In American football, effective tackling is one of the most important aspects of an effective defense. To tackle well you need to have an appropriate technique, thanks to which even a small player can tackle a much larger player. This article will tell you how to tackle properly, safely and effectively.
Steps
Step 1. Position yourself in the right way
- Keep your head up and your eyes always on the ball carrier.
- Determine the right angle to chase the ball carrier. It depends on the distance between you and him and his speed. If the ball carrier is particularly fast, the angle to reach him must be very wide.
- Shorten the distance between you and the ball carrier. Don't chase him too much and don't let him overtake you.
Step 2. Get in the right position before making contact with him
- Before making contact with the ball carrier, lean down by bending your knees, lowering your hips and placing your hands backwards. Maintain good balance by making sure your feet are shoulder-width apart, or even a little wider.
- Lean your upper body slightly forward. This way, you will be able to make contact with the opponent with the inside of the shoulder.
- Keep your head up and your back straight. This position is well balanced and safe. You do NOT have to lower your head when tackling - it is extremely dangerous, both for you and the ball carrier.
- Make sure your feet are always in motion. You don't have to lose momentum when changing positions to tackle.
Step 3. Do the tackle
- When the ball carrier is in range, push your feet to the ground as hard as you can and use your legs to advance towards their body. Try to get your front shoulder in contact with the hips of the ball carrier.
- When your shoulder pads make contact with the ball carrier, surround him with your arms just below his butt. This way, you will not only be able to knock him down, but also move his legs as you reach towards him, resulting in a lesser chance of losing the tackle. Also, the tackle done this way will be more spectacular and beautiful to look at - and it won't take too much strength, just the right technique!
- Put your head THROUGH the ball carrier's body and his direction of travel. If the ball carrier is going to your left, when you tackle him he must be to the right of your head. If it's going to your right, vice versa. That way, he'll have a harder time falling forward, gaining additional yards. All of this can make a fundamental difference in the second, third and fourth down. Also, by doing so you will be able to grab the ball carrier better, making it more difficult for him to escape from your tackle. Again, always keep your head up during this phase to make sure you don't hit the helmet.
- Keep pushing and stepping forward with your feet until the ball carrier falls to the ground. Raise your knees straight up (if you are leaning forward as you should be, not if you are in a straight position).
- Do not stop until the ball carrier is on the ground and the referee has blown the whistle.
Advice
- Correct positioning is your best friend. Hit the ball carrier in the right place and he will fall. Position yourself well and instantly start your tackle.
- As you approach him, keep your gaze fixed on the numbers on his shirt. This will make it harder for him to fool you with his legs, arms or head.
- If you are going to tackle the quarterback, be prepared to raise your hands if he is about to throw the ball.
- If you can, tackle the quarterback as soon as he leaves the ball, even if you can't steal it. By doing so, you will force incomplete passes or, even better, interceptions. Just remember not to hit low or late hits on defenseless quarterbacks, as it could cause serious damage and get you severely penalized.
- When tackling the ball carrier, lean forward with your shoulders, not your head! Otherwise, you could cause severe damage or even death. Also remember to keep your head up and your neck straight.
- Causes fumbles. Put the face mask on the ball or, if you're tackling from an angle that doesn't allow it, hit the ball as you tackle or put your hand on one end of the ball and pull it away. Provoking fumble is a great way to get the attention of your manager and teammates.
- If the runner is close to the sidelines, don't spend energy trying to knock him down. Instead, push him and make him go out of bounds.
- If you are following the ball carrier, take a dip and try to catch his legs. If you can get them low enough, it will definitely fall.
