Alex Means, D-Line Coach, Air Force
View the full video as a part of the Alex Means D-Line System on Glazier Drive at D-Line Tackling
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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Summary
CORE CONCEPT – “FEET TO THE FIRE”
The fundamental teaching point centers around the “feet to the fire” concept, which uses the visual of walking across hot coals to emphasize quick, active footwork. Players must move their feet rapidly to avoid getting “burned” – meaning they stay light on their feet and maintain proper positioning. This concept applies to run contact, backfield pursuit, and block engagement.
KEY TECHNIQUE COMPONENTS
The core tackle requires defensive linemen to sink their pad level and throw uppercuts while staying square to drive the offensive player backward, creating knockback. Players must maintain proper leverage and foot positioning throughout contact. The technique emphasizes staying grounded to avoid getting “shook” by offensive moves while maintaining the ability to redirect as needed.
GAME APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Real game footage demonstrates that core tackles rarely appear as traditional one-on-one squared matchups in the hole. The technique shows up in various situations including spill plays where defensive ends must square up after initial contact, leverage sheds by nose guards and defensive ends, and backfield penetration scenarios where proper hip sink and uppercut technique create zero-yard gains.
PROGRESSIVE DRILL SEQUENCE
The teaching progression starts with agile movement drills at 45-degree angles to simulate real game block destruction while incorporating core tackle fundamentals. Static tackle wheel drills force proper uppercut technique and face placement down the center line of the opponent. Pop-up drills add shed components since defensive linemen rarely reach the backfield without playing blocks first.
ADVANCED DRILL PROGRESSION
Body-on-body drills add physical resistance while maintaining proper uppercut technique and square positioning. Angle footwork drills incorporate crossface movement with heavy bags or pop-ups to simulate real game angles. Moving ball carrier drills require defenders to maintain “feet to the fire” positioning against athletic, mobile targets.
FINAL INTEGRATION DRILL
The culmination drill combines all elements using four cones in a one-on-one setup where defenders don’t know the ball carrier’s direction. This integrates footwork, block destruction, transitional eyes, shed progression, and core tackle technique. The drill can incorporate both leverage sheds and backside sheds, representing the complete skill set defensive linemen need in game situations.
COACHING EMPHASIS POINTS
Common mistakes include players coming in “longlegged” instead of maintaining proper foot fire, getting turned to the side instead of staying square, and failing to run feet on contact. Proper execution requires continuous foot movement, strong uppercut technique, and maintaining body position to prevent ball carriers from gaining extra yards. The progression builds from individual components to full integration of all techniques.