Sharpen Your Shedding Skills: The 2 Hits and a Tackle Drill for Linebackers
The 2 Hits and a Tackle Drill is a dynamic exercise designed to refine a linebacker’s ability to shed blocks and maintain proper body positioning for tackling. This drill incorporates controlled blocking simulations and tackling techniques, mimicking situations where a linebacker needs to disengage from an offensive lineman and quickly transition to tackling the ball carrier.
Purpose
- Effective Block Shedding: The drill emphasizes proper techniques for shedding blocks. Linebackers practice using their upper body and footwork to disengage from an offensive lineman attempting to seal them off.
- Quick Recovery and Tackling: By incorporating a backpedal movement after the block shed, the drill challenges linebackers to regain proper body position and maintain their pursuit angle before executing a tackle.
- Leverage and Angles: Variations of the drill introduce angled movements, allowing linebackers to practice tackling techniques with proper leverage when approaching the ball carrier at an angle.
Description
Drill Setup
- Partner Up: Divide linebackers into pairs and designate one defender and one blocker for each set of repetitions.
- Starting Position: Partners align facing each other, approximately 5-6 yards apart. The designated defender should assume a proper athletic stance with eyes focused on the partner (blocker/ballcarrier).
Drill Execution
- Controlled Blocking Simulation: On the coach’s signal, both partners jog towards each other. Upon reaching meeting point, the designated defender explodes with a forceful arm extension, simulating shedding the block from the offensive lineman. This arm extension should be controlled and emphasize proper technique, not relying solely on brute force.
- Backpedal and Recover: Following the block shed, the defender immediately backpedals a few steps to regain proper body position and pursuit angle.
- Tackle Execution: On the third meeting point (after the backpedal), the defender transitions into a tackle. This can be a chest plate form tackle (standard tackle) or introduce variations like an angle tackle drill (explained later).
Variation
- Cones for Starting Points: While not essential, cones can be introduced as visual cues to mark the starting points for each partner. This can help maintain consistency and proper spacing throughout the drill repetitions.
- Angle Tackling: For added complexity, incorporate angled movements into the drill. Have the “blocker” approach the defender at a 45-degree angle, simulating situations where the linebacker needs to adjust their pursuit angle before tackling the ball carrier. When introducing angled movements, the tackle execution should be adjusted to incorporate proper inside-out leverage for an effective tackle.
Progressions
- Gradual Increase in Intensity: As linebackers demonstrate proper technique consistently, gradually increase the jogging speed during the initial approach phase. However, maintain a focus on controlled movements and proper form rather than intense contact.
- Progression to Ball Carriers: Once comfortable with the drill, consider introducing balls for the designated blocker to hold, simulating a ball carrier situation. This adds an extra layer of complexity and challenges linebackers to focus on tackling while maintaining proper technique.
Coaching Points
- Body Position: Continually emphasize proper body position throughout the drill. Defenders should maintain a low center of gravity with knees bent and back flat during the block shed and backpedal movements.
- Shedding Technique: Focus on proper block shedding technique. Encourage forceful arm extension with controlled movements, utilizing hips and legs for added power. Avoid relying solely on upper body strength.
- Quick Recovery: Stress the importance of a quick backpedal movement to regain proper body position after shedding the block. Linebackers should strive for a smooth transition from block shed to backpedal and then back into pursuit angle.
- Head Up and Eyes Focused: Remind linebackers to keep their heads up with eyes focused on the designated blocker (or ball carrier in variations) throughout the drill. Maintaining awareness of the situation is crucial for effective block shedding and tackling.
- Leverage and Angles: When introducing angled movements, emphasize the importance of inside-out leverage for tackling with proper technique. Linebackers should aim to displace the blocker’s outside shoulder with their inside shoulder to gain leverage and secure a successful tackle.
Equipment
- Balls (optional for simulating ball carriers)
- Cones (to mark starting points – optional)
The 2 Hits and a Tackle Drill is a valuable tool for developing well-rounded linebackers with the skills to shed blocks effectively, maintain pursuit angles, and execute proper tackling techniques. By incorporating this drill into your training program, you equip your linebackers with the tools to overcome offensive line blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield. The drill’s versatility allows for customization and progression, making it adaptable for linebackers of various skill levels. So, lace up your cleats, grab your linebackers, and get them working on the 2 Hits and a Tackle Drill – their ability to navigate blockers and dominate the run game will thank you for it!
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