Contact drills teach football players to block and tackle with safe, effective technique. The key is to introduce physicality gradually: start with walk-through fit positions, progress to bags and sleds, then to thud drills at full speed without taking players to the ground, and only then to controlled live reps in limited space. Throughout, players should keep their head up and to the side, never lead with the crown of the helmet, and tackle with the shoulder while wrapping and driving through with the legs. Limit the amount of full contact each week, match players by size and experience, and follow your league’s contact rules.
Why contact drills matter
Blocking and tackling are the foundation of football. Players who learn correct body position, pad level and footwork win more battles and are less likely to be injured. Well-designed contact drills also build confidence, because players who know the technique feel in control during contact. At the same time, research on head impacts and concussions has led many governing bodies to limit full-contact practice time, so coaches aim to teach technique efficiently while keeping total contact low.
The contact progression
| Stage | What it looks like | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Form and fit | Walk-through, correct body position, no speed | Learn the positions safely |
| 2. Bags and sleds | Contact with pads, tackling dummies or sleds, not people | Practice speed and power with little risk |
| 3. Thud | Full speed to contact, staying on the feet, no taking to the ground | Rehearse game speed with limited impact |
| 4. Controlled live | Limited space and reps, taking players to the ground | Apply technique under realistic conditions |
| 5. Live | Game-like contact | Test skills in full situations, used sparingly |
Move to the next stage only when players perform the current one with consistent technique. Younger or less experienced players should spend more time in the early stages.
Tackling drills
Form tackle on bags. Players approach a tackling dummy or bag, break down with a wide base, step with the near foot, make contact with the near shoulder while the head slides to the side, wrap the arms and drive through with the legs. This builds the basic shoulder tackle without body-to-body contact.
Angle tackle. In a narrow lane marked by cones, the ball carrier runs at an angle and the tackler takes a correct pursuit angle, gets hip to hip and makes a shoulder tackle on a pad or bag. It teaches players to close space without overrunning the ball carrier.
Rugby-style roll tackles. Using soft rolling pads or tackle wheels, players practice wrapping and rolling to the ground safely, with the head out of the contact. These drills, similar to techniques used in rugby, emphasize shoulder contact and safe falling.
Eye-opener or shed and tackle. Ball carriers choose one of several gaps between bags while the defender mirrors and fits into a tackle, often at thud tempo. This teaches reading, shuffling and approaching under control.
Blocking drills
Two-man sled drive. Linemen fire out from their stance into a sled, keeping pad level low, hands inside and legs driving with short, powerful steps.
Fit and drive on a partner. One player holds a shield while the blocker fits into position with hands inside, then drives for a set number of steps. This teaches hand placement and leg drive with controlled contact.
Mirror blocking. A blocker mirrors a defender’s lateral movement in a small box, focusing on footwork, balance and hand placement rather than collisions.
Pass protection punch. Linemen practice a quick, controlled punch into a bag or shield, resetting their feet and hands after each rep.
Safety principles
- Head up, eyes up. Players should see what they hit and never lead with the crown of the helmet, which is illegal and dangerous.
- Shoulder contact. Teach tackling and blocking with the shoulder and hands, keeping the head out of the contact.
- Match players. Pair players of similar size, strength and experience for live drills.
- Limit contact volume. Keep full-contact reps and minutes low, and follow league or state limits.
- Use proper equipment. Ensure helmets and pads fit correctly and are in good condition.
- Space and supervision. Run drills in adequate space with a coach watching every rep.
- Recognize concussion signs. Remove any player with symptoms from play, and follow return-to-play protocols.
Contact limits
Many organizations restrict how much full contact players can have in practice. The NFL and NCAA limit full-contact practices through their rules and agreements, and many state high school associations follow NFHS recommendations by limiting full-contact minutes per week during the season and preseason. Youth organizations often set even tighter limits. These rules change, so coaches should check the current guidelines from their league or state association before planning practices.
Contact drills for youth players
Young players need a slower, more controlled approach. Many youth programs now teach tackling first without pads or with soft equipment, focusing on footwork, body position and safe falling before any collisions. Drills often use tackle rings, soft dummies and shields rather than teammates, and live contact is kept to a minimum. Coaches should make sure players understand each step and feel confident before adding speed. Flag football and non-contact formats are also popular ways for younger children to learn the game while developing skills they can later use in tackle football.
Step by step: planning a contact period
- Choose one or two skills to focus on, such as angle tackling and drive blocking.
- Start with a fit or walk-through phase to reinforce body position.
- Progress to bags or sleds for a few fast reps.
- Add thud reps if players are ready and within contact limits.
- Keep live reps brief and use them only when necessary.
- Review technique with video or coaching points after the period.
Coaching tips
Keep contact periods short and focused, with clear coaching points for each drill. Use more reps against bags and shields than against teammates. Correct technique immediately, especially head position. Rotate players quickly so they stay fresh and focused, since fatigue leads to poor technique. Praise good form, not just big hits. Combining these practices builds skilled, confident players while keeping unnecessary impacts low.
Common mistakes
- Moving to live contact before technique is solid.
- Leading with the head or dropping the eyes.
- Mismatching players by size or experience.
- Running too many full-contact reps in a week.
- Overrunning the ball carrier instead of breaking down.
- Standing upright with high pad level in blocking drills.
Rulebook note: rules on targeting, spearing, helmet-to-helmet contact and practice contact limits differ between the NFL, NCAA, NFHS and youth leagues, so check the current rules for your level.
Health note: football involves a risk of injury, including concussion. Use certified, properly fitted equipment, follow medical staff guidance and remove any player with suspected concussion symptoms from play until cleared by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is a thud drill in football?
A thud drill is played at full speed up to contact, but players stay on their feet and are not taken to the ground.
How often should teams do live tackling?
Sparingly; most technique can be taught with fit, bag and thud drills, with live reps limited and within league rules.
How do you teach safe tackling?
Use a progression that emphasizes head up, shoulder contact, wrapping and driving with the legs, starting slowly on bags.
