Fordham Assistant Vince DiGaetano put together a coaching resource focused more on players in the box and improving your tackling up front.
In the video below Coach DigGaetano explains what an “engaged tackle” is
Fordham assistant Vince DiGaetano covers the ability to win a short area of space on the field. Most defenders in the box face situations when they are at short range and power is not 100%, and they can’t cleanly get off of the block.
How important is coaching the engaged tackle? 70% of a defensive lineman’s tackle is made while engaged with a blocker. A linebacker will have this situation about 30% of the time.
Taking this to the practice field and execution on game day starts with effective and applicable drills. The One Arm Tear Drill is one of Dig’s favorites. He illustrates it here (click on images for video):
What’s this look like in-game? Coach Dig breaks it down here:
As you progress through camp, think about the situation your players find themselves in and be sure to work those often.
While circuits are an efficient way to work several skills, doing those every single day may not be what your team needs.
Certainly, they need to be able to perform in a wide array of situations, but they should be experts in the situations they have to work in the most.
Coach DigGaetano has put together a complete course. Click the link below to learn more.
Winning Gaps with Engaged Tackles