113 Health Science Center - Miami Shores, FL

• Vicon Nexus 1.8.5 Motion Analysis

• Six 4K HD indoor/outdoor camera systems

• Four Tackle Pads

• Tackle Wheel

Our initial research project focused on evaluating college game special teams plays where players ran more than 10 yards before making a tackle. Right away we realized it was hard to analyze random plays in uncontrolled environments.  So we decided to modify a common drill of taking one ball carrier (now a blocking dummy) and one defender and ask them to make a stop in between the chutes. This TPA drill is now the foundational assessment that helps us measure tackle proficiency. We can look at the tendencies of young players as they transition from novice inexperienced tacklers to mature, experienced tacklers.

Learn how to set-up and record the TPA Drill - Link

Teaching better tackle technique requires an understanding of the critical elements of a 1 vs 1 front side tackle. Teaching good technique requires giving effective cues, careful evaluation, and providing meaningful, immediate corrective feedback.  Since 2013 we have developed a scoring rubric, based on lab research and updated CDC coaching recommendations. Below you will find the rubric we use to screen for unsafe behaviors and identify areas for improvement. Contact us if you would like to be trained as a Tackle mentor for your team.

Visit SATT Website - Link

Can computers do it faster? Right now it takes our analysts about 3-5days to trim, score, evaluate a tackle video and then send tackle data and feedback back to our coaches.  We are currently working on developing Deep Learning algorithms that could potentially do the tagging and scoring in seconds. Email us if you are interested in having your Youth, Jr/Middle School, Freshman or High School be apart of the study.  We can create a team page that can show your players learning over time.

See Sample Team Page here - Link

The words of Jimmy Valvano in order to live a full, vibrant life we should Laugh, Think and Cry or be moved to tears, every day. Think! For me means Stay curious and explore more - I consider growing the knowledge base of Athletic Training a very important aspect of growing the profession.  therefore, I look for creative ways to address issues that have affected me or within areas that I practice.  The link below provides access to my google scholar page and research gate profiles.

Google Scholar Page - Link
Research Gate Barry U - Link
Research Gate KState - Link