The Fight to Connect is about winning the confrontation at the point of contact. In order for this to happen, tacklers must possess the proper mentality, but this alone isn’t enough. Technique along with accuracy in addition to the proper mentality create what is necessary to win the confrontation. Coaches that work with offensive and defensive linemen have long proclaimed the notion that the first person that makes meaningful contact creates an advantage. This is no different when it comes to tackling. Tacklers that can create an advantage from the first touch are more likely to make a proper and successful tackle.

Coach Pomazak articulates what many coaches that have taken a deep dive into USA Football’s Advanced Tackling System have felt: it’s almost like learning how to tackle all over again. The Fight to Connect is the third of the Five Fights. In the five-part breakdown of the tackle that the system presents, it’s the middle part of the tackle that many coaches don’t think about, however, the importance of this component of the progression cannot be understated.

RELATED CONTENT: Part I of the Five Fights “Film to Field” series on USA Football’s Coach and Coordinator podcast  features Slade Calhoun

The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with the Fight to Connect are Shoulder Accuracy, Strike Point (Top Frontal), Shoulder Jab, React to Outcome, Arm Clamp, Iron Grip, Reshape to a Dominant Position, and Arrowhead.

Starting with the shoulder, it’s important for defenders to be equally accurate with both the left and right shoulder when striking. Defenders should be taught to aim small utilizing the laser focus drilled in the Fight to Track, while looking to strike with the top corner of the shoulder. Our target is small and so is our strike area. Tacklers want to be precise and demonstrate body control. One Advanced Tackling System drill that addresses the strike point while adding the importance of jabbing with the shoulder to foster a cut-through mentality (the notion that tacklers should be striking through the target, not to the target) is Shoulder Jab Series. This drill, like many of the drills available within the system, address several KPIs and the shoulder is the place to start working within the Fight to Connect.

Connect brings to light an interesting point with regard to knock-back tackles and limiting yards after contact. Coach DiGaetano shares that if an average height player falls forward after contact, they stand to gain about 1.5 yards. In a game of inches, 1.5 yards over the course of 4 quarters adds up to what could be several additional first downs allowed by a defensive unit. The ability to connect and stay connected is key.

RELATED CONTENT: Part II of the Five Fights “Film to Field” Series on USA Football’s Coach and Coordinator podcast features Coach Ryan Fullen

Other KPIs that come up when taking a deep dive into the Fight to Connect deal with the hands of the tackler. In the past, “Wrap Up” was a common coaching correction that could be heard on the sidelines or in the film room. Wrapping up isn’t specific and does not take into account the many variables that exist when staying on a ball carrier. Arm Clamp and Iron Grip are two KPIs that give tacklers much more detail within the fight. Coaches can drill the Arm Clamp and the Iron Grip on bags. Throwing an old practice jersey on a tackling bag can go a long way with the Iron Grip KPI as it will give players something to grip thus training the KPI and creating the habit. These details are easily overlooked but they help to illustrate the importance of attention to detail that the entire Advanced Tackling System uncovers.

Much work has been done in recent years to take the head out of tackling, and out of football in general. Language is an important component of this evolution. The head has been removed from the language of tackling. “Get your head across” and “bite the ball” are no longer terms that coaches are using when it comes to teaching tackling. With that being said, the Arrowhead KPI is an important performance indicator with a central focus on keeping the head and neck strong and sturdy through contact. Concussions that come as a result of whiplash in car accidents are often worse when victims report not seeing the car that struck them. Even a split second of recognition allows muscles in the neck to tense enough to limit head movement after impact. The Arrowhead KPI allows coaches to train a strong neck through contact. Tacklers are pinning the side of their helmet to the ball carrier thus limiting head movement and keeping consistent with the theme of taking away space.

These are the components within the third of the Five Fights – the Fight to Connect – which is the middle ground part of the tackle where much performance can be left on the table if not coached and addressed. The Advanced Tackling System creates opportunities to dive deep into the forensic detail of the tackle. Elements of missed tackles can be celebrated, elements of made tackles can be corrected and players stand to gain a great deal with regard to the most important and universal skill in the game of football.