OVERVIEW

This coaching video demonstrates three fundamental tackling drills designed for early-season practice and pregame warmups. The focus is on proper technique, body positioning, and leveraging field boundaries to make effective tackles.

DRILL 1: GAME DAY TACKLE

A foundational drill used on day one of pads, before scrimmages, and pregame. Players line up at the top of the numbers on both sides of the field. Key coaching points include:

• Leading with the onside leg to gain ground
• Working at a 45-degree angle (not flat or straight)
• Lowering shoulders and driving through on contact
• Running feet through the tackle
• Emphasizing proper wrap technique with bent elbows
• Keeping hips low-to-high through contact
• Maintaining a good base and pad level

The coach stresses that bent elbows are critical—comparing it to boxing, where bent elbows allow for quicker strikes than straight arms.

DRILL 2: CUTBACK TACKLE

This drill widens the setup and teaches defenders to use the sideline as help. The ball carrier is positioned slightly deeper and can choose to press forward or cut back. Coaching emphases include:

• Keeping hips "inside out" to prevent cutback lanes
• Staying honest and reading the ball carrier's decision
• Gaining ground downhill rather than moving laterally
• Closing space to the near hip when the runner goes outside
• Sending players back immediately when they make mistakes to reinforce proper angles

DRILL 3: SHOCK SHED TACKLE

A circuit drill that can be done with sleds or donuts. Players practice shedding a blocker before making the tackle:

• Shocking the defender to create separation
• Extending and turning the blocker's surface
• Clearing to the near shoulder tip
• Maintaining low pad level throughout
• Wrapping up after the shed with proper arm extension

This drill reinforces low-to-high leverage and overemphasizes the wrap technique while teaching players to work through contact before tackling.