North Dakota University Competitive Tackling Scenarios

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Research Manager
X&O Labs
Twitter: @MikekKuchar

Introduction

The following research was conducted as part of X&O Labs special report on “Designing Tackling Systems” which can be accessed below:

Situational Tackling Scenarios:

One of the drill components that Coach Schmidt will use to teach tackling is what he calls “competitive tackling.” Done mainly in fall camp and in the spring, these types of drills pit best on best positionally to create competition. According to Coach Schmidt, it’s his best drill to teach leverage and it teaches them to make the different types of tackles. “One can be near shoulder, near leg while one can be a knife tackle,” he told us. “You can get a swipe tackle when one defender gets beat and the other one has to make a swipe tackle. This has been great for us because it’s competitive and you don’t get eleven on eleven where there is carnage everywhere. We post the wins and losses on the board in the meeting room so guys can see it. It’s a great way to evaluate who your best players in tackle.”