How to fix how I tackle?

Question

First I was lined up against someone like 2/3 of my size, I got low and tried to wrap up on his legs but my grip slipped to his feet ( it might have been a bit higher) and it looked like a really bad tackle, also I have a problem using my back instead of my legs when I try to pick someone up to tackle. Any solutions?

Answer 1

1)  Be sure that you're in a good stance to begin with.  Keep your feet a little bit more than shoulder width apart and your weight low.

2) As you move in for the tackle put your body in a good tackling position.  point your face mask at the ball and keep your head up.  If your head goes down you will most likely miss the tackle and increase the risk of injuring yourself.

3) Make the hit.  Tackling is as much about delivering a blow as it is about wrapping up.  Bring your body across your opponents and put your facemask into the ball  AKA "Bite the ball."  Get your shoulder into the stomach of your opponent and explode through with your legs as you wrap around his waist with your arms.  The leg explosion is crucial.  If you're trying to use your back instead of your legs you are losing all of your power and are going to hurt your back.  Think of the leg explosion that you use to do a power lift like a power clean.  Explosively drive your legs upward to pick up your opponent while wrapping him up and getting your body across his.

Answer 2

Your not supposed to tackle a lineman. Only the person with the football.