Tackle Drills
Author: Coach Kyle | Created: June 03, 2025
Tackling must be taught with an emphasis on safety, technique, and control. These drills focus on proper form—keeping the head up, wrapping up, and driving through the ball carrier—while building confidence and reinforcing good habits.
The Proper Tackling Stance
4 Key points: Feet shoulder width, squeeze shoulder blades, sink (bend knees/waist), and hands ready for uppercuts.
Near Foot Drill
Explode into the near foot stance on command. Leading with the correct foot is essential for leverage.
Swoop (Breakdown Position)
Approach the ball-carrier with the appropriate lead foot based on leverage. Freeze in place at the end of the bag.
Shoot Drill
Sink at the waist and explode forward while throwing uppercuts. Keep head up and cleats out of the grass.
Upper Cuts
Drive for 5 yards using uppercuts. Can be done with a large exercise ball to vary angles.
Near Foot Near Shoulder
Two players stand 5 yards apart. Tackler leads with near foot and touches with near shoulder-side hand.
Near Hip Tracking
Tackler tracks the runner through cones, watching the runner’s hip and maintaining correct foot lead.
Run & Gather
Mirror the ball carrier and gather into a swoop when they sink their hips to stay balanced.
Form Tackle Progression
Complete sequence: Run, Swoop, Upper cuts, Drive for five, Head up for vision.
All Blacks Rugby - Tackle Form
Excellent cross-sport example of safe and effective tackling mechanics.
Low Impact Tackling
Training safe contact without high-velocity collisions.
Angle & Sprint Tackles
Form tackling with resistance. Bag carrier walks or sprints at various angles away from the tackler.
Drive Progressions
Kneeling, Standing, 2-Step, and Running drives. Progress from no pads to full pads with increasing movement.
Tackle Tube: Leverage Step and Drive
Take 2–3 steps before landing on tube. Emphasizes near foot/shoulder lead.
Tackle Tube Tuesday: Cornerback/Safety
Half-field tackling drill for secondary players using the tackle tube.
Linebacker Fill Drill
Simulate OL gaps. LB must scan gap before attacking the rolled tube. Shoulder lead depends on runner direction.