Are you asking how to teach tackling, or what tackling drills to use?  They're very different.  "Tee Time" is an EDD.  But it's something I would NEVER use to teach tackling.  It's a tackling drill to use once the players already know how.

The process of teaching tackling (step by step) is an entirely different process than any EDD (Every Day Drill).  If tackling isn't introduced in the proper way, it could delay (if not destroy) a player's willingness to make contact.

Too many times, I've seen coaches throw their players into the deep end of the pool with very little instruction on the implementation of tackling.  "Separating the men from the boys," they call it.   While he might find out which players are more ready for contact than others, the stupidity of this approach is that a coach doesn't need to find out on Day 1 "who my hitters are."  He has at least 3 weeks to find out.  What he needs to be doing is teaching them how to go from the wading pool to (eventually) the deep end of the pool, with the coach there every step of the way to teach and reassure.  Only then, will he get the rest of his players to show their willingness to tackle well.

The process of teaching tackling isn't a one-day learn, but a process learned over days, if not weeks.  And many "Introductions to Tackling" are so lame as to be a waste of time.

In my experience, we sometimes had 2-4 players who "were ready to hit" on Day 1.  And we also sometimes had 3-4 who wanted no part of this.  We also had 20+ players who were "on the fence" about it.  If taught correctly, there's no reason that group of 20+ can't develop into solid, reliable and safe tacklers.  You might even get the group that didn't want to learn it, to at least be adequate at it.  But if a coach drops all of his players into the deep end of the pool, without them having been taught "how," then that last group will remain that last group, the middle group will be inconsistent at best, and you may still have only 2-4 players who are ready and willing to hit.

Sorry for the diatribe, so I'll ask again...Are you asking how to teach tackling, or what tackling drills to use?

--Dave

Good Morning Coach,

We always start with Form Fit tackling face to face. This is done at a walking pace which eventually speeds up, but never past a thud (3/4) speed. We do the same process with Angle Form Fit. These are EDD's that I'll do regardless of age or experience. This is where you have to correct poor tackling early on. 

We usually do splatter tackling from various depths using shields before we even put on equipment. This helps with some of the hesitancy once pads are on, especially with brand new players.

The biggest thing I can tell you is that you need to take your time. If you're the HC, you should spend a majority of your time with the timid, less experienced kids who should be working together during these periods. 

The drills you use don't really matter as much as choosing drills that support your philosophy and running them with intensity.

Once you decide which drills are right for you, make sure you group your players accordingly. Have the timid kids work together, don't feed them to your studs. My current 7u team has multiple groups for tackling drills, and they don't all do the same drills. Ex. Linebackers/DBs might do Tee Time or Open Field Tackling while Defensive ends do Machine Gun tackling or Kill Shot drills and the Linemen may do Oklahomas or Pick a Hole while the more timid players do Close Quarters Tackling. 

Small groups = more reps = more chances for you to effectively teach.

Hope this helps.

Ryan

What's Machine Gun tackling?

My most general advice on this question is to first decide whether a drill is for tackling or pursuit, and then mean it.  I'm not saying you shouldn't give a player advice on how to improve tackling form after a good pursuit rep ends in a bad tackle, I'm just saying that it shouldn't be the focus of that drill.

@coachdp thanks for the quick response. We want to teach proper tackling. The age group is 11 & 12.

Unfortunately I was one of the kids who was thrown into the deep end of the pool 25 years ago. Took me a few years to figure out how to swim and finally developed but I really want to teach step by step. Build the kids confidence and go from there. 

thanks again!

I was answering his question based on teaching tackling. Pursuit, at least for me, is a whole different but equally important thing.

Machine Gun is just a drill I use, predominately for OLB's and because of the way I use my safeties and corners. It's basically pick a hole, but we send lead blockers through each of the first 2 holes so the linebackers learn how to keep blockers off of them. The ball carrier will come through the final hole. 

I have a method that I guess I came up with 2 seasons ago. I say "I guess" because it's very possible I stole it from someone. In short, form tackling is part of our warmup. It was Zach who explained to the group that the purpose of a warm up is to increase blood flow to the large muscle groups and raise the core temperature through methodic movements that mimic what they would do on the football field. What is more "mimicing" than tackling? I keep promising to document this and I started to, but decided it needs pictures to do it justice.

First of all, I know where you're coming from being concerned that a Hawk tackle can easily lead to an arm tackle. I was in the same camp. I was a "bite the ball", "head across the ball", "screws to the ball" guy.  Unfortunately, that makes the head a key component to the tackle, which is bad. Then a smarter way came about that takes the head out of the tackle. Mahonz' late son was teaching this long before anyone called it a "Hawk" tackle. I taught it poorly for a number of years, then decided to really educate myself on tackling. I surveyed a lot of high school coaches and found they fell into 2 schools: Hawk tackling or Breast Plate tackling. I really hate the latter, so I dove into Hawk.

The "secret sauce" to the Hawk tackle is to earn your right to make a tackle. This means you must move into proper position before you initiate the tackle. You know you are in position when your near foot is splitting the ball carrier's feet. Only then, can you hit with your shoulder, shoot your arms through and squeeze like you are trying to break his ribs.

I spend about a half hour doing a "Tackle install" on day 1. Then, we work on form tackling until we get through every one getting 5 reps to each side. Right now, it's taking me about 10 minutes, but I can get it down to 5. Within a month, the players are running this themselves.

