Head-on Collision
In football, proper tackling technique is one of the most valuable traits in a defensive player. When executing a proper technique, a player will be able to take down a player of any size. Knowing the steps of how to tackle safely and properly will help you become a better player overall. Becoming a better tackler will encourage the safety of everyone playing the game. Team sports, such as football, can become the building blocks for younger players.
First, you will need the proper equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, mouth guards, and plenty of water. You will always want to practice your technique on a grass or turf field. Hydration is crucial when playing in warm weather; I recommend always having professional trainers present during lessons. By looking over yourself and others to assure all equipment fits correctly and is not loose or too tight will help reduce safety issues.
Now you’re ready to learn. First, you always need to keep your eye on the ball and keep your head up. The angle of pursuit is crucial when determining how wide of an angle you will take. The angle may be determined by how far the ball carrier is to you. When the player is faster than you, take a wider angle so you can stay in between the player and your goal line. You never want to over pursue them with the wrong angle. While approaching the carrier, do not take your eyes off the ball. Before making contact try to lower your shoulder and hips more than the ball carriers. The safest way is to lean your shoulder inward while keeping your back straight and head erect. You will never make lead contact with your head; you could become seriously injured. You may also injure other players and create penalties. Making contact and when the opposing player is within your grasp is the best moment. With a little good technique, you don’t even have to make a hard contact to impress others. If the player is going to your right, when you make contact your head should be on the left of the player. The same goes for if he is running to the left. That will help you stop the player short an extra yard or more. This can change a game on fourth downs. This will also allow an easier grasp of the player better, making it harder to break away from the tackle. You do not want to stop moving your feet until a whistle has been blown. If you can reach a quarterback in