Mastering the Open Field: The Open Field Tackling Drill
The Open Field Tackling Drill is designed to refine a defensive back’s ability to take efficient pursuit angles, close the gap on a ball carrier, and execute a powerful and controlled tackle. This drill emphasizes the importance of proper technique, decision-making, and physicality in open-field tackling situations.
Purpose
- Tackling Technique: Reinforces proper tackling fundamentals, including footwork, hand placement, and body positioning.
- Angle of Pursuit: Develops the ability to take optimal angles to the ball carrier, maximizing the chances of a successful tackle.
- Counter Ball Carrier Evasion: Enhances the defensive back’s ability to react to the ball carrier’s movements and adjust their pursuit angle accordingly.
Description
Drill Setup
- Place 2 cones 14 yards apart to mark the starting points,
- Line up one half of the defensive backs behind one cone and the other half behind the other cone.
- Declare one side as tacklers and the other as ball carriers.
- Place another cone exactly in the middle of the two starting point cones.
- Place a 4th cone 5 yards from the tacklers’ starting cone.
Drill Execution
- Starting Position: Defensive back and ball carrier assume a ready stance at their respective cone.
- Ball Carrier’s Movement: On the coach’s command, the ball carrier runs at 3/4 speed towards the cone in the middle, where can attempt to juke the tackler, but then breaks either to the left or right in a 45 degree or flatter angle and tries to outrun the tackler towards the outside.
- Tackler’s Movement: Also on the coach’s command, the tackler runs at 3/4 speed to “his” cone in the middle, breaks down there, keeps feet moving and reacts to the ball carriers cut. Take a good angle to intercept or pursuit the ball carrier, and performs a proper open-field form tackle.
- Role Reversal: After the form tackle, the players take their place at the end of the opposite line.
Progression
- Full Speed: Go full speed and make a full contact open field tackle.
Coaching Points
- Angle of Pursuit: Emphasize the importance of taking an efficient angle to the ball carrier, avoiding unnecessary lateral movement. Tackler must not be outrun to the outside but also must not allow a cutback as he is the last line of defense. If he misses it’s most likely a touchdown!
- Tackling Technique: Reinforce proper tackling fundamentals, including eye placement, shoulder tackling, and driving through the tackle.
- Footwork and Balance: Encourage quick, controlled steps and maintaining a low center of gravity for optimal balance and power.
- Hand Placement: Stress the importance of using the hands to secure the tackle.
- Finishing the Tackle: Emphasize driving through the tackle and bringing the ball carrier to the ground under control (when going full speed and full contact).
Equipment
- 4 Cones (to mark the starting points and cut points)
- Footballs (for ball carriers)
By mastering the Open Field Tackling Drill, defensive backs will develop the skills and confidence needed to make decisive and effective tackles in open-field situations.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Leon Criner (✝️ Nov. 14, 2014), at the time Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator and Jimmy Sims, at the time Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education / Head Football Coach at Los Angeles Valley College – The Los Angeles Valley College Monarchs played then in the Western States Conference, now in the SCFA, Southern California Football Association.
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