Game version
Shadow-form game: practice the stance and footwork on a partner’s walking line with no contact at all. Swap, and share one thing you liked.
Form Tackling on a Bag
Learn safe tackling form on a bag, never on a teammate.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start 3 yards from the bag in a low athletic stance.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Tackling bag or pad, coach nearby
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Start 3 yards from the bag in a low athletic stance.
- Keep your eyes up and put your cheek beside the bag.
- Wrap your arms and drive your feet through the bag.
- Do 8 reps to each side.
Coaching point
Eyes up, head up, wrap and drive.
Safety: Only with a coach present, in a helmet and pads. Bag only, never a teammate, and never at home. Never lead with the head.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner walks), Core (jogs), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of balanced stances.
Story
You are a shadow that stays right in front of its owner.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of balanced stances. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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