Tackling Wheels

Theyre ok. Lunging is an issue. I used them some for reping kickout blocks and pullers adjusting to run throughs.

You need two wheels to get efficient reps.

Theyre not enough alone, you still need real man v man drills. They do cut down on contact. Run a tackling drill 5 times, make 3 ring drills and 2 live

1) I worry they would make the guys lunge.
We had same thoughts, but these have really helped with guys staying on feet and coming to balance.

2) What do you do with efficiency of rolling the wheel for one guy and then getting it loaded up for the next rep without too much wait time.
We have two, and whatever position group is using tackle wheel gets both of them. Only LB's and DB's use these.

3) Do you feel they prepare guys to tackle in game situations?
We use these, as well as other tackling drills which involve using players holding shields.

4) Do you need a decently smooth surface to roll them?
We use them on our grass practice field, not problems.

5) Is it really better than tackling/fitting up on a person (other than limiting contact)?
I think it helps with pursuit angle, coming to balance, clubbing up at contact. I am old school and like to have tacklers pursue ball carrier, maintain leverage, and club-up ball carrier.

We make them run about 7-10 yards, then roll the wheel. Don't roll wheel right at them; roll it at angle to/away from them. It's similar to an angle tackle.

They’re fantastic. You do need 2-3 of them for efficiency (same way you have a line of scout kids during a drill).

We don’t do a ton of rolling with them, but I like them for traditional form tackling. Roll it right at a guy and they tackle the front of the wheel and wrap through the inside and pick it up and run. This forces them to get into a hitting position, wrap and explode up with their hips to get it off the ground.

We will do the same with an angle tackle and have them pick up the wheel without rolling (basically punch and arm through the inside and then wrap the other arm.

They’ve been really nice to add on to other drills that we used to have to use a kid holding a bag - those reps were always sloppy because kids will brother-in-law the tackle and slow down.

We also use them for your kickout blocks, angle roll tackle and the stuff they put on the videos, but in general we don’t roll them a ton once we are in the regular season.

48 for HS Varsity. Can use a 42 for JV.

Have any of you had shoulder concerns with the landing?

We haven’t but I cringe at times...it’s a (maybe unfounded) concern of mine

Because it looks awkward at times especially if they explode through and their body continues going while their shoulder and arm are pinned

I always thought they were gimicky and a waste of money. A local hospital donated two to every football team within a 50 mile radius. I have since bought two more.

Things I like, full speed angle tackling and not waiting on a guy to strap his helmet, or him twisting an ankle. I may think differently at a bigger school but with 20-30 kids can't afford anyone to get hurt. DB's and LB's work angle tackling, DL works anchoring and coming off of blocks and tackling in their gap. ILB's will also work a low head up tackle for that team who puts a 300 lb fullback back there.

I love the fact that we can go work out tackling year round without pads with the tackle tubes, and heads up drills with halfround dummies.


SUGGESTION: Make sure  you get them with handles on the sides makes it much easier to roll. We have two with handles and two without, the two without hard to get them to speed to simulate outside runs.