tacklers

Tacklers are players whose primary role in team sports is to stop the progress of the opposing ball carrier by bringing them to the ground or ending their forward motion. Tackling is a foundational defensive skill in codes such as American football and rugby, and also appears in other contact sports with variations in rules and technique.

In gridiron football, tacklers make up the defensive unit and can be linebackers, defensive backs, or linemen. The common goal is to close distance quickly, wrap the arms around the ball carrier, and drive or guide them to the ground. Safe tackling technique emphasizes keeping the head up, using the shoulder and arms, and avoiding dangerous contact with the head or neck. Rules regulate tackle height and contact to protect players; illegal tackles, helmet-to-helmet hits, or tackles on a defenseless player can result in penalties, fouls, or ejection.

In rugby union and rugby league, a tackle is a legal means of contesting possession. The tackler must bring the ball carrier to ground and release both the tackled player and the ball promptly to allow fair play. Legal tackles require wrapping the arms; high tackles or dangerous contact are punished with penalties and can lead to disciplinary action such as temporary suspensions in some competitions.

Skills associated with effective tackling include anticipation, angle of approach, strength, and balance, as well as situational judgment about when to go for the wrap or to contest the ball after contact. Safety considerations and standardized rules aim to reduce injuries while preserving the competitive aspect of the tackle.