This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
Arkansas Co-DC/DB Coach Marcus Woodson illustrates the angle tackle in space through detailed drill demonstrations, game footage, and coaching commentary, providing coaches with actionable insights for improving defensive performance in open-field tackling scenarios.
The video (Tackling in Space: Alley Tackle) is one of the 10 lessons from his Marcus Woodson DB System.
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Key Coaching Insights
The video provides a comprehensive breakdown of the alley tackle technique, focusing on critical defensive fundamentals for football coaches. Key coaching points include:
- Tackling Technique Fundamentals
- Maintain three essential body bends: ankles, knees, and waist
- Keep eyes below the ball carrier’s eyes
- Punch through and explode with hips on contact
- Track the near hip of the ball carrier
- Critical Defensive Principles
- Emphasize fanatical effort and player-to-player accountability
- Maintain leverage and eliminate cutback opportunities
- Prioritize balance and body control
- Use cleats in the grass for better positioning
- Practical Drill Demonstrations
- PVC pipe drill for improving balance and body control
- Pursuit drills simulating game-like scenarios
- Practice techniques for different tackle situations (wrap and roll, post safety approaches)
- Team Defense Philosophy
- Encourage players to assume teammates might miss tackles
- Emphasize team support and collective effort
- Focus on getting multiple defenders to the ball
- Celebrate defensive successes together
