Tackle drills can be done in a variety of ways, building off a progression that starts with unpadded players against air and bags to athletes in full protective equipment against each other.

The Thigh and Drive Tackle drill sets the foundation for player-on-player contact, developing skills that are needed in practice and games. Starting with players in t-shirts and shorts working movements against half-round bags, it builds the confidence required to make full speed contact in a competitive situation.

Drill Setup

Kneeling Drive vs Bag

Set a player on one knee in front of a half-round bag or similar soft surface.
The player is in a near-foot half-kneeling position with the shoulder lined up with the bag and corresponding foot forward.
On the coach’s command, the player splits the bag in half with his shoulder, punching his arms around the bag, grabbing the back side.
The player then rolls to the leverage side, finishing on top of the bag.

Kneeling Drive vs. Player (with or without pads)

Replace the bag with a player standing in front of the defender.
The defender is in a near-foot kneeling position with his shoulder lined up with the teammate’s hip and corresponding foot forward. The two players are set foot-to-foot to declare leverage.
On the coach’s command, the player gets cheek-to-cheek with the target, punches his arms around the player and driving through the thighs.
The player then rolls his teammate to the leverage side, finishing on top.

Troubleshoot

Reinforce skills players struggle with by going back to drills earlier in the system.
Head up and to the leverage side. Start the drill with the head in the correct position and overemphasize the double uppercuts to lift the head up.