The Scrape Tackle Drill

By Ross Pennypacker, Linebackers CoachBucknell University There are a lot of answers to the question of what makes a good linebacker? One may answer that a good linebacker must be able to run well. Another person may answer that a good linebacker must have the ability to diagnose plays. Another may answer that a good linebacker must be able to have the strength to defeat blocks. All of these answers are correct, but I find the best linebackers are usually the ones who can make plays around the football and tackle ball carriers to the ground.  At Bucknell University, we have integrated a variety of tackling drills that teach our players the fundamentals of tackling. Like most teams, we will do a tackling circuit, pursuit drills and other various exercises to simulate good tackling techniques. We use buzz phrases to help our players play their very best: Come to balance - Get in a