Description

Marcus Woodson, Arkansas, Co-DC/DB Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: Tackling in Space: Wack Tackle

Whack Tackle Technique for Defensive Backs - Video Summary

OVERVIEW The whack tackle is a specialized low tackle technique used when defenders cannot square up to hit a ball carrier high due to angles and momentum. This is an instinctual tackle primarily used in situations where traditional form tackling isn't possible, particularly effective for smaller defenders against larger ball carriers.

FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH PRINCIPLES The foundation of any whack tackle starts with straining with "fanatical effort" to the ball as the number one priority. Defenders must always show up with bad intentions, embracing the violent, contact-oriented nature of football while maintaining proper technique and eye discipline throughout the approach.

TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN Proper whack tackle execution requires tracking the ball carrier's near hip with disciplined eyes, as the body follows where the eyes look. The defender attacks the near thigh board rather than attempting to hit high and drive. The tackle involves laying out horizontally to cut the ball carrier's legs from underneath, utilizing three essential bends from the ground up - ankles, knees, and waist.

CONTACT AND FINISHING Upon contact, eyes should focus on the thigh board, with many coaches teaching to aim for the opposite thigh board to ensure proper body positioning. Defenders must punch through their hips even in this laying-out form of tackle, wrapping and squeezing with the lower body around the ball carrier's legs while maintaining upward eye position when possible.

PRACTICE METHODS Due to injury risk, this technique cannot be practiced with live teammates. Instead, coaches use agile bags and crash pads to simulate ball carriers. The drill work emphasizes proper bending mechanics and the laying-out motion while attacking the simulated thigh board of the agile bag.

GAME SITUATIONS AND APPLICATIONS Whack tackles are particularly effective in goal line situations, slot coverage, and crack-and-replace scenarios in the red zone. The technique proves valuable when size mismatches exist (smaller DB vs. larger tight end) or when receivers are cracking down and defenders must replace. These situations require instinctual reactions rather than planned technique.

COACHING POINTS FROM GAME FILM Game examples show defenders successfully using whack tackles in man coverage, three-flat coverage, and crack-replace situations. Key successful elements include maintaining eye discipline through traffic, proper angle-taking, fighting pressure with pressure to maintain leverage, and sacrificing the body to get the ball carrier on the ground by any means necessary.

SAFETY AND IMPLEMENTATION While this is described as an instinctual tackle not worked daily in practice, it remains crucial for defensive physicality and getting ball carriers to the ground. Coaches emphasize this is a "feel" technique that defenders must recognize and execute in real-time game situations when conventional tackling approaches aren't viable.

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