June 2, 2025

The Unexpected Way Flag Football Builds Tackling Skills

In a move that made headlines across the football world, flag football is officially headed to the Olympics. NFL players will even be eligible to compete. This is a huge moment for the sport’s visibility. But beyond the spotlight and medal hype, there’s something else worth noting: flag football and tackle football share the same foundation.

If you're a youth or high school coach, this is more than a headline. It's a reminder that great tackling starts with the same approach used in flag.

Tackling and Flag Pulling Start the Same Way

At first glance, flag football and tackle football might seem like opposites. One avoids contact, the other embraces it. But both demand strong fundamentals in space management and body control. Whether you're pulling a flag or finishing a tackle, the movement begins the same way: with a calculated approach, solid footwork, and precise angles.

Enhance Player Safety with Atavus Tacklytics

Reduce missed tackles and improve performance through data-driven analysis.

SCHEDULE A DEMO

3 Key Takeaways for Coaches

1. Good Tackling Starts Before Contact

The tackle doesn't begin with a hit. It starts the moment a defender begins closing space. Flag football trains players to recognize this and respond with control and discipline.

2. Flag Teaches Angles, Control, and Positioning

As Scott Lawyer said in The Takedown, “As defenders, we don’t play the ball—we play the person.” That mindset is core to both flag and tackle. Flag athletes learn how to mirror movement, stay square, and close space without overcommitting. These habits directly translate to effective tackling.

3. Flag Fundamentals Help Prevent Injuries Later

Because flag football emphasizes safe movement and spatial awareness, it builds habits that reduce risk later. Players trained in flag often enter tackle football with better mechanics and fewer dangerous tendencies.

One Foundation, Two Games

Flag football is more than a stepping stone. It is a powerful training ground for developing smart, skilled defenders. The same biomechanics that help players succeed in flag also help them tackle with confidence and control. At Atavus, our training reinforces these shared fundamentals to help coaches teach safer, smarter football.

As the game evolves, so should the way we coach it. Get started today: Digital Tackling Academy

FAQs

1. Can flag football really help players learn how to tackle?

Yes. While flag football is a non-contact sport, it teaches essential pre-contact skills like body control, tracking, angles, and positioning. These skills are critical for safe and effective tackling in contact football. Atavus uses the same principles in its coaching system and certification programs.

2. What does the Atavus Flag Football "Tackling" Certification cover?

The Atavus Flag Football "Tackling" Certification focuses on proper technique in the pre-contact phase of the tackle. Coaches learn how to design and progress drills, implement movement fundamentals, and use a proven system that prepares players for contact through safe, smart instruction.

3. Who should take the Atavus Flag Football Certification?

This certification is a great fit for youth and high school coaches, especially those working in flag football, hybrid leagues, or early-stage tackle development. It is also valuable for physical education teachers and athletic directors who want to teach safer movement skills.

4. How much does the Atavus Flag Football Certification cost?

The certification is available for $20 and is valid for two years. It includes step-by-step coaching instruction, access to drills and progressions, and additional tools to help coaches improve player safety and technique.

5. What resources are included with the certification?

Coaches receive access to the Atavus Starter coaching resource library and the Atavus Coaches Community. These tools help coaches implement what they have learned, connect with peers, and continue building safer football programs over time.