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Why 80% of Football Concussions Happen During Tackles (And How to Fix It)

Football is one of America’s most exciting sports, but it’s no secret that it comes with risks – especially when it comes to head injuries. Research shows that a staggering 80% of football concussions occur during tackles, making this the most dangerous aspect of the game.

The good news? Proper tackling technique can dramatically reduce these injuries. Whether you’re a coach, player, or concerned parent, understanding why these concussions happen – and how to prevent them – could make all the difference in keeping athletes safe.

The Hard Truth About Tackles and Concussions

Studies from leading sports medicine organizations reveal:

  • 76-80% of football concussions occur during tackling situations (for both the tackler and ball carrier)
  • High school athletes suffer concussions at twice the rate of college players, largely due to improper form
  • Head-first “spearing” tackles increase concussion risk by 3.5 times compared to proper shoulder-led techniques

These statistics are concerning, but they don’t have to be inevitable.

Why Tackling Becomes Dangerous

Most football-related concussions happen for three primary reasons:

1. The Head-Down Mistake ("Spearing")

  • What Happens: Players instinctively lower their heads to generate power, leading to direct skull impact
  • The Danger: This creates axial loading – a dangerous force that travels straight up the spine and jars the brain

2. Poor Body Mechanics

  • What Happens: Standing upright with stiff posture (instead of bending at knees and hips) makes players vulnerable
  • The Danger: High-speed collisions with bad form create a whiplash effect on the brain

3. Weak Neck Muscles

  • What Happens: Underdeveloped neck strength can’t stabilize the head during contact
  • The Danger: Even clean hits can cause brain movement if the neck isn’t strong enough to absorb impact

The Solution: 3 Proven Safer Tackling Methods

1. Rugby-Style Tackling (Eyes Up, Shoulder-Led)

  • How It Works: Tacklers keep their head up, lead with the shoulder, and wrap with arms – eliminating head contact
  • Why It Works: Used by NFL teams like the Seahawks, it reduces head exposure by 40%

2. The "Hip & Dip" Technique

  • How It Works: Players bend at hips/knees (like a squat) before driving upward into the tackle
  • Why It Works: Lowers the center of gravity, preventing dangerous upright collisions

3. Neck Strengthening Program

  • How It Works: Targeted exercises like neck bridges, resistance band work, and trap raises build crucial stability
  • Proven Results: Research shows 25% lower concussion risk in players with stronger necks

What Coaches and Parents Need to Do

  • Break down tackling into progressive steps, emphasizing form before full-speed contact
  • Eliminate head-down drills from practice, replacing them with shoulder/chest contact exercises
  • Use tackling dummies to simulate game situations without live collisions

Real-World Proof: After Texas high schools implemented rugby-style tackling, concussion rates dropped 58% in just three years.

Why Trust TackleSmart?

At TackleSmart, we’re revolutionizing football safety through proven techniques. Our coaches bring 30+ years of combined experience blending the best of football and rugby tackling methods.

What sets us apart:
Science-backed methods that actually reduce injury risk
Progressive training programs that grow with your athlete’s skills
Available nationwide through our certified coaching network

A Word of Caution:
Be wary of online “certification” programs making big claims. While many coaches are doing great work, some simply want to make a quick buck without proper training. Always research a program thoroughly before trusting them with your child’s safety.

Football Can Be Safer - Let's Make It Happen

While concussions will always be a risk in contact sports, smart tackling techniques can turn “high risk” into “managed risk.” By focusing on proper form, strength training, and coaching education, we can protect players while keeping the game we love just as exciting.

Are you a parent or coach who wants to make sure your young athlete is learning the safest, most effective tackling techniques from proven professionals? Then, SIGN UP for our newsletter to stay up to date with our regular content, including upcoming events or camps!

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