The NFL accomplished a significant offseason goal on Monday, March 25. The competition committee voted unanimously to ban a dangerous tackling move.
While this isn't exactly going to alter the NFL odds market or anything, it is a major offseason talking point that will invite questions from casual fans and be mentioned in games this fall.'
The technique, which has grown in popularity in recent years, is known as a swivel hip-drop tackle.'
What Is a Hip-Drop Tackle?
An illegal hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender attempts a tackle with the following components:
- The tackler makes contact with and grabs a ball carrier with one or both hands/arms
- The tackler then “unweights” himself, meaning he shifts the weight out of his hips and lower body
- The tackler drops his own body to the ground, dragging the ball carrier down as well
- Rather than letting the ground absorb his fall, the tackling player drops his body weight directly onto the ball carrier's legs (or other body part)