Description

Marcus Woodson, Co-DC, Arkansas

Full video available on Glazier Drive at Tackling in Space: Angle Tackle as a part of the Marcus Woodson DB System

SUMMARY

This coaching video focuses on proper tackling technique and drill progressions for defensive players at all levels. The instructor emphasizes fundamental body positioning and provides both drill work and game film analysis.

BASIC TACKLING STANCE AND APPROACH

The foundation of good tackling starts with proper body positioning - near foot to near shoulder alignment with the ball carrier. Players must maintain three key bends: at the ankles, knees, and waist. The critical coaching point is "punching through the hips" to generate explosiveness at the point of contact, which creates the power needed for effective tackles.

FIVE-YARD BOX DRILL

The primary drill demonstrated uses a five-yard spacing setup with a popup dummy at the center. The ball carrier has two options: cut back or continue straight through. The defensive back starts in a pedal position, maintaining inside-out leverage on the ball carrier. Key coaching points include:

• Staying behind the ball carrier to eliminate cut-back opportunities
• Achieving "chest to chest" contact position
• Keeping "eyes below eyes" for proper leverage
• Creating knockback through aggressive leg drive after contact

LEVERAGE AND POSITIONING

Proper spacing and leverage are crucial for successful tackling. Defenders must track the near hip of the ball carrier while maintaining position that prevents cut-backs. The concept of "winning your leverage" means staying in the correct relationship to the ball carrier to force them into your tackle rather than allowing escape routes.

WRAP AND ROLL TECHNIQUE

When ball carriers are running away from defenders, the tackle often becomes a wrap and roll technique. However, when ball carriers square up to defenders, traditional form tackling applies with emphasis on the three bends and proper head position.

HEAD AND EYES POSITIONING

A critical coaching point throughout is maintaining proper head position with "eyes up" during contact. The instructor uses the analogy that if wearing a hat, you should feel the brim on your back after making contact - this ensures safe head positioning while maintaining vision of the target.

GAME FILM ANALYSIS

The video includes several game clips demonstrating these concepts in action:

• Safety play in coverage situations showing proper angle-taking and hip tracking
• Unblocked defender scenarios where proper angle eliminates cut-back opportunities
• Linebacker tackling demonstrating the universal application of these fundamentals
• Examples of "fanatical effort" and team pursuit to the football

KEY COACHING EMPHASIS

Throughout the instruction, the coach emphasizes "arriving with bad intentions" - bringing controlled aggression to the point of contact. The combination of proper technique, aggressive leg drive, and correct body positioning creates effective tackles that generate knockback and potential turnovers. The drills progress from basic fundamentals to game-speed applications, making these concepts applicable for coaches at all levels of football.

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