By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar
Introduction
Once the proper body positioning is taught in the open field, it becomes necessary for defenders to use the proper leverage points to make a tackle. Commonly referred to as “tracking” the ball carrier, we’ve found that leverage seems to be the most referred to word in teaching tackling and various coaches teach leverage are examined in this case. Leverage can pertain to both the area of the field (sideline, force or cutback) and it can also pertain to the leverage the defender has on the ball carrier (inside out, head up or outside in).
It was Rutgers University head coach Chris Ash that told us he studied film on how tackles were made, not missed, before developing his system. Below is a tutorial from Northern State University on both force tackle situations and cutback tackle situations.
Below is a tutorial on force tackle situations from Northern State University: