What is the recommended response when a subject attempts to tackle you in close quarters?

In close-quarters scenarios where a subject attempts to tackle you, sprawling is the recommended response. This technique involves spreading your body out and lowering your center of gravity, which helps prevent the attacker from successfully tackling you. By sprawling, you can create distance and maintain balance, making it more challenging for the attacker to gain control over you.

The sprawl technique allows you to effectively counter the attempt while remaining in a position where you can respond to further actions, whether that involves escaping, defending yourself further, or preparing to take control of the situation. It is a fundamental move taught in many self-defense and law enforcement training programs because it can neutralize the attacker's momentum and give you the ability to pivot into a defensive or offensive posture.

Other methods mentioned, such as retreating, may not be practical in a close-quarters confrontation since the attacker has already closed the distance. Striking back might not be effective if the attacker successfully initiates a tackle, and waiting for backup can leave you vulnerable to immediate physical harm. Thus, sprawling is the most proactive and defensive response in this scenario.