The Evolution of Football and the Tackle Wheel

Over the last several years, football coaches have sought ways to teach players safer ways of tackling. They have strived to teach players ways to tackle that did not emphasize the use of the head, yet allowed players to leverage their entire body by lowering the shoulders and hitting the thighs.

Using this “Hawk” style of tackle, which is a wrap and roll style of tackle, rather than direct impact, the tackler wraps and throws the ball carrier to the ground. This reduces the impact upon the head, thus allowing for safer play.

To help football players practice this style of tackling, coaches often use tackle wheels. These football training devices, which are made of high-density foam core and durable PVC or vinyl outer shell, teach players to not only practice but to also play in safer ways.

Below are three reasons why every football coach should invest in these training devices to help their players to tackle in safer ways.

Tackle Wheel & Greater Mobility

By teaching football players to practice using a tackle wheel, coaches are able to teach them the right way to tackle from different angles. A tackle wheel can be rolled across the field, towards the player making the tackle, or even away from them so they need to chase it.

By removing the obstacle of a live ball carrier, coaches are also able to better see from different angles if players are keeping their head up. This is important as keeping the head up protects the head from making impact with the ground.

Tackle Wheels & Safer Tackling Techniques

By rolling the tackle wheel across the field, coaches are able to teach players a wrap and roll style of tackling. The player then lowers their body and then thrusts one arm through the middle of the tackle wheel and the other around the outside.

Once the player wraps the tackle wheel, with their head on the outside, rather than forcing it to the ground, they pull it across their body and roll it to the ground with them. This style of tackle, which allows the player making the tackle to protect their head, is called the gator roll or rugby tackle.

Tackle Wheels Keep Players Healthy

Rather than teaching players to run into the ball carrier, tackle wheels teach players to run through the ball carrier. This reduces the risk of injuries on the playing field, as well as throughout pre-season and during every practice.

Because a tackle wheel is just that, a wheel, when rolling it across a field, players learn how to hit ball carriers at a lower angle. Tackle wheels allow players in practice to learn how to tackle without risking an injury to another player.

The Future of Football

Every football season, at every level of play, there are football injuries on and off the field. Coaches and trainers are always thinking of new ways to keep players safe by reducing the risk of injuries to players.

Though football may never be without risk, tackle wheels help to lower that risk. The more coaches teach players how to tackle in safer ways, the more enjoyable it will make the game for everyone. Below are two of the best tackle wheels we recommend and are used by many teams today.

Fisher Athletic Football Tackle Wheels

Hadar Athletic Football Tackle Wheels