With discussion about the hip drop tackle, which had been debated over the off-season but was reignited by the unfortunate injury to Mark Andrews on TNF, I thought I’d highlight that other sports are attempting to address the tackle and it’s technique.
It’s obviously not a perfect comparison but it’s still interesting to see how they address it.
VIDEO (NRL): What is and isn’t a hip drop tackle https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/16/what-is-and-isnt-a-hip-drop-tackle/
Reddit thread: Older examples of hip drops in the NRL https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/j15o3p/the_hip_drop_tackle/
Article: What is a hip drop tackle? NRL clarifies controversial tackling technique: https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/what-is-a-hip-drop-tackle-nrl-clarifies/bjmnuia5i9fhdubyc6svzriq
They’re still working out the kinks and trying to figure out how to apply punishment consistently but for the most part the viewer base agrees that something needs to change to stop the high incidence of career-altering injuries from this type of tackle.
We’ve seen the NFL give the offense more protection in the past and we know they want to see explosive high-scoring games so maybe they won’t care too much to add another challenge for defensive players by banning this technique.
Thoughts?
Football is a violent sport played by the type of dudes that would’ve been gladiators in ancient times. They make millions because the risk their health every Sunday for our entertainment. We cannot allow them to soften up while still making the money that they do. That defeats the purpose of the sport
How do you tackle someone from behind? Is it just assumed that you have to knock them forward an extra 6 yards and hope they fall down in the process?
Hip drop tackles. So hot right now
The FSU QB just had his ankle broken with this move earlier this afternoon.