A well-executed tackle can stop a play in its tracks, but improper technique can cause missed tackles, and injuries. Teaching proper tackling form is crucial for both effectiveness and player safety. In this guide, we’ll break down tackling techniques and provide drills to help players develop better and safer tackling skills.
Proper Tackling Form
Getting down the proper tackling technique at a young age is crucial for developing good football skills, and keeping players safe on the field. Start teaching your players by slowing down the tackling process. Pair players up and have them walk through these 3 steps on your count to help them learn the technique.
Step 1: Breaking the Midline
The defensive players should start by aligning themselves correctly with the ball carrier. They step forward with the near foot, ensuring that they break the midline of the ball carrier. At the same time, they bring their arms back in preparation for the tackle. This step is crucial for establishing position and balance.
Step 2: “Grabbing Cloth” and Squaring the Neck
On the second count, the defender brings their other foot forward and reaches behind the opponent. They execute what is known as “grabbing cloth” by firmly grasping the back of the ball carrier’s jersey. This motion ensures control over the ball carrier. Simultaneously, the defender keeps their head up and aligns their face with the opponent’s ball position, a technique referred to as “biting the ball.” They pull their neck back and keep their face mask up, reinforcing safe contact principles. Players should never tackle with the crown of their helmet, as this increases the risk of serious head and neck injuries.
Step 3: Hip Drive and Tackle Completion
The final step of the tackle involves hip explosion and follow-through. The defender brings their hips forward, driving into the ball carrier while maintaining firm upper-body control. This motion provides power to complete the tackle and bring the opponent down effectively.
Drills to Reinforce Tackling Technique
Repetition, repetition, and more repetition. Drills will help reinforce the key steps of tackling and facilitate muscle memory. The better we teach tackling to our young football players, the safer everyone will be.
1. Angle Tackling Drill
The angle tackling drill from ‘The Basics of Defense’ by Coach Dennis Hill is a great way to teach defenders how to make clean, effective tackles when the ball carrier isn’t coming right at them—which is most of the time in a real game. It helps players learn how to close space quickly, take the right pursuit angle, and put themselves in position to make a safe tackle. The key here is getting the head across the body, keeping the face up, grabbing cloth, and finishing strong by pulling the runner to the ground. It’s a simple drill, but one that builds real confidence and technique.
2. Open Field Tackling Drill
Openfield tackling is notoriously difficult for young football players. This open-field tackling drill is the perfect way to get your players used to aggressively closing space, staying square, and taking down their opponents in the open field. You can find more of Coach Brandon Jakubcin’s favorite tackling drills in his course ‘Tackling, Turnover & Pursuit Drills’
3. Two-on-One Tackling Drills
Two-on-one tackling drills are all about teaching players how to work together to bring down a ball carrier—something that happens way more often in real games than solo tackles. These drills from Coach Kenny Simpson focus on leverage, positioning, and understanding where your help is coming from, whether you’re the inside or outside fitter. It’s not just about being a great individual tackler, but about playing as a unit. By repping these situations consistently, players learn how to close in from both sides, fit properly on the ball carrier, and use teamwork to finish the play—no matter how talented the runner is. You can find more content on tackling and tactics in his course, ‘Tackle Progression,’ or on his CoachTube page.
Conclusion
Teaching proper tackling isn’t just about making stops—it’s about keeping our guys safe and setting them up for success. When we focus on the fundamentals, we hope to build good tackling habits that stick. Drills reinforce those skills, and the earlier we start, the better. By teaching proper technique at a young age, not only will your players become tackling machines, but the game of football will be safer for everyone.
