how can i be a better safety in football?

Question

i play free safety i can get inerceptions but i need 2 learn how 2 tackle

Answer 1

You're not the only one that needs to learn how to tackle.....95% of the NFL needs to learn as well. Fundamentals have gone out the window in favor of the ESPN highlight film.

What you need is to goto your coach and say, "Coach, I want to learn the fundamentals of tackling and I want to focus on that, what do I need to do?" If your coach has 2/3 of clue and believes in you, he will probably shed a tear.

W/o knowing what you are doing it's hard to correct, however the guy above seems to know what he's talking about. If you're looking on the internet, include the search term "fundamentals". Learning the basics will take you a long way. And then when you get the form and technique right in your head, go out and do it over and over and over again.

Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Start slow with the correct technique, and then gradually crank up the speed as you get more and more clear. Run it through your head a dozen times then physically do it. See it first then do it.

BTW, besides tackling, two other great attributes are speed and endurance. And yes, you CAN teach speed, and Jerry Rice made most of his yards and big plays in the 4th quarter for a reason....he was simply in better shape than everyone else on the field. His off season routine involved running a few miles up and down SanFran's hills. If you can run, and run all day long as well, and tackle, there will always be a place for you on any football field. That's just an FYI.

Answer 2

To be a good safety you have to have a certain state of mind. The one thing you have to remember is that you are the last line of defense. Instead of going for the big hit you almost always have to go for the sure tackle. Get yourself in a breakdown position so you are ready for any moves and wait for the ball carrier to make his moves and commit. make him commit to a direction first and allow him to come to you. Tackle him high. By doing these things you may allow him another yard or two after the hit but, in your position, it's more important to get the sure tackle.
In pass coverage, the same notion applies. In the NFL and college there are different types of safeties but at any age lower than that there is basically one kind. Again you are the last line of defense. While interceptions and big hits are nice it is even more important to never let the potential receiver get by you, either before or after he catches the ball. Keep everything in front of you and do not over commit to their moves.
Everyday, you should practive your back peddling and, when in pads, set up two cones about 10 yards apart and have the backs and receivers take turns running between those cones. They have enough room to make moves so you can practice staying set, not falling for those moves and making sure tackles.
Remember, highlight reel plays happen by accident to players who are prepared and try to make the good play instead of the flashy play.

Answer 3

I'd have to know what you are doing to give you good feedback. The safety position is fun to have. You get to watch plays develop and have the best chance at making an impact in a game. The Safeties are among the tackle leaders,and INT's in the NFL for this reason. My advice is to pay attention to what plays your opponent likes to run-if they get to be predictable in certain situations (say the TE gets used alot on 3rd down) you have the advantage as a safety. Watch footage of guys like Darren Sharper and you'll see what I mean.

Answer 4

Don't be like Kevin Kaseveharn (sp) or Medieau Williams of the Bunguls and WAIT for the receiver to get to YOU before making a hit, gaining like 20+ yards. Go up and hit the SOB and de-cleat him.

Answer 5

practice makes perfect..work out try to learn ur position better and bring sum of ur players that r really big or big guys and try to tackle them or even go on made...jk jk...but yea...learn t play better or j watch other free safetys

Answer 6

First you must ask your self. Am I willing to make this body of mine run faster than it ever has, grab harder, hold tighter jump higher, and most af all fear no one and never give up ..If you answered yes to all of those
YOU JUST BECAME A BETTER SAFTY

Answer 7

u need to like to tackle

its not hard if ur not scared