Mastering the Tackle: Tackling Progression Drills for Defensive Backs
The Tackling Progression Drills are designed to break down the tackling process into fundamental components, allowing defensive backs to develop proper technique, balance, and power. By focusing on specific aspects of the tackle, players can build a strong foundation for making effective and safe tackles.
Purpose
- Tackling Fundamentals: Develops proper footwork, hand placement, and body positioning for effective tackling.
- Balance and Control: Enhances balance and control, reducing the risk of injuries to both the tackler and the ball carrier.
- Power and Leverage: Improves the ability to generate power and leverage through the hips to bring down ball carriers.
Description
Drill Setup
- Pair up your defensive backs and position them with a split of 5 yards in two rows about 5 yards apart, facing each other.
- Designate one row as the defenders (the one performing the tackle progression) and the other row as the ball carriers who are about to be tackled.
For each progression step: start off one after the other, and as the players get better, let them execute simultaneously.
If you have more (assistant) coaches available, let every coach oversee about 2-3 pairs of defensive backs, to speed up the process.
Drill Execution
Progression 1: The Fit
- On command the designated defenders walk up to their partner and into a fit position.
- They should stay in that position until the coach checked and possibly corrected the position.
- Do right and left shoulder.
Progression 2: The Fit and Lift
- On command the designated defenders walk up to their partner and into a good fit position.
- On the next command they follow through, rolling their hips and lifting their partner and taking him back a few steps.
- Do right and left shoulder.
Progression 3: Form Tackling
- On command the designated ball carrier jogs towards the defender.
- The defensive back meets him in proper tackling position and performs a proper form tackle.
- Have ball carriers jog in a 45° angle (right and left) also.
Coaching Points
Fit:
- Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight, head up.
- Hands inside the ball carrier’s shoulder pads or around the waist.
- Weight evenly distributed.
Fit and Lift:
- Drive through the hips to generate power for the lift.
- Maintain balance and control throughout the movement.
- Use the legs to drive the lift, not just the arms.
Form Tackle:
- Wrap up the ball carrier with both arms.
- Drive through the tackle with the legs and hips.
- Finish the tackle by bringing the ball carrier to the ground.
Equipment
- Cones (optional) to mark starting positions and angles.
By mastering the fundamentals of tackling through these tackling progression drills, defensive backs will develop the skills and confidence needed to make effective tackles in game situations.
