How to Play Defensive Tackle

Every successful defense in football begins with talented players in the middle. Without good defensive tackles, a defense has a hole or weakness in the middle through which the opposing offense will run. To play defensive tackle effectively, a player must possess certain traits and abilities. Some of these traits are innate, but a player can attain the rest through practice and hard work.

Instructions

1. Possess the physical attributes necessary to play defensive tackle. Normally, defensive tackles are some of the heaviest and strongest players on the defense. If a player is small relative to the other players, it is difficult, if not impossible, to play defensive tackle. Tackles even in high school weigh as much as 300 lbs., and usually over 300 at the college and professional levels.

2. Stop the opposing team from running any plays up the middle of the field. The first responsibility of a defensive tackle is to make sure there are no gaps through which the offense can gain any yardage. A good defensive tackle will effectively establish a wall in the middle of the field and force the opposing offense to go around the line to gain yardage.

3. Push the offensive linemen backwards on a passing play. The most effective pass rush in football is one that originates from the defensive tackle position. The reason for this is that the defensive player is usually closest to the quarterback at the snap of the football. In addition, it is very difficult for the quarterback to complete a pass if he can't step up in the pocket.

4. Communicate effectively with your teammates on the defense. Depending on the play call, a defensive may need to run a stunt in which he loops around the other defensive tackle or end to confuse the opposing offense. A defensive tackle must learn to communicate with the other defenders to make the play work correctly.

5. Understand which gap you are responsible for on a given play. Usually a defensive must plug a specific running lane through which the opposing offense is trying to run a play. If the defensive tackle plugs the wrong gap it can result in a negative result for the defense.