Football tackling 101

It has been stated many times that a defensive teams win games, and the most fundamental part of a defensive team is performing a great tackle. If executed poorly not only will you not succeed in stopping the offensive team, but you could possibly injure yourself in the process. Some points to remember when tackling:

First, you need to stop the opponent quickly so make sure to place yourself directly in front of the opponents path. Plant your cleats in the grass squarely in front and in the middle, bisecting the player in half. Also, at this time thrust your arms backward to prepare for the next step.

Second you want to bring your other foot into the mix, and at the same time throw your arms up and around your opponent. As your feet plants your head should be making its first contact. Never, ever, ever tackle with the top of your head down, keep it up and square against your opponent. You need to literally imagine that the football is a big hamburger and you want to bite it and not slam your forehead against it.

Third, at this point you have successfully grabbed your opponent and all thats left is to lunge your hips forward and bear all of your momentum against your opponent. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.

Open field tactics: covering ground with angle tackles

It is a great idea to practice angle tackles with your defense because not all tackles are made with the opponent right in front of you. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. As the defender he will need to adjust his body to cover the shortest distance towards the ball carrier, and make the stop by placing his foot squarely in front, and remembers for safety to put his head in front of the ball carrier. A good tackle is now executed as the defender lunges at the opponent wrapping his arms around his opponent grabbing cloth and completing the tackle by pulling him down or pushing him off sides.

Dehydration is an enemy to football success

Drinking plenty of water is all it takes to prevent dehydration, and thus should be an important part of football practices. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. These safe practices will help keep players energized and healthy.

How to overpower on the line of scrimmage

In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. Use the proven technique of double teaming to get great results on the field!It is basically putting two linemen on one. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. To execute this properly have both linemen step together at the same time and lock their hips together. They form a wall that the opponent cannot break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. Also, this maneuver needs to happen quickly and efficiently.