posttackle

Posttackle is a term used in sports analytics to describe the sequence of events that unfold after a tackle contest ends, focusing on the immediate status of the ball, whether possession is retained or lost, and the transition to the next phase of play. The word combines post with tackle to denote the phase that follows the tackle event, regardless of the sport.

The concept is applied across multiple codes, notably rugby union, American football, and association football, where analysts study how teams respond to a tackle. In rugby, posttackle analysis often centers on the breakdown, ball presentation, and the speed with which the defending team can contest for turnover or the attacking team can recycle play. In American football, it may involve the protection of the ball after a tackle, the pursuit of a fumble, or the setup of the next play. In soccer, posttackle considerations track how quickly a team regains possession, clears the ball, or transitions to an attacking phase after a tackle win or loss.

Metrics associated with posttackle include possession duration after a tackle, probability of turnover, successful continuation of play, and the pace of transition to attack or defense. Analysts use posttackle data to assess defensive resilience, recovery speed, and the effectiveness of support play following a tackle.

Limitations include varying rule interpretations and data collection methods across sports, which can hinder cross-code comparisons. As a relatively informal concept, standard definitions and benchmarks for posttackle are still evolving.