Tackling Techniques

The National Football League’s decision to outlaw a specific tackling technique known as the “swivel” hip-drop tackle has sent shockwaves through the football community, sparking a heated debate over player safety and the ever-evolving rulebook. At the league’s annual meeting in Orlando, team owners unanimously voted to ban the controversial move, which the NFL claims inflicts injuries at an alarming rate of 25 times higher than the average tackle. The data, compiled by the league’s health and safety committee, revealed that players missed game time due to this tackle nearly once a week during the 2023 season.

In a move aimed at enhancing player safety, NFL owners have approved a rule proposal to ban the controversial hip-drop tackle, a technique that has gained popularity in recent years but has also been linked to lower-body injuries. The decision, announced on Monday, has sparked a heated debate among players, fans, and pundits, with some applauding the league’s commitment to safety and others expressing concerns about the potential impact on the game.