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AJ Howard, O-LB Coach, USC

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Tackling Circuits

DRILL OVERVIEW

The "Six Cone Vice Tackle" drill is a team-wide tackling exercise requiring two coaches, two defenders, one runner, and six cones. On the go command, both defenders and the runner attack their designated cones with urgency before converging into a vice tackle finish.

KEY COACHING POINTS FOR DEFENDERS

Defenders must close space with urgency using a long-to-short stride pattern. The emphasis is on tracking the ball carrier's near hip ("burning the eyes on the near hip"), getting the near foot up, and striking on the rise. Both defenders should arrive at the runner simultaneously — one should never make this a one-on-one tackle situation.

KEY COACHING POINTS FOR RUNNERS

The runner gets one cut to threaten leverage and avoid the vice. Running backs are encouraged to attack a defender's leverage, close their hips, and break north. The drill rewards runners who can identify poor technique from defenders (closed hips, slow pursuit) and exploit it.

DRILL SCOPE

This is a full-team drill. Offensive linemen, tight ends, defensive linemen, linebackers, and receivers all rotate through it. The goal is that every player on the roster understands and can execute the vice tackle concept.

GAME APPLICATION

Vice tackle situations occur regularly in space — on zone plays, quarterback scrambles, and perimeter runs. Two defenders should always keep the ball carrier boxed between them, using near foot and near shoulder to prevent spin-outs or edge escapes.

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