Developmental Tackling Part II: Hashmark-to-Boundary Drills and Pursuit Drills to improve overall tackling

The safety considerations and progressive skills emphasized in part I of Developmental Tackling must be maintained and re-taught as you move from individual skill areas to group skills and game preparation. Nothing can impact your season more than great defensive play exemplified by great tackling skills, team pursuit and rallies to the ball. In film review, we always count the players who swarm to the ball carrier and address the responsibility of cutback and backside pursuit. ON FIELD – HASHMARK-TO-BOUNDARY DRILLSThese drills are realistic on-field, game-type, tackling drills. They can begin with shields and controlled tempo but should progress to full speed contact without putting the ball carrier on the ground. Defensive players should include secondary, inside linebackers and outside linebackers. Offensive players can help with the drills and rotate if two-way players. Linemen