CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
I certainly understand the arguments against tackling in these circumstances.........concern over injuries............concerns evidently heightened even moreso this year.
But with the Texans having no tackling allowed during practices as I understand it, you've got to ask yourself, how can this not affect tackling in real games..........especially when it becomes evident last night that missed tackles continue to be a concern?
Tackling dummy drills do not afford valid real-time duplication. But it's not just injury that is a risk during non-tackling practice contact. That contact also addresses fundamentals by correcting bad techniques, and if absent, is likely to lead to poor tackling........and unnecessary penalties......while still creating a set up for unnecessary injuries. But it's not just the defense that needs contact to improve in practice. The offense needs to be hit as well. Skilled players need to learn how to fight off defenders as well as maintain possession of the ball during contact....i.e.,ball security.
In a no tackling contact practice, a player that is in good position to make a tackle generally will get a whistle blown to signify the end of the play, and that he got the "tackle." But in live play where actual tackling occurs, those assumed tackles don't always have the same results. Being in position doesn't necessarily mean that a linebacker, for example, can stop a ball carrier. How the linebacker hits the ball carrier, what angle he takes to hit the ball carrier and how he finishes the tackle are all important aspects to tackling.
Many colleges have already adapted this same non tackling practice policy. And it would be hard bent to believe, after watching college ball, that tackling has not been negatively affected by the time the player reaches the NFL.
I would invite your thoughts and comments.
But with the Texans having no tackling allowed during practices as I understand it, you've got to ask yourself, how can this not affect tackling in real games..........especially when it becomes evident last night that missed tackles continue to be a concern?
Tackling dummy drills do not afford valid real-time duplication. But it's not just injury that is a risk during non-tackling practice contact. That contact also addresses fundamentals by correcting bad techniques, and if absent, is likely to lead to poor tackling........and unnecessary penalties......while still creating a set up for unnecessary injuries. But it's not just the defense that needs contact to improve in practice. The offense needs to be hit as well. Skilled players need to learn how to fight off defenders as well as maintain possession of the ball during contact....i.e.,ball security.
In a no tackling contact practice, a player that is in good position to make a tackle generally will get a whistle blown to signify the end of the play, and that he got the "tackle." But in live play where actual tackling occurs, those assumed tackles don't always have the same results. Being in position doesn't necessarily mean that a linebacker, for example, can stop a ball carrier. How the linebacker hits the ball carrier, what angle he takes to hit the ball carrier and how he finishes the tackle are all important aspects to tackling.
Many colleges have already adapted this same non tackling practice policy. And it would be hard bent to believe, after watching college ball, that tackling has not been negatively affected by the time the player reaches the NFL.
I would invite your thoughts and comments.
