NEXTLEVELTRAINING:MASTERINGOPENFIELDANDLEVERAGETACKLING(DARIUS)

Teach your players to apply speed and power to their tackles Learn how to reduce cut-back angles on shifty running backs Reduce injuries and increase defensive production with correct tackling mechanics

with Donovin Darius, founder and CEO of Next Level Training; former defensive back for the Jacksonville Jaguars; first round NFL draft pick (25th overall); 1998 NFL All Rookie Team; 1997 Big East Defensive Player of the Year; 2x All Big East selection while at Syracuse

Tackling is one of the most important skills when it comes to playing great defense. In addition, it is critical to keep your players and team safe.

Focusing on the fundamentals of shoulder tackling, Coach Darius takes you step-by-step, through tackling position drills that will ensure your players are secure in their fundamental tackling techniques and consistently making tackles.

Using drills to simulate game situations, Darius shows you two types of tackles, open field tackles and leverage tackles. Open field tackles may be inside out or outside in, while leverage tackles are head on.

Coach Darius breaks down tackling technique into four areas:

• Speed zone
• Come to balance
• Shuffle
• Pull the trigger

He reinforces the importance of staying square in your shuffle so as not to get beat by a counter move or overextend yourself due to speed. His drills will train your athletes to tackle leading with the same foot and shoulder, which allows leverage to be maintained on contact and reduces the chance of getting "run-over."

You'll also learn to deliver the "upper cut" while tackling, which reinforces the proper use of the arms on contact - essential to good tackling. He breaks it down with specific coaching cues and steps that can be used in-season with pads or as an off-season drill dressed in t-shirts and shorts.

While most of the video is based on solo tackling, Coach Darius demonstrates an alley drill that uses two tacklers while still utilizing all of the techniques taught in the video. Paying attention to the teaching points of the drill, he develops his players' techniques and confidence through repetition, repetition, repetition.

Observation and interjection are the foundations of Coach Darius' coaching. His drills are basic and to the point. His teaching points are easy to understand and observe. His philosophy of building confidence in the player while they learn tackling technique is strategic. His drills for improving tackling techniques are applicable to any age group. This is a must have video for any program or any player!

Using these techniques will help you not only be great at tackling but also help protect your players from injury.

51 minutes. 2013.