Description

Ben Bolling, Defensive Assistant, Houston Texans

The full video is available on Glazier Drive: Houston Texans Tackling Progression

THREE MAJOR COACHING POINTS FOR TACKLING

This football coaching video focuses on three fundamental tackling principles that coaches should emphasize repeatedly with their players.

TRACK THE NEAR HIP The first major coaching point emphasizes going to where the ball carrier is, not where he's going. This ensures proper positioning and prevents cutback lanes when the entire team pursues with intention, precision, and great effort. Multiple defenders converging on the ball carrier's current position creates a cavalry effect.

BODY ON BODY TACKLING The second principle focuses on making physical contact with body parts - whether it's near foot to near toe, near shoulder to near shoulder, or targeting the inside pec for head leverage. The key is to physically wrap and squeeze because this removes the ball carrier's power source from the ground. When you wrap and squeeze the lower body or from up top, you eliminate the runner's ability to drive his feet and generate power.

WRAP, SQUEEZE, AND ROLL TECHNIQUE The coaching emphasizes same foot, same shoulder positioning with head on the leverage side, eyes through the thighs, and body on body contact. The sequence is wrap, squeeze, and roll while finishing with a body part. This technique takes the legs out of play and brings the runner down effectively.

DRILLING PROGRESSIONS The video demonstrates several drill progressions starting in short area spaces:

• Basic wrap technique without taking players to the ground
• Reactionary drills where ball carriers can choose direction
• Crash pad drills for full contact practice
• Block protection drills working strike and wrap fundamentals
• Angle changes to simulate different game situations

PROFILE TACKLING For profile situations, the coaching points shift to same foot, same shoulder with eyes through the midline. The technique becomes lift and drive for five yards, then finish with violence by dumping the runner into the ground. This creates a physical presence and makes the tackle memorable.

GAME APPLICATION The video shows real game examples demonstrating these techniques in action, including zone drops, checkdown tackles, and various angles. The emphasis throughout is on taking that extra step to ensure proper body positioning rather than lunging and trusting upper body strength alone, especially as running backs continue to improve their contact balance and athletic ability.

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