Tackling: An evolution

Hazardous

This is an example of what no coach teaches or wants to

see a player tackling with his head down, eyes toward the
ground and leading with the crown of the helmet. Leading
with the head can result in catastrophic injury for a player,
not to mention a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

Heads Up

This is an example of the Heads Up tackle, which is currently

endorsed by the NFL and USA Football. The player is looking
up and sees who he is tackling while forcing the facemask into
the chest of the ball carrier before driving him to the ground.

Hawk

This is an example of the Hawk tackle, which is loosely based

on rugby techniques and promoted by the Seattle Seahawks
and their head coach, Pete Carroll. The player is using a lower
point of attack and leading with a shoulder, while the head is
off to the side and away from contact. After wrapping up the
ball carrier, the tackler either drives his feet or rolls on the
ground to finish the tackle.