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Don Gelsomino, York HS, IL, Head Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: Tackling

 

TACKLING PHILOSOPHY

This system is based on hawk/rugby-style tackling, popularized by Pete Carroll and the Seahawks in 2015. It's considered simpler, safer, and more biomechanically sound than traditional form tackling. The approach uses leg power more effectively, covers more situations, and allows practice from non-ideal tackling positions.

IDEAL TACKLE POSITIONING

The perfect tackle involves shoulder contact with the ball carrier's thighs, good hand clamp on the back of thighs or knees, legs positioned for explosive drive-through with knee bend, and head up throughout the movement.

BIOMECHANICS AND LEG DRIVE

The system relies on powerful leg drive similar to deadlifts or squats. This keeps defenders on their feet and moving through contact rather than stopping. Lifting involves standing up like a squat and pulling hands to the chest like a dumbbell row, similar to shooting a double-leg takedown in wrestling.

THE THREE-PHASE SYSTEM: SEEK, STRIKE, STRAIN

Seek Phase: Read the play, get eyes on your key, win your block/read, then track the runner's near hip (the hip closest to you when tracking begins). Close distance at full speed before coming to balance. Most missed tackles happen in this phase due to improper positioning or failure to close distance.

Strike Phase: Target the near hip with your shoulder. Use same shoulder, same foot at the strike point. Wrap and clamp hands around hamstrings or back of knees. For impact tackles (meeting at the line or big hits), create a bear hug and drive through. The strike zone ranges from top of knee to mid-chest of the ball carrier.

Strain Phase: This is the finish. Drive through or lift the ball carrier off the ground. Force them down against their will with maximum effort and mental toughness.

NEAR HIP CONCEPT

The near hip is always the hip closest to the defender when tracking begins. If tracking inside-out, the head goes behind the runner. If the runner approaches from outside, track the outside hip with head on the outside to force them inside. Head placement (front or behind) adjusts based on the runner's movement and which hip you're tracking—don't force a specific head position.

STRIKE ZONE RULES (ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH SCHOOL)

The legal strike zone is from top of the knee to mid-chest (similar to baseball's strike zone). When close enough to strike (in the "batter's box"), aim shoulder to the pec for impact tackles. Always wrap when making big hits—failure to show intent to wrap is a penalty in high school football. You can still hit hard while wrapping legally.

FINISHING TECHNIQUES

Primary finish is the drive—hit and drive through until the ball carrier loses balance and you fall on top. For impact tackles going high, drive through rather than just hitting and stopping. Single-leg wraps can be effective. The key is maintaining mental toughness and forcing the ball carrier to the ground against their will.

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