After all, when in a position, or given the responsibility of stopping the opponent, the tag must be made., or a big gain results.
In the following, a number of Tag types will be identified, as well as a couple of common mistakes.
This article will deal with the “Chest Plate” tag, the “shoulder” tag, the "angle" tag, as well as the risky “El toro” tag and the “MS. Priss” tag.
To remember the fundamentals of making the tag the acronym BELT will be used.
B = balance
E = eyes
L= leverage
T = technique or tag.
All types of tag or touches should be applied with these fundamentals applied.
A. THE "CHEST PLATE" TAG
This basic fundamental stresses proper body position and technique.
As the defender approaches the opponent the defender has to lower the center of gravity, assume a balanced stance by pumping the feet (allowing for lateral movement,) look at the offensive players chest, with the head directly in front of the oncoming player. As the player comes within three feet or a meter, the tag is made, by bringing the arms up touching the offensive player in the chest.
The process of the tag is to stay low, head up, arms begin from the “holster” position (a position as if you were drawing a gun from a holster) bringing them up to reach, but yet absorb the offensive player.
In completing the touch, depending on the speed of the offensive player, the defender may have to “funnel” the ball carrier past the point of tag, thereby almost absorbing the player, and directing the player safely.
Remember the rules state the defender must be in control when making a tag. The offensive player also plays a role in his own safety, and should also be responsible for diminishing contact.
B. THE "SHOULDER" TAG
This basic fundamental stresses proper body position and technique.
The process of the tag is to stay low, head up, arms begin from the “holster” position (a position as if you were drawing a gun from a holster) bringing them up to reach, but yet absorb the offensive player.
In completing the touch, depending on the speed of the offensive player, the defender may have to “funnel” the ball carrier past the point of tag, thereby almost absorbing the player, and directing the player safely.
Remember the rules state the defender must be in control when making a tag. The offensive player also plays a role in his own safety, and should also be responsible for diminishing contact.
C. The "ANGLE" TAG
As the defender approaches the opponent the defender has to lower the center of gravity, assume a balanced stance by pumping the feet (allowing for lateral movement,) look at the offensive players chest, and "funnel"/ or guide the player to a side, or near the sideline, with the head in front of the oncoming player. As the defender approaches the ball carrier, s/he must be aware that the ball carrier could stop, change direction and "cut back." Therefore the "tagger" must angle the ball carrier, in such a way that s/he is near the ball carrier's midline of the torso. As the player comes within three feet or a meter, the tag is made, by leading with the foot nearest the direction the ball carrier is going, as well as placing the tagger's own head, in front of the ball carrier's intended direction and bringing the arm furthest in front of the ball carrier up touching the offensive player in the chest. The other arm, tags the ballcarrier in the back.
WHAT NOT TO DO!
1.) The "EL TORO" Tag
In this attempt to tag a ball carrier, the defender, demonstrates few known basic fundamentals of any sport. The player approaches the ball carrier, with an upright, unbalanced "high"center ofm gravity,and as the ballcarrier comes near, the tagger attempts to "finger tip" tag him/her. The tagger, simultaneously jumps out of the way, hoping not to receive any contact. At the sametime, when upon landing throws both hands up in the air protesting to the official that “I got him!”
While safe, for the attempted tagger, the "taggee" can easily change direction,and evade such an attemptby the tagger who has come in"high" hasn't stabilized their feet, can't change direction, and is limited in ther reaction ability, if the ball carrier changes direction!!
2.) THE "Ms. PRISS" Attempted TAG
In this attempt to tag a ball carrier, the defender, demonstrates no known basic fundamentals of any sport. The player floats toward the ball carrier, and as s/he attempts to finger tip -whisp the player, simultaneously jumps out of the way. At the sametime, when upon landing throws both hands up in the air protesting to the official that “I got him/her!”
The tagger, mistakenly thinks that “everyone yelling,” is in response to his/her great play. In reality, it’s the runner denying he was touched, the other defenders yelling s/he was touched and the officials, not having a clue, because the “possible touch” was so miniscule, it was imperceiveable to the human eye!
Obviously, the attempted tag, was doomed from the start!
