of distance between them.  The coach will designate the ball side.  The ball carrier will place his arms up and palms facing to the rear.  The tackler will start in a good tackling stance on “GO” the tackler will perform a good tackle.  Recommend doing a walk through at the first two when beginning that at ½ speed.  As they improve increase to ¾ speed.  Each side should do 5 reps.

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