The Heads Up Tackling Circuit

OBJECTIVE

This drill is designed to teach the player and coaches the entire heads up tackling elements in sequence.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Coaches stress the fundamentals of each of the Heads Up tackling elements

Breakdown

    Step 1 FEET—Shoulder width apart

    Step 2 SQUEEZE—Squeeze shoulder blades back and down

    Step 3 SINK—Bend knees, lower the waist

    Step 4 HANDS—Bring to the front, ready to move

Buzz the Feet

    From the breakdown position using a flat bag, buzz the feet, then widen the base, come to balance taking short, quick heel-to-toe steps to progress forward.

The Hit Position

    Buzz the feet and progress forward to the hit area/cone. Breakdown, then take a short power step with the right foot. Chin and eyes should be up to see what you hit.

The Shoot Position

    (Using a flat bag) Player kneels in a position at the end of the flat bag.  Feet should be extended back (not on the toes). On the coach’s Shoot command the player thrusts his body forward with an explosive opening of his hips at the same time throwing his arms to finish in a position lying on top of the flat bag.

The Rip

    Using a flat dummy held horizontally at waist height by two waiting players) Have the player line up in front a step in front of the dummy. On coach’s Rip command, the player springs forward using a double uppercut motion with arms, elbows in at the sides and propels the dummy up over his head. Repeat the drill with the dummy held vertically.

SETUP

Heads Up Tackling Circuit

Divide players evenly to each station. Have a coach assigned to each station. On the coach’s commands, players will execute the technique associated with each station. After approximately 5 minutes, have players rotate clockwise to the next station and repeat the drills. Continue until the circuit is complete.

An alternative 4 station circuit could combine the Buzz the Fit and the Hit Position stations 

EXAMPLE

SKILL PROGRESSION MATRIX

DRILL PARAMETERS

EQUIPMENT

flat bags

COMMENTS