How to Become a more Effective Tackler

Football in its most simplistic form can be broken down into three sub-categories; blocking, catching, and tackling. The execution of these three aspects have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. This article will break down in four steps how to reduce missed tackles.

• Angles

The first step in tackling happens before contact is even made. The angle of approach on the ball carrier is important. As a tackle you must make sure you are tracking the near hip of the ball carrier to ensure that there is no cutback lane. Most missed tackles are caused by bad angles taken by tacklers.

• Lead with the shoulder and not the head!

When approaching the tackle make sure to initiate contact with your near shoulder. Players often lunge and lead with their head down. This causes players to miss tackles and also adds a huge safety risk. To ensure your own safety make sure to keep your head up and out of the tackle. 

• Wrap up and feet on contact

The third step is two-part. Most players believe once the initial contact has made then that should be enough to take the ball carrier down. This is incorrect. Once contact is made you must wrap up the ball carrier and continue to run your feet to drive the ball carrier backwards. Good ball carriers are taught to continue to move their feet on contact to run through tackles. This means as tacklers we must do the same. 
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• Roll Hips Through

The final step in completing a good tackle is to roll your hips through. This means extending your hips into the tackle. This helps to stand up ball carriers and drive them back. Tacklers who don’t bring their hips have trouble finishing tackles.
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