Description

Brent Jackson, Defensive Quality Control, Indianapolis Colts

For Coach Jackson's entire Glazier Drive presentation, visit DB Tackling & Tracking

What is Tracking?

Tracking is closing the distance between the defender and the ball carrier. It's fundamental to tackling and just as important. The coach emphasizes that it's more than simply running to the player with the ball—proper tracking requires specific techniques to ensure the defender is in the right position to make the play.

Key Coaching Points:

• Eat up the grass: Close the distance with the ball carrier as quickly as possible
  
  
• Eyes on the near hip: Focus vision on the ball carrier's near hip to avoid overrunning the play
  
  
• Own your leverage: Keep the ball on the same shoulder (right or left) throughout the pursuit
  
  
• Maintain good pad level: Approach with proper body position as you close in

Common Issues with Tracking:

• Improper tracking angles
• Overrunning the football (allowing cutbacks)
• "Sitting in the chair" (stopping forward momentum and becoming reactive)

Importance of Simulation: The coach stresses that quality practice requires good simulation. When drilling tracking techniques, the player simulating the ball carrier is just as important as the player practicing tackling. Without realistic looks, defenders can't develop proper skills.

Tracking Drills Demonstrated:

1. 5-yard Tracking Drill:
   • Defender starts 5 yards from ball carrier
   • Ball carrier begins on stomach (creates timing and leverage advantage)
   • When ball carrier shuffles, defender must respond with "shimmy technique"
   • Shimmy involves getting the near foot forward to react to cutbacks or continue pursuit
     
     
2. 10-yard Open Field Drill:
   • Defender and ball carrier start 10 yards apart
   • Ball carrier gets one move
   • Defender must maintain proper leverage throughout pursuit

Coach Jackson reinforces these concepts with game footage examples showing how these tracking principles apply in real situations, demonstrating how proper tracking prevents cutbacks and explosive plays.

---

Reviews

---

Comments