Shoot Tackle Drill: Sharpening Open-Field Tackling for Special Teams
The Shoot Tackle Drill is a fundamental yet crucial tool for developing secure open-field tackling techniques within your special teams unit. This drill emphasizes proper tackling form, timing, and explosiveness, preparing players to effectively bring down returners in punt and kickoff coverage scenarios.
Purpose
- Open-Field Tackling: Develops and refines fundamental open-field tackling skills, focusing on proper body position, footwork, and tackling mechanics.
- Closing the Distance: Enhances the ability to quickly close the gap and attack the returner for a secure tackle.
- Special Teams Focus: Prepares players specifically for the demands of tackling returners in special teams situations.
Description
Drill Setup
- Create Alleys: Mark designated tackling lanes of about 5-6 feet width using large step-over bags or cones. These alleys should be wide enough to allow for some lateral movement by the ball carrier.
- Pairing Up: Pair up your special teams players, assigning one player as the tackler and the other as the ball carrier.
- Starting Positions: Each pair lines up within their designated alley, facing each other approximately two yards apart.
Drill Execution
- Ball Carrier Movement: On the coach’s command, the ball carrier shuffles forward within the designated alley, simulating lateral movements during a return.
- Tackler Reaction: While the ball carrier moves, the tackler maintains a low athletic stance with knees bent, hands up, and eyes focused on the ball carrier’s hips.
- Explosive Closing: Upon identifying the ball carrier’s commitment to a direction, the tackler explodes forward, closing the distance quickly.
- Secure Tackle: The tackler aims for a low, controlled tackle, wrapping up the ball carrier around the torso and driving through the tackle to drive the ball carrier backwards.
Variations
- Increased Repetitions: As players develop proficiency, progress to having all pairs execute the drill simultaneously at their own pace. Ensure sufficient coaches are present to oversee each group effectively (ideally no more than three pairs per coach).
- Increased Speed and Wider Alleys: Gradually increase the starting distance between players and/or the width of the alleys or the ball carrier’s movement speed to simulate game-like intensity.
- Tackling Variations: Introduce different tackling techniques, such as the hawk roll, to teach the tacklers the right tackling techniques for different situations – Might want to increase the width of the alleys for that, too.
Coaching Points
- Body Position: Emphasize maintaining a low, athletic stance throughout the drill, with weight centered and knees bent.
- Footwork: Reinforce the importance of quick, choppy footwork to stay light on your feet and react to the ball carrier’s movements.
- Head Up and Eyes Open: Stress the importance of keeping the head up and eyes focused on the ball carrier’s hips to read their intent and direction.
- Timing: Encourage players to be patient and wait for the opportune moment to attack and execute the tackle. Lunging or overcommitting can be detrimental.
- Wrap Up and Finish: Reiterate the crucial role of wrapping up the ball carrier with both arms and driving through the tackle to ensure a secure stop.
Equipment
- Large step-over bags or cones (to mark alleys)
- Footballs
By incorporating the Shoot Tackle Drill into your special teams practice routine, you will equip your players with the necessary skills to excel in open-field tackling situations:
- Improved Tackling Technique: Develops proper form, timing, and explosiveness for effective tackling.
- Enhanced Reaction Time: Sharpens the ability to react quickly to the ball carrier’s movements in space.
- Increased Confidence: Fosters confidence in tackling returners during punt and kickoff coverage plays.
The Shoot Tackle Drill is a valuable tool for building a strong, reliable special teams unit capable of shutting down opposing returners and maximizing field position.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Randy Hedberg, at that time Head Coach at St. Cloud State University – The St. Cloud State Huskies are playing in the NCAA II North Central Conference (NCC).
Randy Hedberg is now the Associate Head Coach at the NDSU Bisons, which play in the NCAA Div I MVFC
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