Football Tackling Drills – Progression of Tackling Drills

I have been coaching ages from 6 years old up to 15 and as a defensive coach I always emphasize the proper tackling form. For this matter I use a progression of [tag]football tackling drills[/tag] as follows: The 3 are very well known drills, but drill number 3 has a small “twist” that has made it MUCH MORE effective for my tacklers.

Tackling Drill #1. Tackling Position
Objective: Teach proper tackling form.
Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders facing each on a line of scrimmage. On the coach’s signal, the defender’s engage the ball carriers in a fit position and hold on as the coach checks for proper form – feet about shoulder width apart for good base, knees bent, back flat, butt out and arms wrapped around the buttocks.
Coach ckecking Points: Check for proper fit form during the [tag]football drill[/tag]. Be sure defenders hit with their shoulder or chest with the head up.

Tackling Drill #2. Tackling Follow Through
Objective: Teach the follow through action of the tackle.
Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders facing each on a line of scrimmage. On the coach’s signal, the defender’s engage the ball carriers in a fit position… Then on the second signal, the defenders should roll their hips and bring the ball carriers up and back about 5 yards.
Coach checking Points: Emphasize hip roll and leverage.

Tackling Drill #3. Moving Tackle Drill
Objective: Teach proper tackling technique on the run.
Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders. Place 2 cones (or dummies) on the line, spaced about five yards apart. The first defensive player in line lines up with his feet on the line of scrimmage. The first ball carrier lines up about 3 yards away from the defender. On the coach’s signal, the ball carrier runs half speed in attempt to get past the defender between the cones. The defender, of course, steps up and makes the tackle before the ball carrier can do so.
Coach checking Points: Check for proper tackling form.

The twist: I made a wide velcro belt where I stick a “tennis ball” (the one that comes with velcro pads). The tennis ball goes in the lower back (choose the proper height according to the height of your defensive player) of the ball carrier. The defender has to hold the tennis ball with both hands before bringing the carrier down. This drill has helped my players to secure more tackles on game day since now they are likely to keep their heads up and use both arms instead of one or “jersey tackling”.