Best Man's Big Moment: Tackling The Groom!

Whether or not the best man can tackle someone depends on the context. In American football, tackling is a key part of the game, with good technique and training allowing even smaller players to tackle larger or stronger opponents. In soccer, slide tackles should be a rare element of the game, only used as a last-ditch defence. In mixed martial arts, tackles are referred to as takedowns and are used to take an opponent to the mat, especially when fighting a striker. In the UFC, tackling is legal but not recommended, as it leaves fighters open and prone.

Get low, wrap up, drive your feet

To tackle someone effectively, it's important to get low, wrap up, and drive your feet. Here's a detailed guide on how to execute this technique successfully:

Get Low

Lowering your body is crucial when preparing to tackle someone. Squat down with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart, bending your knees, and keeping your back straight. This lowers your center of gravity, providing a stable base for the tackle. Aim to maintain a roughly 45-degree angle with your back relative to the ground. Keep your head up and eyes on the ball carrier at all times, as dropping your head can lead to injuries and penalties.

Wrap Up

As you get close to the ball carrier, push off with your feet and drive through your opponent with your legs and shoulder. Make contact at hip level, driving your lead shoulder into their hips. This helps to disrupt their balance and momentum.

Drive Your Feet

Once you make contact, continue driving with your feet, pumping your legs hard to push the opponent backward and upward, taking them off their feet and to the ground. Keep driving until the ball carrier is down and the play is over.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your hands and arms free of the opponent's facemask to avoid penalties.
• Focus on getting the ball carrier to the ground rather than trying to strip the ball.
• Stay wrapped up with the ball carrier even if they don't go down immediately. Hold on and let your teammates arrive to help.
• Practice shuffling and moving sideways, forward, and backward in the low, squatted position to improve your agility and responsiveness.
• Watch the ball carrier's hips to anticipate their movements and direction changes.

Remember, good tackling technique prioritizes proper form, safety, and control rather than sheer strength or speed.

Watch the hips

When preparing to tackle an opponent in American football, it is important to watch their hips. This is because the hips are the centre of mass, and hitting someone in their centre of mass will cause their entire body to go backwards.

If you get hit in the shoulder, your upper body will turn to absorb the impact. If you get hit in the leg, you can let your leg fly back to absorb the impact. But if you get hit in the hips, there is no way to absorb the impact.

Therefore, when tackling, you should aim for the centre of mass. Get low, and aim your shoulder for the centre of mass. Tackle like you want your shoulder to land 5 yards behind the ball carrier.

When tackling, it is also important to keep your head up, and your eye on the target. Keep your back straight, and don't bend or arch your back. Wrap both arms around the player, preferably around their legs. If you don't "wrap up", the ball carrier may just bounce off you and keep going.

Pull the player sharply towards you with your arms. Don't let them get away from you once you have them. Lift and drive. As you pull the player towards you, lift slightly and then drive towards them with your legs. Use your leverage and power to bring them down.

Drive your lead shoulder into the ball carrier's hips

To drive your lead shoulder into the ball carrier's hips, you must first accelerate towards them. As you get closer, slow down and get into a "breakdown" position. This involves keeping your feet at least shoulder-width apart, bending your knees, and keeping your head up and back straight. Watch the ball carrier's hips to anticipate their movement and direction, and always keep your head up and back straight to avoid injury.

Once you are in position, drive your lead shoulder into the ball carrier's hips and follow through with your arms, wrapping them around the ball carrier just under their butt. Keep pushing and driving with your feet until the ball carrier goes down.

This technique is an essential part of tackling in American football, and it is important to get low and use your legs and hips to drive through the opponent.

Never leave your feet to make a tackle

Leaving your feet to make a tackle is not only illegal in many sports, but it is also extremely dangerous for both you and your opponent. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should never leave your feet when making a tackle and provide tips on how to execute a safe and effective tackle.

The Risks of Leaving Your Feet

When you leave your feet to make a tackle, you are putting yourself and your opponent at risk of serious injury. Leading with your head or making a helmet-to-helmet collision can result in concussions, paralysis, or even death. Additionally, leaving your feet can cause you to lose control of the tackle, increasing the chances of a dangerous collision.

Maintaining Proper Form

To execute a safe and effective tackle, it is crucial to maintain proper form. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and hips low. This will give you a wide base and allow you to generate power from your lower body. Keep your head up and eyes on the ball carrier at all times to avoid dangerous collisions.

Techniques for a Successful Tackle

When making a tackle, close the distance between yourself and the ball carrier by accelerating towards them. As you get closer, slow down and get into your breakdown position. This will help you make a more accurate tackle. Shoot from your breakdown position, using your hips to spring forward into the ball carrier. Bring your arms up and under their arms to take them off the ground and disrupt their momentum.

Wrapping Up

As your shoulder pads connect with the ball carrier, wrap your arms around them and continue driving with your feet until they are on the ground. Focus on getting the ball carrier to the ground rather than stripping the ball. Slide tackles should only be used as a last resort and are best executed by sliding into the tackle rather than jumping.

Keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared

Keeping your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared is essential for tackling safely and effectively. This position, also known as the "laconic position," is crucial for maintaining proper form and avoiding injuries.

Injury Prevention

Lowering your head during a tackle can lead to serious injuries, paralysis, or even death. By keeping your head up and back straight, you reduce the risk of head and neck injuries. This position also helps protect your opponent from potential harm.

Maintaining Sight and Awareness

Keeping your head up ensures that you have a clear view of the field and the ball carrier. It allows you to anticipate their movements and make accurate tackles. With your head up, you can read your opponent's hips, which is crucial for predicting changes in direction.

Balance and Stability

The "laconic position" provides a more balanced and stable posture. By keeping your shoulders squared and back straight, you maintain a wide center of gravity, enabling you to spring forward with power and control. This stance also helps you stay agile and quickly shift directions if needed.

Proper Form and Technique

Tackling effectively requires a combination of the correct form and powerful execution. Keeping your head up and back straight ensures that you strike with accuracy and force. This position allows you to drive your shoulder into the ball carrier's hips and wrap them up with your arms.

Legal Compliance

In sports like American football, leading with your head or helmet is illegal and dangerous. Keeping your head up and shoulders squared helps ensure that you comply with the rules and avoid penalties.

In summary, keeping your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared is fundamental for safe and successful tackling. It helps prevent injuries, maintain awareness, improve balance, execute proper technique, and adhere to the rules of the game.

Frequently asked questions