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Post by stackattack on Jan 15, 2007 21:21:16 GMT -6
My OC and I were talking about the TV show and both commented about how the storyline about the former QB got us to thinking about having the QB's participate in tackling drills. I'm curious what other coaches feel on this issue. Do you include QB's in your tackling circuits/drill. I'm also curious to know if anyone knows the legal aspects of liability if your QB is injured making a tackle, but isn't included in your tackling drills.
For those of you who don't watch the show, here is the storyline I'm referring to...In one of the first episodes the star QB throws an interception. Like a good QB, he pursues the DB to make a tackle. Upon making the tackle, he breaks vertebrae in his neck and is paralyzed from the waist down. In the most recent episode, his parents sued the school and Head Coach because the Head Coach did not spend time teaching the QB the proper mechanics of tackling and did not include him in such drills.
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Post by tog on Jan 15, 2007 21:25:33 GMT -6
first day of practice
all football players learn how to tackle
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Post by knighter on Jan 15, 2007 21:26:55 GMT -6
we put all of our players through tackling circuit at minimum of once a week...more in the pre-season
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Post by coachshs on Jan 15, 2007 21:27:38 GMT -6
I would have to say that as a coach you are liable if you have not taught the mechanics. I would not want to include them in everything, but it is our responsibility to ensure that we have taught all athletes the proper mechanics. To me that means form drills and such. Maybe a sideline drill, but nothing more.
It is also VERY wise if you carry liability insurance as a coach. Our state coaching association provides $1M in coverage.
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Post by CoachJohnsonMN on Jan 15, 2007 21:46:30 GMT -6
Just teach your QB not to throw interceptions.
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coachf
Freshmen Member
Posts: 15
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Post by coachf on Jan 15, 2007 23:02:40 GMT -6
Our QB is usually a LB or DB on defense. So, he better know how to freakin' tackle.
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Post by superpower on Jan 16, 2007 8:07:53 GMT -6
ALL of our players tackle and block every day. I have never understood the idea that somehow the QB (who, we are told, should be the leader of the team) is allowed not to participate in what everyone else is doing. What kind of respect can his teammates have for him? Who wants to follow the p---- into battle when the game is on the line if he can't even participate in contact drills. We don't use a different colored jersey for our QB, and he does the same thing as any other player on our team. Part of playing football is learning the fundamentals of the game, and you can't do that if you aren't learning how to block and tackle.
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Post by knighter on Jan 16, 2007 8:16:15 GMT -6
100% agree with you Greg! 100% Our QB has to know how to block for sure, and 9 times out of 10 he is a good enough athlete to start on defense as well.
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JMC
Sophomore Member

Posts: 108
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Post by JMC on Jan 16, 2007 11:43:56 GMT -6
Heard Appy St. coach last year, he does a tackling circuit and everyone including Kicker, Punter, and QB have to do it, to quote him "At one time or another they are going to have to make a tackle."
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Post by bcurrier on Jan 16, 2007 15:10:57 GMT -6
Here in Oregon, Jesuit H.S. just won back-to-back state championships in the largest classification in particularly dominating fashion. The school is located on the rich side of Portland and draws from the most privileged segments of local society. At a clinic a couple of years ago, their long-time head coach said that every week, they have everyone, regardless of position and including QB's, do sledwork. His line with the kids is that everyone expects them to be pampered rich kids who aren't tough enough, so they hit the sled to toughen them up physically and psychologically.
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Post by fbdoc on Jan 16, 2007 15:21:18 GMT -6
I can echo the crowd. Even though we're a small school or QB's don't often start on defense. But they (and everyone) spend time on defensive days fitting up, driving and tackling the Gilman Sled, and our share of LIVE tackling. Not because we're worried about a lawsuit - because they might have to tackle someone in a game!
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bhb
Junior Member
 
Posts: 259
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Post by bhb on Jan 16, 2007 15:33:07 GMT -6
Not only should he be included in tackling drills- but every single practice plan you type up should include a phrase like "always keep your head up, and neck bulled when making a tackle- never tackle what you can't see" prominently displayed for all to see. The point of this is if a situation like this ever occurs this will help prove that you teach, preach, and enforce safe tackling procedures.. Every little bit of documentation helps..
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Post by phantom on Jan 16, 2007 17:30:11 GMT -6
ALL of our players tackle and block every day. I have never understood the idea that somehow the QB (who, we are told, should be the leader of the team) is allowed not to participate in what everyone else is doing. What kind of respect can his teammates have for him? Who wants to follow the p---- into battle when the game is on the line if he can't even participate in contact drills. We don't use a different colored jersey for our QB, and he does the same thing as any other player on our team. Part of playing football is learning the fundamentals of the game, and you can't do that if you aren't learning how to block and tackle. Our QBs don't block much in games so I can't see wasting practice time working on skills that they'll never use.
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Post by jraybern on Jan 16, 2007 18:12:03 GMT -6
I would be shocked if a lawsuit was won in the case of the kid getting paralyzed. Maybe I don't see the whole picture, and I do understand negligence, but how can a coach be wrong here. Now, if the coach were teaching the WRONG technique, that is a different matter. What if a lineman recovers a fumble and then has his leg snapped running with the ball? Is the coach liable if the big guy wasn't in on RB drills? What if a punter tries to throw the ball away when someone gets through the line and gets hit in the ribs and gets a lung punctured? Is the coach liable because the punter didn't take passing practice? It is sad the sue happy society we live in and I would not be surprised to actually hearing about this on the news. ALL THAT being said, teach the kid how to tackle and block too. How can he appreciate those things getting done if he doesn't have to do it? (former QB/LB)
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coachbronk
Sophomore Member

[F4:@coachbronk]
Posts: 249
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Post by coachbronk on Jan 16, 2007 20:45:20 GMT -6
I include my QB's in the tackling circuit during 2 a days to get it in their blood and mind. I then remind them, that if they don't fumble or throw INT's tackling someone doesn't become an issue.
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