SOURCE: USA Football
INDIANAPOLIS – USA Football announced today the launch of its Advanced Tackling System. Developed in conjunction with international, multi-sport tackling expert Richie Gray, coaches implementing its innovative techniques may teach, break down and grade tackling skill in detail.
Featuring in-depth drills and instructional video, the Advanced Tackling System establishes common terminology to better develop all types of tackles and helps coaches analyze and improve their players’ success through key performance indicators (KPIs). The Advanced Tackling System utilizes a progression developed by Gray to foster greater performance. Each component of the progression introduces mental exercise to help players become fundamentally sound tacklers.
“The Advanced Tackling System teaches tackling in an innovative and forward-thinking way,” USA Football CEO SCOTT HALLENBECK said. “We’re excited to deliver Richie Gray’s expertise to the football family for smarter, better play.”
Gray is a prominent tackling expert in football and rugby. He is the founder of GSI Performance and currently serves as the defensive breakdown specialist for the French professional rugby union club Montpellier Hérault. In 2016, he worked for the Miami Dolphins as the team’s tackle specialist. Gray also has experience as a contact skills specialist for the South Africa 15s and 7s sides and the Scotland national rugby team. He is an instructor in the Advanced Tackling System and developed the progression within it.
“Like rugby, the sport of football is continuously evolving, and the Advanced Tackling System for football was built to evolve with the game,” Gray said. “USA Football is a leader when it comes to player and coach development and I’m happy to partner with them to offer a new tackling framework for every element of tackling that can be easily understood and implemented to achieve better results and improve the skills of coaches and players.”
This system provides in-depth instruction on the following:
- Tracking the ball-carrier
- Preparing for the tackle
- Connecting with the opponent
- Accelerating the feet
- Finishing the tackle
- Grading and analyzing the tackle
The Advanced Tackling System builds upon existing systems, including USA Football’s Should Tackling System andcertification content. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Football educates more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the United States.
About USA Football: USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players.
