Spearing in football is attributed to

Spearing in football refers to a dangerous and illegal tackling technique in which a player uses the top of their helmet as a battering ram to make forceful contact with an opponent. This head-first approach can lead to serious neck and spine injuries, as well as concussions, both for the player making the tackle (the 'spearing' player) and the player being tackled. Due to the risks associated with spearing, it is penalized when identified by referees and is strongly discouraged through coaching and training programs at all levels of football.

Spearing is particularly dangerous because the top of the helmet and the area it impacts are not designed to absorb the high levels of force generated by such hits. By initiating contact with the top of the head, a player concentrates the force onto a small area, which increases the risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae and spinal cord.

In an effort to make the sport safer, governing bodies have established rules against spearing. When a player is found guilty of spearing, the team is typically penalized with significant yardage, and the player may also face additional disciplinary actions such as ejection from the game, suspensions, or fines, especially in professional leagues.