TACKLING TECHNIQUES
POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN EXECUTING A TACKLE:
•	Head up, eyes open	•	Lock onto the ball carrier for safety (bind tightly with arms)
•	Focus on the target	•	Ensure that your head is always on top of the defender when hitting the ground
•	The tackler must ensure that his head is to the side of the ball carrier’s hips	•	The tackler must always hit with shoulder, head to the side of the ball carrier and hands must be lower than his shoulders
•	The tackler must always take the impact with his shoulder and NEVER with the head or neck	•	If the tackler tackles the ball carrier using the left shoulder, his weight must be on his left foot
•	Back straight and spine in line	•	If the tackler tackles the ball carrier using his right shoulder, his weight must be on his right foot
POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN BEING TACKLED:
•	Tense muscles before contact	•	The player being tackled must move with the natural turn of the tackle, as it is safer for both players
•	Step to one side of the tackler to weaken the tackle	•	The player being tackled controls the ball during the tackle, by turning with the tackle and protecting the ball
•	Use small steps for balance	•	The player being tackled should hold the ball tightly to his body (gut region), but release it immediately after hitting the ground
DANGEROUS TACKLES ARE NOT TO BE TOLERATED:
•	High tackles (around the neck)	•	Stiff neck tackle (neck is in danger of breaking)
•	Spear tackle or dumping
IMPORTANT:
•	The smaller the area, the lower the impact of the tackle	•	The larger the area, the faster the players are moving, hence the greater the impact of the tackle
ENSURE THAT:
•	The person being tackled turns with the tackle	•	No player should lose or relinquish the ball during a tackle
•	The person executing the tackle must have his head to the side of the ball carrier and must fall with his head on top of the opponent
When players are being taught to tackle for the first time, they should practice whilst kneeling and then practise whilst squatting or sitting before they are permitted to tackle standing still (this reduces the impact and risk of injury). They should gradually move on to tackling at a slow jog and only when they have mastered the technique should they tackle whilst running.
TACKLING ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. Illegal high tackle:   Can cause spinal injury resulting in paralysis. 2. Spear tackle or 'dumping':   Illegal tackle which can cause catasrophic spinal injuries.
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