Tackling drills football coaches implement during practice directly determine how well your defense performs on game day. Whether you're coaching high school athletes preparing for college recruitment or developing college players for the next level, mastering fundamental tackling techniques through targeted drills builds the foundation for defensive success.
Why Proper Tackling Technique Matters More Than Ever
Modern football has evolved into a faster, more athletic game where missed tackles cost you field position, momentum, and games. Your defensive players face increasingly elusive offensive weapons who train specifically to break tackles and create explosive plays.
During those grueling 80-hour weeks leading up to conference games, you need tackling drills that maximize practice efficiency while building muscle memory your players can rely on under pressure. The difference between a solid tackle and a missed opportunity often comes down to the fundamentals you drill repeatedly in practice.
Form Tackling Fundamentals
Before diving into specific drills, your players must understand the core elements of proper tackling form. These fundamentals apply across all tackling situations and form the foundation for every drill you run.
The Five Points of Contact
Teach your players to focus on these five critical contact points:
- Eyes up - Keep the head up and eyes focused on the target
- Shoulder contact - Drive through with the shoulder, not the head
- Wrap and squeeze - Secure the ball carrier with both arms
- Drive the legs - Continue leg drive through contact
- Finish strong - Complete the tackle by bringing the runner down
Proper Body Position
Your defenders should approach every tackle with:
- Knees bent in an athletic position
- Shoulders square to the ball carrier
- Arms ready to wrap and secure
- Weight balanced on the balls of their feet
- Core engaged for power transfer
Essential Tackling Drills for Football
1. Mirror Drill
This fundamental drill develops proper footwork and body positioning without contact. Set up two players facing each other about three yards apart. The offensive player moves laterally while the defender mirrors their movement, maintaining proper tackling stance.
Coaching Points:
- Keep shoulders square
- Maintain proper depth
- Focus on quick, controlled steps
- Practice for 30-second intervals
2. Angle Tackling Drill
Set up cones to create a funnel that forces defenders to take proper angles. The ball carrier runs straight while the defender approaches from a 45-degree angle, focusing on intercepting the runner's path rather than chasing from behind.
Setup:
- Place cones 5 yards apart
- Defender starts 3 yards to the side
- Ball carrier runs straight through the cones
- Defender takes proper angle to make contact
3. Form Tackle Circuit
Create stations that isolate different aspects of tackling technique. Rotate players through each station during practice to reinforce proper form.
Station 1: Contact Position
- Players practice proper contact stance
- Focus on shoulder placement and head position
- Hold position for 3-5 seconds
Station 2: Wrap Technique
- Practice wrapping motion without contact
- Emphasize bringing arms together
- Work both high and low wrap positions
Station 3: Drive Finish
- Players practice driving through contact
- Use blocking dummies or tackling rings
- Focus on leg drive and follow-through
4. Shed and Tackle Drill
This advanced drill simulates game situations where defenders must disengage from blocks before making tackles. Set up a blocker between the defender and ball carrier.
Progression:
- Defender engages with blocker
- Sheds the block using proper technique
- Squares up to ball carrier
- Executes form tackle
5. Open Field Tackling
Develop one-on-one tackling skills in space. This drill is crucial for defensive backs and linebackers who often face ball carriers with room to maneuver.
Setup:
- Create a 10-yard wide channel with cones
- Ball carrier starts 15 yards from defender
- Defender must close distance and make tackle
- Emphasize proper angle and breakdown technique
6. Gang Tackle Drill
Teach multiple defenders to work together effectively. This drill prevents big plays by ensuring the first defender slows down the runner while teammates arrive to help.
Key Concepts:
- First defender focuses on contact and control
- Second defender secures the legs
- Third defender strips for the ball
- Communicate throughout the tackle
7. Pursuit and Tackle
Develop conditioning while practicing tackling technique. Players start in various positions and pursue a moving target, simulating game-like fatigue conditions.
Variations:
- Start players on their backs
- Begin from a three-point stance
- Add directional changes during pursuit
- Include multiple ball carriers
8. Low Tackle Drill
Teach defenders to tackle low when facing powerful runners. This technique is essential for smaller defenders facing larger offensive players.
Technique Points:
- Target the thighs, not the knees
- Keep head up and to the side
- Drive shoulder through contact
- Wrap and roll to complete tackle
9. Strip and Tackle Combination
Combine tackling with ball security awareness. Defenders practice proper tackling form while attempting to create turnovers.
Coaching Emphasis:
- Secure the tackle first
- Look for strip opportunities
- Work both arms for different strip angles
- Practice ball recovery techniques
10. Sideline Tackling
Teach defenders to use the sideline as an extra defender. This specialized technique prevents ball carriers from getting to the edge.
Key Points:
- Force runner toward sideline
- Maintain inside leverage
- Use sideline to limit escape routes
- Finish tackle in bounds when possible
11. Screen and Swing Pass Tackling
Practice tackling in space against quick-hitting passes. This drill helps linebackers and defensive backs handle modern passing attacks.
Setup:
- Simulate screen or swing pass routes
- Defender must close quickly
- Focus on breaking down in space
- Emphasize sure tackling over big hits
12. Red Zone Tackling
Develop tackling technique in compressed space near the goal line. Every missed tackle in this area likely results in points.
Emphasis Areas:
- Lower pad level
- Increased urgency
- Gang tackling principles
- Goal line stand mentality
Implementing Tackling Drills in Practice
Daily Installation
Incorporate tackling work into every practice, even during game weeks. Spending 10-15 minutes daily on form tackling maintains technique better than longer, less frequent sessions.
Progressive Development
Start with form work at reduced speed, then gradually increase intensity. Your players need to master technique before adding full-speed contact.
Week 1-2: Form and positioning Week 3-4: Controlled contact Week 5+: Full-speed application
Position-Specific Applications
Tailor tackling drills to each position group's specific needs:
Defensive Backs: Focus on open-field tackling and sideline techniques Linebackers: Emphasize shed-and-tackle and pursuit drills Defensive Linemen: Work on low tackling and gang tackle principles
Common Tackling Mistakes to Avoid
During your recruiting trips and film study, you'll notice these common tackling errors that cost teams games:
- Head-down tackling - Leads to missed tackles and injury risk
- Arm tackling - Results in broken tackles and big plays
- Poor angles - Allows ball carriers to cut back or get to the edge
- High pad level - Makes defenders vulnerable to stiff arms and cuts
- Lack of leg drive - Prevents defenders from finishing tackles
Recovery and Injury Prevention
Tackling drills place significant stress on your players' bodies. Proper recovery protocols help maintain performance while reducing injury risk. Consider implementing cold plunge and sauna recovery protocols to help your players recover between intense tackling sessions.
Monitoring your players' recovery becomes crucial during heavy contact periods. Quality sleep plays a vital role in both performance and injury prevention for football athletes who regularly engage in high-impact activities.
Building a Complete Defensive System
Effective tackling drills form just one component of a comprehensive defensive training program. Your players need position-specific skills, proper conditioning, and mental preparation to excel on defense.
For programs looking to implement systematic tracking of defensive performance and player development across multiple position groups, platforms like EYES UP provide coaches with tools to monitor progress and identify areas needing additional attention during those demanding weeks of practice and preparation.