Kyle Barnes, CB Coach, James Madison
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A summary of the transcript is available below the video.
OVERVIEW
This video covers defensive back (DB) tackling and tracking techniques, broken down into three core areas: closing space, strike timing, and finishing through contact.
TRACKING AND CLOSING SPACE
DBs practice angling toward the ball carrier’s near hip, maintaining long strides until within 2-3 yards of the target. Short striding too early kills momentum and reduces effectiveness. The drill is run at full speed with guys 10 yards apart, simulating various real-game scenarios like screens, bubble routes, and swing passes. The key rule: when the ball is thrown, DBs should always be moving forward, never backpedaling.
FIRM FOOT AND STRIKE TIMING
The most critical coaching point on contact is stacking the hips, knees, and ankles in one line at the moment of collision. Hips too far forward or too far behind both rob the tackler of power. Drills are run using partners holding pads or standalone donuts, with rapid-fire reps to build muscle memory. The setup changes, but the coaching point stays the same.
FINISHING THROUGH CONTACT
DBs are coached to run through contact, not just to it, finishing on top of the ball carrier. Same foot, same shoulder is emphasized throughout. Game film cuts are included showing DBs successfully applying these techniques in live situations, reinforcing that high rep counts in practice directly translate to confident, sure tackling on game day.