How Coaches Are Addressing the 4 Most Common Errors in Tackling

Jul 2, 2017 | Tackling, Defense, Fundamentals

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

Last month, X&O Labs researched the most common issues in missed tackles (scroll down to more this special report). Because let’s face it: regardless of what level you coach or what offense you’re defending, we all face the same issues in missed tackles. What we found is that many coaches are devising a tackling system, not a series of drills, tailor made to address each of their tackling needs. Our research dictated the following four most common issues in missed tackles:

  • Improper body placement in open field tackling situations

  • Losing one-on-one leverage (or tracking) points on the ball carrier

  • Losing multiple defender leverage points on the ball carrier, or what is commonly referred to as “keeping the cup”

  • Lunge tackling or leaving feet in strike phase


These issues are best illustrated in the video below, submitted to us by Temple University: