Reducing Head Contact Risk in College Football: Key Findings from Ivy League Study

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that Ivy League football teams that implement a no-tackle approach in practices have a lower rate of high-risk tackling techniques. The research analyzed 3,701 tackles from 237 Ivy League defensive football players in the 2016 season and identified specific tackling techniques associated with head contact risk. The findings suggest that teams can reduce the risk of head contact by focusing on low-risk tackle characteristics, such as neutral neck position and back contact area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ivy League football teams that practice without player-on-player tackling have a lower rate of high-risk tackling techniques.
  • Specific tackling techniques, such as flexion and extension neck positioning, are associated with high head contact risk.
  • Low-risk tackle characteristics, such as neutral neck position and back contact area, are linked to reduced head contact risk.
  • Teams that use low-risk tackling techniques, such as high-back-neutral and low-back-neutral, have lower odds of head contact.
  • The study's results suggest that modifying tackling techniques can reduce the risk of head contact and improve player safety.

Statistics:

  • 237 Ivy League defensive football players participated in the study.
  • 3,701 tackles were coded and analyzed.
  • 10 low-risk tackle characteristics were identified, including neutral neck position (OR=0.1) and back contact area (OR=0.3).
  • 12 high-risk tackle characteristics were identified, including flexion (OR=14.2) and extension (OR=3.8) neck positioning.

Sources:

  • Associations of Tackling Characteristics, Player Position, and Head Contact Risk During Game Play in College Football. Journal of Athletic Training, 2025;60(9):653-663.
  • Natl Athletic Trainers Assoc Inc, 2952 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247, USA.