How to Teach Youth Football Players to Hit

Youth football players are novices who are learning the techniques in football. When teaching the players to hit, or tackle, players must learn the appropriate techniques to prevent injuries to themselves and others. Teaching players how to hit and where to hit will not only minimize injuries during a game or practices, but it will give the players confidence in their abilities.

Things You'll Need

  • Tackling sleds
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Instructions

    • 1

      Show the players how to tackle or hit in slow speeds. According to Play Sports TV, players should tackle using their shoulder pads and keep running forward to make the most of their momentum while wrapping arms around the player with the ball.

    • 2

      Practice tackling form with a tackling sled after the players have seen the technique a few times. A tackling sled requires the appropriate form and momentum to move and does not risk injuries. Correct players' technique when they hit the sled incorrectly.

    • 3

      Use reaction drills to teach the players to think on their feet. Avoid contact, but have the ball carrier try running around the defender and then have the defender react to the direction. This not only ensures the players know the technique of tackling, but also how to react during a game to tackle the players.

    • 4

      Teach players how to react to tackling. When teaching players to hit, it is important to teach them to react to a hit as well. Players should keep their heads up and their chest out so that head and neck injuries are kept to a minimum. If the player puts his head down, the risk of injury is higher.

    • 5

      Pair up players that are about the same size and have them work on tackling practice. After techniques are well-known, players must practice tackling each other for the best results during a game.