They should just call it what it is, spearing, the key I look for is the arms, if the arms are not in position to attempt a wrap up, they are not trying to tackle.
Originally Posted by: PackFanWithTwins
This. Question should be "where are the arms", not "where is the head".
If people taught tackle form and paid attention to what the player is doing with his arms rather than, well, whatever they teach re: tackling, my feeling is that more than 50% of the "head-threatening" plays would disappear. Two reasons: One, arms in proper tackling position (open
and in front of shoulders) will make the chest absorb more of the force that "tackling through the ball carrier-style tackling provides, and means the top of shoulders/neck/head getting less of that force. Two, the speed of impact will decrease because arm position is going to slow the forward movement more than arms down/back/spearing will; even if you "launch" you are going to decelerate faster. Three, you're not going to launch as easily -- try launching yourself
starting with your arms in front of your shoulders sometime. You're going to look like Ryan Pickett trying to go vertical, I imagine.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)