Football is a game that is dominated by hard hitting. Blockers must use their bodies to open holes for running backs and wide receivers and also to protect the quarterback. Defensive players must get in a breakdown position and use their body to bring down opposing ball carriers. Tackling must be taught in football. Drills can help players get in the proper position, improve their tackling form and choose proper pursuit angles.
Bull in the Ring
This is a traditional drill that emphasizes proper form for all tacklers. In this drill, the coach selects one player to serve as the ball carrier. The rest of his teammates form a circle and surround him. The player with the ball chops his feet as he prepares to run over and through a teammate. The coach calls the number of one of the players in the circle. The runner with the ball goes straight at him and the player whose number has been called has to drive his shoulder into the ball carrier's midsection and bring him down to the ground. After the play is over, the tackler becomes the ball carrier and a new player becomes the tackler.
Outside Tackling Drill
Taking the correct angle is an important part of becoming a good tackler. This is particularly true of linebackers and defensive backs. Set up a series of cones in the backfield. The running back gets the ball and must run outside the series of cones. The tackler comes from about 10 yards away to attempt to bring down the ball carrier. Start off running at 50 percent speed and then do this drill at full speed. If the tackler misjudges the angle, the running back will sweep past him for a big gain. However, taking the correct pursuit angle will allow the tackler to make the hit at or near the line of scrimmage.
Hamburger Drill
In this drill, two players line up back to back. On the coach's whistle, each player sprints five yards forward. One player takes a handoff from the coach and turns and sprints while facing his opponent. The other player slaps hands with the coach and then attempts to tackle the ball carrier. This drill forces the tackler to drive his shoulder into the midsection of his opponent to bring him down. Each player must take the role of the tackler and the ball carrier.
Hug and Hold Tackling Drill
One of the most important aspects of tackling is to wrap up the opposing ball carrier. Many tacklers will lead with the shoulder in an attempt to knock the ball out of the opponent's grasp or knock him down with a so-called "kill shot." This is great when the blow is delivered with precision and accuracy, but when the game is moving at full speed, it's hard to deliver this shot. Give the ball to a ball carrier and have the tackler line up opposite him. In this drill, the ball carrier must jump into the arms of the tackler. The tackler holds the ball carrier with both arms and walks three steps forward. This can't be done unless the tackler wraps up the ball carrier with both arms.
Pursue and Hit
In this drill, the tackler starts off at the near hash mark. On the coach's signal, the tackler sprints to the sideline and then sprints back to the center of the field. Once the tackler has reached the sideline, the coach hands the ball to the ball carrier. The ball carrier runs through a lane marked by a series of cones. The tackler must come back to meet the ball carrier after he has gotten past the last cones. If the tackler is fast enough, he will tackle the ball carrier for no gain. However, if the running back has the speed advantage, the tackler must change his pursuit angle so he can make the tackle.
