Shoulder Tackling
Key Concepts & The 5 Fights Progression for Coaching Elite Level Tackling
Every game comes down to a defining play, like the moment of whether a defender finishes the play. That’s why tackling is the most critical defensive skill.
USA Football Shoulder Tackling System was developed in collaboration with the Seattle Seahawks to give coaches the key concepts for developing better tacklers.
The 5 Fights Progression is a step-by-step framework for stopping the ball carrier, breaking down core fundamentals that help coaches teach elite-level tackling—For You. For The Game.
SHOULDER TACKLING CONCEPTS
Developed in collaboration with the Seattle Seahawks, these shoulder tackling concepts raise the standard for coaching tackling technique with a framework designed to teach defenders to tackle with their shoulders.
FUNDAMENTALS
Teach defenders how to approach the ball carrier using proper angles and positioning, accounting for role, field position, opponent, and on-field obstacles.
LEVERAGE
Teach defenders how to approach the ball carrier using proper angles and positioning, accounting for role, field position, opponent, and on-field obstacles.
FORM
Teach defenders the Form Tackle by emphasizing the dip-and-rise technique, striking up and through the ball carrier while targeting the upper body.
THIGH & DRIVE
Teach defenders the Thigh & Drive Tackle by placing the shoulder on the thigh board and driving through the runner with active feet to stop momentum and finish the tackle.
THIGH & ROLL
Teach defenders to finish with the Thigh & Roll Tackle by focusing on the clamp and grip to stay connected and control the ball carrier through the spin to the ground.
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THE 5 FIGHTS
Developed with world-renowned tackling expert Richie Gray, these progressions help coaches analyze and improve the defender's success through key performance indicators.
1
TRACK
Get to the ball-carrier with speed – taking into consideration scheme, leverage and blockers – in order to make the tackle.
2
PREPARE
The ability to transition from tracking to the correct body positions with proper foot placement for upcoming contact and the type of tackle being made.
3
CONNECT
Through preparation and proper technique, defenders can take advantage of the first touch, leading to a dominant position and, eventually, a proper tackle.
4
ACCELERATE
The ability to generate force through the feet and into the ground, providing sustained pressure, along with generating controlled power.
5
FINISH
Taking the tackle to the ground in a dominant fashion and never allowing the job to be left incomplete by controlling the ball-carrier fully, all the way to the deck.