Winning and losing in football often comes down to two things - which team wins the turnover battle and which team has the most big plays. While it's not always possible to control turnovers, teams can do a lot to limit big plays with sure tackling. In addition, sure tackling will reduce the chance of concussions and other injuries in both the tackler and the ball carrier.

Being a good tackling team is as much about philosophy as it is about technique.


Combining strong technique with an effective philosophy will lead to your team building good tackling habits.

Tackling Technique

- Feet spread shoulder-width apart.

- Get into a low position, knees bent at a 45-degree angle, shoulders back and up (breakdown position)

- Heads up and eyes on the ball carrier at all times.

- Take small, quick steps toward the ball carrier.

- Fire out from the breakdown position, keeping a wide base and low center of gravity. Take one plant step forward, ensuring that head and eyes are up before making contact. Make sure back is straight and butt is out.

- Wrap up the ball carrier with both arms, with the tackler preferably bringing his arms under the arms of the ball carrier and driving him back and off of the turf. Keep your legs pumping and driving the player up and back.

Tackling Philosophy

- Always gang tackle to avoid extra yards and promote sure tackling.

- Don't ever leave your feet. It may be tempting to go for the big hit, but leaving your feet on a tackle actually limits your effectiveness and makes your tackles easier to dodge.

- Watch the ball carrier's hips to avoid being juked or faked out.

-Don't let go. If at first the ball carrier doesn't go down, stay wrapped and wait for the cavalry to arrive.

-Stay below the neck. Penalties are killers and never come at a good time. Try and make tackles around the waist and torso when possible.

- Tackle first, strip the ball last. So many tackles are missed because players go for the big play and not the sure play. Wait till a player is wrapped up before attempting to strip the ball.

- Maintain outside contain. Teams that are able to keep runs and plays to the inside will have a much easier time making tackles on outside runs and passes.

- Remember assignments. Another reason big plays happen is because teams get sucked into over pursuit and players start trying to do too much. Maintain gap and assignment discipline for the best team defense.