Equipment Needed
- Tackling dummy or shield (recommended)
- Cones
A dummy makes this progression safer
A tackling dummy lets players rep proper shoulder placement and wrap technique at full speed before ever going live.
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- Start in a stationary, kneeling position for the first stage; progress to standing, then walking, as technique is confirmed.
- Use a dummy or shield for the first two stages before any player-to-player contact.
Instructions
- Stage 1 (kneeling): players kneel facing a partner holding a shield and practice the wrap — head up, near shoulder to the far number, arms wrapping the far hip.
- Stage 2 (standing, stationary): repeat the same wrap technique from a standing two-point stance against the shield.
- Stage 3 (walking): the ball carrier walks slowly toward the tackler, who closes the distance under control and executes the same shoulder-led wrap.
- Only progress to the next stage once every player demonstrates correct head and shoulder position at the current stage.
Coaching Points
- Head must stay to the side of the ball carrier at all times — this is the single most important coaching point in the drill.
- Lead with the shoulder, not the crown of the helmet.
- Drive the legs through contact while wrapping the arms and squeezing the far hip.
- Never advance intensity until every player is consistently getting this right at the current stage.
Variation
Once fundamentals are consistent at a walking pace, this progression can move to a jogging pace under close coach supervision, per your league's contact guidelines.