Everyone Needs To Tackle:
One of the skills that every player on the team needs to work on is tackling. Because it is a technique that every player should know, we have given tackling a separate and special chapter for all players to read.
When you first think about tackling you think of defense. Tackling is a very important technique that you need to be a great defensive player. At the same time, you would be surprised at how many games are won because an offensive player, punter or placekicker made a tackle and stopped a possible score by the opposing team.
Defense is First – Special Teams is Next:
Tackling is to your defense what blocking is to your offense. A defensive team that tackles well, making sure tackles every play, will have a little difficulty stopping an opponent and will enjoy much success.
Just as important to good tackling on defense is good tackling on special teams. Your special teams are usually made up of both offensive and defensive players and both groups must come together, function as one unit and all be able to tackle.
Kickers are included:
Often it is the placekicker or punter who is the last man in position to stop a long return from going all the way. It is really important that these two players spend time learning how to get in front of the ball carrier, make contact and slow the runner down until help can come. It may come down to just knocking the ball carrier out of bounds on the sideline to stop the touchdown. If you are a punter or placekicker and the opportunity comes, you have to be ready to make the tackle or shove the ball carrier out of bounds.
The rest of the team:
Fort the other offensive players who are not part of the special teams, the need to be able to tackle come with an interception or fumble recovery. On both of these plays the offensive player must quickly go from being a blocker to being a tackler. Offensive linemen, who very seldom have to make a tackle, may find that they are in perfect position when a defensive player with the ball tries to cut back across the field. They will make the tackle if they have prepared for it.
The intended receiver and the quarterback:
In the case of an interception, the first two players who will know that an interception has occurred are the intended receiver and the quarterback. Both of these players will be the first to react to the interception, and the interception return can usually be held to a minimum if they have tackling ability. The intended receiver is in position to quickly chase down the defensive ball carrier because he is usually the closest to the defensive man.
The quarterback will be the quickest to see the interception, allowing him to start moving to a place on the field where he can intercept the defensive ball carrier, make the tackle or knock him out of bounds and save giving up a touchdown.
Everyone must be ready:
Defensive players must be prepared to tackle on every play. All players on special teams must anticipate having to tackle. Offensive players must know that at any moment they may on defense and have to tackle. No one on the team has the luxury of thinking he may go through the game and not have a to tackle. It is important that every player on the team know how to tackle in a safe and sure manner.
