QuestionHello Victor, my two sons are playing little leage football and the coaches are teaching the players to tackle by hitting chest to chest and wrap the arms around the player and lift the player off his feet and hold them there until help from another player comes and assist in the take down.In doing this I notice this puts a inward arch on the tackleing player indangering his spine.Can you tell me if this is the safe way to tackle? This is not the way I was taught to coach or to play when I was in high school.
AnswerMichael.
You had asked me a question in July and I answered it regarding tackeling techniques. I just wanted to foolow up with you to see how your sons' football season ended up. Hope the season went well.
Vic Winnek
Pres. Calif. Football Officials Assoc.
Football Expert Witness
[email protected]
Michael.
I hope my answer was of assistance. Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with... Please do make sure your son tackles the proper way. Keep his head up, don't use his head and thrust with his hips, not his low back. Also please feel free to rate my advise on AllExperts.
Vic Winnek
Michael,
Thank you for your question. You are so correct! This type of instruction is improper! In my expert opinion it is only proper for "Walk Thru" drills.
This technique may very well cause back and strnum/rib injuries.
What this drill does is to keep the tacklers head & neck up. The proper technique is to use your [the tackler's]shoulder, wrap the arms around the runner, thrust upward with your lower body (legs)and plant the runner. Contact to the runner should be square, and at the waist level, with the tackler's head up. NOT USING THE HELMET or HEAD to make the tackle!!!!! but the dhoulder.
WAiting for a second tackler is not the fundamental one should be teaching young players, that is a little more sophisticated technique used for teaching tackling & strippings.
I have played, coached and officiate the game; I am not a fan of little league type tackle football. I believe in the fundamentals of the game which can be taught in flag football for those under 13. Why risk an injury to a growing child?
But, You are correct, this is not a safe nor fundamnetally sound technique.
Victor Winnek
The fact that the players will meet chest to chest is not likely in a game situation, it is more likely that the tackler will end up using his helmet/facemask to make the tackle which is very dangerous.
