The Importance of Tackling for Defensive Backs

When most people think about defensive backs, they picture interceptions, pass breakups, and sticky man-to-man coverage. But at every level of football—from high school to the NFL—the ability to tackle consistently is what separates average defensive backs from complete ones. Tackling is not just a bonus skill; it is a core responsibility that directly affects how well a defense performs.

1. The Last Line of Defense

DBs often serve as the final barrier between the ball carrier and a touchdown. Whether it’s a missed gap up front or a broken tackle in the second level, the defensive back must be able to get the runner on the ground. Great DBs understand that one secure tackle can save a drive, flip momentum, or prevent a game-changing play.

2. Tackling Builds Trust

Coaches call defenses based on trust. If a defensive coordinator knows their corners and safeties can tackle in space, they can run more aggressive coverages—press-man, pattern-match, blitzes—because they’re confident the back end can clean things up. A DB who won’t tackle limits the entire playbook.

3. Open-Field Tackling Is a Skill

DBs spend more time tackling in open space than any other position on the field. That means:

• Taking proper angles

• Staying square

• Keeping leverage

• Using the sideline as help

• Tracking the near hip of the ball carrier

Open-field tackling isn’t about big hits—it’s about control, patience, and finishing.

4. Physicality Discourages Offenses

Offenses love to throw quick screens, RPOs, and perimeter runs to test the edge. A physical DB who tackles well forces offensive coordinators to rethink their game plan. When receivers know they’ll get hit as soon as the ball touches their hands, they tighten up, and the entire timing of the play changes.

5. Tackling Helps in Run Support

Safeties play a major role in fitting the run, but corners must also crack-replace, force the edge, and spill plays to their help. When corners do their job, linebackers and safeties can make cleaner, easier tackles. When corners avoid contact, edges collapse and explosive plays happen.

6. Technical Tackling Beats Highlight Hits

The best DB tacklers don’t rely on launching or head-down hits. They focus on:

• Keeping their eyes up

• Wrapping through the thighs

• Running their feet

• Making sure the ball carrier goes backward or sideways, not forward

Fundamentals win far more plays than chasing a big hit.

7. Tackling Improves Your Value

A defensive back who can press, cover, support the run, and tackle is always valuable. College recruiters and pro scouts look for DBs who are:

• Physical at the point of attack

• Willing to stick their nose in

• Reliable in space

• Strong finishers

Being a dependable tackler can be the reason a DB earns a starting job or scholarship.

Conclusion

Tackling is not optional for defensive backs—it’s a defining trait of the position. A DB who tackles well gives their team flexibility, stability, and confidence. It sets the tone for physical play, eliminates big gains, and turns the defensive backfield into a complete unit. The best DBs understand that coverage and tackling go hand-in-hand, and mastering both is what elevates their game.

Coach Rod