Teaching Football Skills Tackling Tackling Drills Lower Ability – Tackle the Coach Purpose of the Drill Encourage players to commit themselves to the tackle. Steps 1. Designate a 15-yard-by-15-yard square. 2. Each coach has a soccer ball. 3. Players try to pursue and tackle coaches. Coaches can call out the name of specific players, who then try to tackle. 4. One point can be given for simply making any kind of foot contact with the coach’s ball, or, for a higher ability group, the ball must be cleared out of the square to score a point. Coaching Tips Do not tackle unless you are sure you will win the ball. This can be used as a fun exercise. Creates interest because players always like to beat the coach. Intermediate Ability – One vs. One vs. One Purpose of the Drill Assists timing of tackles. Increases friendly competition between players. Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 87