Description

Sammy Lawanson, Former O-LB Coach, Bowling Green University

Full video on Glazier Drive:  LB Tackling Open Field, Sprint Gather

OPEN FIELD TACKLING DRILL BREAKDOWN

This transcript covers a fundamental open field tackling drill focused on proper approach and technique for defenders.

DRILL SETUP

The drill uses cones to simulate ball carrier movement in open space. Defenders practice without pads initially to focus purely on footwork mechanics. The drill progresses from footwork-only to live tackling with pads.

KEY COACHING POINTS - THE GATHER

The most emphasized technique is "the gather" - transitioning from sprint to controlled approach:

• Sprint at full speed to the first cone
• At 2-3 yards from the ball carrier, widen your base and shorten your stride
• This allows adjustment when the ball carrier tries to make a move
• Keep eyes locked on the ball carrier's near hip throughout the approach

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Hopping instead of stepping (one foot must be followed by the other to maintain base)
• Waiting or freezing at contact point instead of continuing to "take the grass"
• Swinging arms wildly during approach
• Getting top-heavy with head over toes, which causes feet to die on contact
• Leaving your feet too early for the tackle

PROPER FINISHING TECHNIQUE

• "Hit with the stub" - make contact with proper leverage
• Keep feet driving and accelerating through contact
• Play behind your pads to maintain power and balance
• Run through the ball carrier - don't let them fall forward
• Wrap and drive until the ball carrier goes backward

LIVE GAME EXAMPLES

The coach reviews multiple game film examples showing defenders executing the technique in various scenarios - screen passes, isolated linebacker situations, and post-play action passes. The best examples show defenders maintaining their gather, keeping feet moving on contact, and driving through to finish the tackle.

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