Form tackling isn't about taking anyone to the ground. If it happens, it happens. It's about taking a proper angle, splitting the feet, proper fit, securing the ball carrier and driving for 5 without leaving our feet. I'm actually having an identity crisis right now, because I want to teach a Gator roll, and that entails leaving your feet.  I think I have the answer, but I will test it before calling it a success.

Step 1 - Fit and Freeze

I use the "teach backward" method (care of DP). First, explain and demo a perfect fit. "Right shoulder HIT, Right Foot Split". Pair them up either in 1 long line or in rows and columns so that you can see who isn't right. Tacklers and dummies should be 45 degrees to their right. Say "Point slightly right and identify your partner. You should be pointing at each other". When we are lined up, 3 lines have their back to a creek and 3 have their back to a school. Dummies stand with their feet wider than shoulder width and hands on helmets. "CREEK BOYS! On HIT, walk to your dummy and get into a PERFECT tackle fit!"

Ensure the thighs are parallel to the ground, shoulder is in the hip of the dummy, near foot is splitting dummy's feet and the ball carrier is secure (break his ribs). I have everyone freeze while coaches check them. If they are PERFECT, we say, "Perfect! Remember exactly how this feels and hold on for a little longer." Have them hold this until everyone is checked. Then have them relax and reload (back to your spot). Do this 5 times to one side, then switch partners. Say "Everyone take to giant steps to YOUR left". Now, everyone is at a 45 degree angle to the left. Repeat 5 reps each player. 

Step 2 - 1 step Fit and Freeze

Have each tackler execute a PERFECT fit on their dummy and freeze. "When I say 'RELOAD', take 1 step back with your split foot, load your arms and get into a PERFECT athletic stance! RELOAD!" When I say 'HIT', split your dummy's feet with our near foot and execute a PERFECT tackle fit."

Step 3 - Jog to your dummy, buzz feet, fit and Freeze. Then on "GO", have them drive for 5. Whistle. Reload.

Step 4 - Eliminate the Freeze.

If at ANY time, you see something you don't like, go back a step or 2. Whatever is necessary. This is extremely important because you are building muscle memory. When you are happy with Step 4, you can introduce:

Single Leg - In your fit, you can look down and see the dummy's knee/thigh. Using your non-hitting arm ONLY, hook the knee in the crook of your elbow and pull the knee to your chest as you drive for 5. This is pretty violent and the kids love it.

Gator roll - Step with your far foot so it's behind the dummy's far foot (Let's say we're tackling with right shoulder . . . left foot is now behind dummy's left foot . . . still breaking his ribs.), drive your non-hitting shoulder (left) into the ground and roll onto your back. This slams the ball carrier to the ground.

Do this 5 minutes every day and watch the results.

I think I need to make a video.

Tackling : "stop the forward progress of (the ball carrier) by seizing them and knocking them to the ground." 

No where in Websters definition of "tackle" in sport does it says how. 

The basis is: 

- "seize them" - hit them and restrict their movement 

- bring them to the ground 

A lot of youth coaches focus on the first bullet points more than the second. The more I focused on them driving the ball carrier into the ground and landing on top. The easier tackling became for everyone. 

I've even narrowed it down to 1 simple effective command. "Put your facemask on the football" For starters, I'm huge on ball security and creating turnovers, so this keeps us focused on both of those. In addition, it takes a whole lot of verbal cues out of the equation. In order to put facemask on the football, you have to be broken down, your head has to be up, your head is automatically where we want it, and your pad level has to be low. Sounds basic, but it worked wonders with my 6 year olds and has translated fantastically to my now 7 year olds. We have some very fierce tacklers and that comes from not having the dictionary of "tackle" cycling through their little brains. Execute your assignment at full speed and put your face on the football. That's it

No matter what tackling form you teach, or if you teach more than one, I agree with those who teach it backwards.  First where your arms and upper body go and how they exert pressure; then your foot position for your last step and drive -- best with a live partner/opponent.  Then how to sink into position to get there, no live partner needed, a dummy or bag or balloon works.

I prefer not emphasizing "finish" or "drive" or even getting the ballcarrier to the ground.  In fact I'd like to keep him up and receiving shots at the ball and the arm holding it.  I stress that the defender's shoulder, elbow, and forearm are stronger than the hand in prying the ball loose.  If they're carrying the ball high and tight (and you didn't already shake it loose with a hard shoulder hit), get the crook of your elbow under theirs and uppercut.  If they're carrying old style, low, then either that type of move or a downward one with your elbow might work.

I disagree with those who say to save the ball-loosening action for the 2nd or 3rd player in.  I look at it like wrestling, where you get control of the opponent and then work to improve your position -- it's just that you have less time to do it in, and you're going for the ball strip instead of a pin.

Posted by: @bigboi42

@coachdp thanks for the quick response. We want to teach proper tackling. The age group is 11 & 12

--You can send me a PM for my phone # and I'll be glad to walk you through our process of how we teach and introduce physicality concepts so that the players not only understand them, the flourish in them because they enjoy the physicality of it.

--Dave

@coachdp - I may be doing this as well. Judging by what I've seen at the middle school level, there's work to be done in this area. With my middle son about to age out, I can tell them "Put me at 8U and I'll teach them how to trap, pull, block, and tackle."