Andy LaRussa, Asst Head Coach, Western Kentucky
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A summary of the transcript is available below the video.
PVC PIPE FOOTWORK DRILL
This drill uses PVC pipes set 2 yards wide along the lines to teach proper pad level and body positioning. The key coaching points are maintaining shoulders over knees with forward lean, keeping weight on the balls of the feet, and ensuring heels stay off the ground. The drill reinforces low pad level while serving as both a warm-up and technique builder. Players work on spreading the line and staying low throughout their movements.
PALMS DOWN TACKLING TECHNIQUE
The coach emphasizes palms down tackling technique using physio balls as targets. This hand position creates better body mechanics – knees bent, butt down, eyes up – resulting in a more powerful tackling position. The drill focuses on same foot, same shoulder alignment while maintaining a proper base. Palms up technique causes players to lunge and lose their power position as their feet come together, which is why palms down is now the preferred teaching method.
BODY POSITION AND POWER ANGLES
Proper tackling position should show approximately 90 degrees at contact, avoiding the bent-over-at-waist position. Players need to sink their hips and explode through the target rather than reaching and lunging. The coach stresses filming drills to show players their actual body positions during contact, as they often can’t feel these positioning issues in real-time.
FOOTWORK EFFICIENCY AND BREAKS
The drill progresses to working 45-degree breaks with emphasis on coming to balance – shortening stride and widening base before direction changes. Footwork efficiency is critical, eliminating extra movements and wasted steps. Players should maintain consistent height throughout transitions rather than bobbing up and down.
FOOTBALL INTEGRATION AND TRANSITIONS
Once tackling fundamentals are established, the drill incorporates footballs and shoot work. Players practice opening, transitioning, and breaking on the ball while maintaining low pad level. Key points include running through the catch (not jumping or stopping feet), sticking the foot at the top of breaks rather than rounding them out, and keeping the head turned back toward the quarterback position during speed turns to maintain proper field awareness.