Heads-Up Tackling Requirements – Wolfpack Football

Heads-Up

Tackling Requirements

Heads-Up Tackling is an essential component of our tackle football program, designed to ensure player safety by teaching proper tackling techniques. This method emphasizes the importance of correct body positioning, awareness, and reducing the risk of injury. Below, you’ll find the detailed requirements and guidelines for Heads-Up Tackling as part of our training program.

01/

Coach Certification

All coaches must be certified in Heads-Up Tackling techniques through approved programs such as USA Football's Heads Up Football (HUF) program. Certification ensures that coaches are equipped with the latest safety protocols and techniques.

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Player Training

Every player must undergo Heads-Up Tackling training before participating in contact practices. This training will focus on proper body positioning, safe tackling methods, and the importance of keeping the head up during tackles.

Athletic Stance

Players must start in an athletic position with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight balanced. This stance helps maintain stability and readiness for movement.

Head Position

Players are trained to keep their heads up and eyes on the target at all times. The head should never be lowered, as this can lead to serious injuries.

Strike Zone

Tacklers are taught to aim for the strike zone, which is between the shoulders and the hips of the ball carrier. Tackling outside of this zone can increase the risk of injuries.

Wrap and Drive

Players should use their arms to wrap around the ball carrier while driving through the tackle with their legs. This technique ensures a secure tackle while maintaining safety.

Follow-Through

After making contact, players should continue to drive their legs and maintain balance to complete the tackle effectively.

Practice Requirements

Non-Contact Drills

During the first week of conditioning, players will participate in non-contact drills to practice Heads-Up Tackling techniques. These drills emphasize form, positioning, and awareness without physical contact.

Controlled Contact

Once players demonstrate proficiency in non-contact drills, they will progress to controlled contact drills. These drills involve minimal physical contact and are closely supervised to ensure proper technique.

Full Contact

Full contact tackling is only introduced after players have shown consistent ability to execute Heads-Up Tackling techniques during controlled contact drills.

Concussion Awareness

Training

Monitoring

As part of the Heads-Up Tackling program, players and coaches will receive training in concussion awareness, including identification of symptoms, the importance of reporting, and the protocol for returning to play.

Coaches are responsible for monitoring players during and after contact drills for signs of concussions or other injuries. Any player suspected of having a concussion will be immediately removed from play and evaluated.

Ongoing Assessment

Coach Observations

Player Feedback

Coaches will continuously observe and assess players’ tackling techniques during practices and games to ensure adherence to Heads-Up Tackling principles.

Players will receive regular feedback from coaches on their tackling techniques, with corrective guidance provided as needed to reinforce safe practices.

Safety Protocol Enforcement

Penalty for Unsafe Tackling

Players who consistently fail to apply Heads-Up Tackling techniques or engage in unsafe tackling behaviors may face penalties, including reduced playing time or suspension until they demonstrate proper technique.

Parent and Player Education

Parents and players will be provided with educational materials on the importance of Heads-Up Tackling and how it contributes to a safer football experience.

The Heads-Up Tackling program is crucial in reducing the risk of head and neck injuries, which are among the most serious in football. By teaching and reinforcing these techniques, we are committed to providing a safer environment for our players to enjoy the game of football. Our goal is to instill good habits that not only improve performance but also prioritize the long-term health and safety of every participant.

Wolfpack

We take player safety seriously, and Heads-Up Tackling is a cornerstone of our safety protocols. By implementing these requirements, we ensure that every player is equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle safely and effectively. For more information on Heads-Up Tackling or any other aspect of our safety program, please contact your team’s head coach or the CYS Sports Director.

Together, we can create a safer, more enjoyable football experience for all players in our program. Thank you for supporting and adhering to these vital —-safety measures!