The Tackling Mistake Coaches Make

1. The Dangerous "Head Across" Myth

Most coaches still teach players to “put your head across the ball carrier’s body” – and it’s causing preventable injuries. This outdated technique forces unnatural neck rotation, making the head vulnerable to direct impact. Studies show this approach increases concussion risk by 3x compared to modern methods. The worst part? It doesn’t even improve tackling efficiency. NFL teams abandoned this technique years ago after discovering it actually makes tackles less effective while putting players in danger.

2. What Rugby Can Teach Football (And Why It Works)

The solution comes from an unexpected source: rugby. Unlike football’s traditional methods, rugby-style tackling keeps the head safely behind the contact point while generating more power from the legs and core. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks proved this works at the highest level – after switching, they reduced tackling-related concussions by 60% while improving their defensive stats. The key difference? Rugby teaches “cheek-to-cheek” contact where the shoulder leads and the head stays protected.

3. The "Eyes Up" Revolution (Simple Fix With Big Results)

Changing one coaching cue can transform your team’s safety: replace “head across” with “eyes up through the thighs.” This small verbal adjustment keeps players’ spines aligned and heads in safe positions. Try this drill: hang colored ribbons from ball carriers’ waists and have tacklers call out the color before contact. It forces proper head positioning while maintaining game-like intensity. Coaches who’ve made this switch report fewer missed tackles AND fewer injuries in the same season.

4. The 3-Step Practice Progression (That Actually Sticks)

Fixing bad habits requires a smart progression:

Knees First: Start tacklers on knees to isolate proper head/shoulder alignment
Walk-Through: Add light movement while maintaining form
Full Speed: Only progress when mechanics look perfect

This “crawl-walk-run” approach takes just 10 minutes per practice but creates lasting change. The secret? Never sacrifice form for intensity – if players revert to old habits, drop back a level.

5. Why Resistance Fades When Results Show (Coaching Psychology)

Old-school coaches often resist change until they see proof. Try this: film your tacklers from the side for one week using old techniques, then film again after implementing these changes. You’ll see three undeniable improvements:

Fewer whiplash motions
More consistent wrap-ups
Cleaner hits with less collateral contact

The best part? When your safety numbers improve and your defense starts making more stops, even the most skeptical assistants will become believers.

Want the Complete System?

Download our free “Tackle Teaching Toolkit” with:
Drill progressions
Coaching cue cheat sheet
Practice planning templates
Injury prevention stats to share with parents

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