Youth football and tackling

[JoeWildcat]

Some statistical evidence that having coaches trained to teach correct tackling helps reduce injuries/concussions.

Correct Tackling

 

[polecat]

Have been a youth coach for three years.

We have limited drills like the Oklahoma drill and all tackling is heads up. Even so far as to stop a game to correct a kid using his helmet. Zero concussions league wide for three years. Over time it will make a difference.

 

[JoeWildcat]

Re: Have been a youth coach for three years.

Excellent. Those are the types of actions we need to take all the way through high school and beyond in order to save football as a sport.

 

[julescat]

Re: Have been a youth coach for three years.

Many studies suggest that subconcussive head hits are not good for long term brain health so I think that focusing just on # of concussions is missing the point. I think football as we know it has no more than 10 years left.

 

[Gladeskat]

Re: Have been a youth coach for three years.

Originally posted by julescat:
Many studies suggest that subconcussive head hits are not good for long term brain health so I think that focusing just on # of concussions is missing the point. I think football as we know it has no more than 10 years left.

Sadly, I agree with you, though I think it will be >20+ years before football is de-emphasized as a sport. The worst collisions, like taking a knee to the head, or whiplash upon contact with the ground, can't be easily prevented. The subconcussive head blows will be a major problem for the sport if research shows that they are broadly conducive to brain damage.

That will be a sad day...but I think football clubs will emerge to carry on the greatest of games if colleges are unwilling to foot the risk.

 

[kawacko]

In my view any tackle football before high school should not exist. The neck and head are much to delicate at younger ages.