Todd Auer, Defensive Coordinator, Western Colorado uses practice video to explain his systematic tackling progression that builds from basic fundamentals to more complex techniques.
Throughout all drills, Coach stresses the importance of proper eye discipline, avoiding excessive "hugging," maintaining proper leverage, and executing with power and proper technique.
His entire presentation is available for streaming 24/7 on Glazier Drive: Tackling Technique, Circuits & Drills
This video demonstrates a systematic tackling progression that builds from basic fundamentals to more complex techniques:
- Tag Drill (0:00-2:25)
- Conducted in a 7x7 or 8x8 box with players at each corner
- Teaches closing space quickly and picking proper leverage
- Players must tag opponents at hips or below with thumbs out/palms up
- Timed for competition and encourages proper hand placement
- Discourages "dancing" and encourages direct angles
- Punching Progression (2:25-4:12)
- Starts from four-point stance (knees and toes)
- Focuses on punching through the legs/thighs
- Emphasizes hip snap and leg extension
- Notes that wrestlers often make excellent tacklers
- Near Leg Technique (4:12-5:20)
- Position near leg slightly forward to maximize power
- Push off near leg while punching and extending
- Practice both right and left shoulder tackles
- Focus on punching arms forward, not "hugging"
- Step and Punch (5:20-6:42)
- Progress to stepping with the near leg
- Punch through with shoulder while extending
- Eventually incorporates going to the ground
- Standing Tackle Technique (6:42-10:03)
- Focus eyes on the near hip ("burn a hole in that hip")
- Maintain flat back and good power angle
- Keep head neutral and "bow the neck" for protection
- Punch through on the rise and lift slightly
- Finish by driving feet for 5 additional yards
- Emphasizes "punch, wrap, and squeeze"