This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
Are you tired of watching your defense miss crucial tackles and give up big plays? These 7 elite near-shoulder drills will transform your spill defense, ensuring your players make consistent, bone-crushing stops that leave opponents reeling.
The clinician is Spencer Leno, Head Coach, Perry High School (OH). His entire presentation is available on Glazier Drive.
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Purpose:
- To train the player to have proper tackling form, head placement, and shoulder placement on a ball carrier before tackling “full go.”
- You can also do these drills without pads during any time of the year.
- This tackle is based on leverage. We want to attack the near hip of a ball carrier with our shoulder. Attacking the near hip eliminates the chances for a cutback by the ball carrier.
KEY TERMS
- Track the Near Hip
- Wrap and Squeeze
- Same Leg/Shoulder Strike
- Drive for 5 yards
- Eyes on Thighs (Eyes UP & Head Up)
- Roll
- Cheek to Cheek
- Widen and Quicken
TYPES OF TACKLING DEFINED
How do I drill each type?
Profile Tackle
- Tackles that are made “in the hole” or a gap
- Ball carrier typically has a two-way go
- ISO, Inside Zone, Hitch, Dig, etc.
Angle Tackle
- Pressing the near hip (“Tracking” Drills)
- Gator Roll tackles
- Outside Zone, Jet Sweep, Bubble, etc.
Position Specific Tackling (Get Creative with Drill work)
- Block destruction & tackle
- Mimicking a position-specific movement/fit with a tackle