Heads-Up Tackling - Breakdown Position Drill

This drill is designed to teach the player the first step in heads up tackling--the Breakdown position

• •  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

• 5 Flat Dummies

Form players into multiple groups with two lines of three players each behind sets of cones set on a marked yard line:

1. Have the first two players in each line up on the yard line and execute the four steps of the  “Breakdown Position” on the coach’s command as follows:

2. • 1. Feet--Feet shoulder width apart on the yard line

3. • 2. Squeeze--Squeeze shoulder blades back and down.  Bend the knees, lower the waist, lean forward to bring shoulders in front of the feet and hips

4. • 3. Sink--Back straight, head up and elbows in at the side and weight evenly distributed on balls of the feet

5. • 4 Hands--Palms up in front of the chest with fingers spread

6. Coach check each front line player for the correct execution. Have front line players repeat the four stages several times with the coaches checking proper position. Players not in the front line should pay attention to the coaches’ instructions so they will be prepared to assume the proper positions when they get to the head of the line.

7. After checking each of the front line players several times, have those players rotate to the back of the line.  Once the entire group has executed the position have all players “Breakdown” on the coaches command.