Designing Tackling Systems – Case 5: Reinforcing Proper Strike Points on Contact

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

Explanation

Once the approach mastered and the proper leverage is attained, the defender needs to “finish” on the ball carrier by bringing him down to the ground. How coaches implement this fundamental in their system varies. Some use mats, some use agile bags and some use bodies. Below are the specific drills that teach this phase of tackling.

What we found most common is coaches teaching a “near leg, near shoulder” contact point on the tackle. It has become imperative for defenders to get that lead foot in the ground before making contact. For example, if a defender is making contact with his left shoulder, his left foot should be in the ground and vice versa.

It was Rutgers University head coach Chris Ash that told us he studied film on how tackles were made, not missed, before developing his system. Below is a tutorial from North Dakota University on tackles were made with the near leg, near shoulder contact points.