Lindenwood University Defensive Coordinator Eric Inama's philosophy is for his defenders to "play the game as tough as possible while keeping it safe."
The video below is taken from his Glazier Drive clinic--Tackling Progression: Philosophy and Drills.
In this video, you will see 4 of the drills that he uses to work towards that philosophy. You will see practice film as well as game applications.
Below the video, we have listed a few more bullet points from his philosophy.
- They constantly remind their players that tackling is the essence of defense.
- They teach tackling with shoulder leverage. That helps to keep the head out of the tackle.
- They teach both profile and hawk tackling concepts. They start with profile tackling first.
- Their whole-part-whole tackling progression is clearly defined and structured for their players and their coaching staff.
- Their progression is tap tempo, thud tempo, and then live tempo.
Six Basics of Tackling
- Stay square
- Keep a Z in the knee
- Keep your pads over toes
- Keep gapside arm and leg free
- Cross face when the opportunity presents itself.
- Motor your feet on all forms of contact