Block Tackle Tunnel

Teach young players a strong, safe block tackle: firm inside of the foot, weight over the ball, and timing the contact when the attacker's touch is loose.

Cone tunnels 6 yards wide and 15 yards long, side by side. In each tunnel an attacker starts at one end with a ball and a defender at the other. Spare players wait behind each end.

1. Stage 1: both players walk toward each other; the attacker leaves the ball slightly ahead and the defender steps in with a block tackle using the inside of the foot. Hold the block for one second.
2. Stage 2: jog. The defender wins the ball with a block and dribbles to the attacker's end to score.
3. Stage 3: live 1v1 in the tunnel; the attacker scores by dribbling to the far end line, the defender by winning the ball and going the other way.
4. Swap roles every three reps. Each stage runs 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Points only for tackles made with the inside of the foot, on the ball, with both players on their feet.

• Lock the ankle; make the foot a wall.
• Weight over the ball, knee bent, head down.
• Tackle when the ball is away from their foot, not when it is under it.
• Stay on your feet; no sliding in the tunnel.

• Defenders reach with a toe and get hurt; the whole inside of the foot goes through the ball with the body behind it.
• Defenders lunge early while the ball is still under the attacker's foot; wait for the touch that leaves the ball 1 yard away.
• Kids turn it into a pushing contest; award points for technique, not for winning the ball.

• Widen the tunnel to 8 yards so the attacker can try a move.
• Attacker gets a running start.
• Winner of the ball must dribble through a gate to complete the point.

• Stay at the walking stage.
• Attacker stops the ball dead and lets the defender block it.
• Use a softer or smaller ball.

• Slide tackles are not allowed; both players must stay on their feet.