Clinic Series: Are You Practicing Tackling Enough? – Vince DiGaetano, Fordham University

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Feb 7, 2024

Vince DiGaetano, assistant coach at Fordham University, shares his deep knowledge of tackling systems and player development. He breaks down the evolution of tackling techniques in light of safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of psychological readiness. DiGaetano outlines a comprehensive tackling system that integrates trust, technique, and cognitive processing. He highlights key drills and concepts like 'seek, strike, and strain,' and stresses the need for players to maintain focus in high-pressure situations while balancing skill development with safety.

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INSIGHT

High Tackling Frequency Gap

Tackling occurs in 65-70% of scrimmage plays but tackling drills make up only about 4-10% of practice.
Reducing this gap improves in-game tackling performance significantly.

INSIGHT

Importance of Visual Reaction Time

Visual reaction time is about 0.25 seconds and crucial for responding with complex motor skills in tackling.
Optimizing this reaction improves players' performance and reduces panic during contact.

ADVICE

Start Tackling Development with Trust

Build tackling skill starting with player trust and ownership of the process.
Focus on psychological readiness as the foundation before technical and tactical work.

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In this clinic series episode, we Dig into the art and science of tackling. It is a skill that demands both physical prowess and strategic understanding. As the game evolves with rule changes designed for player safety, and just a better understanding overall of performance, so too must your tackling systems.

This evolution is crucial in bridging the gap between practice drills and in-game performance, ensuring that players can react effectively in high-pressure situations.

The tackling system, as outlined by Fordham assistant coach Vince DiGaetano, encompasses various phases designed to develop a holistic approach to tackling.

He diagrams the system as a pyramid. It starts with instilling trust and psychological readiness in players, fostering a belief in the coaching methodology and an understanding of the defensive principles beyond mere technique.

While Coach Dig goes deeper in this entire presentation, the rest of which is available from Lauren’s First and Goal, this segment sets a good foundation for you to think about tackling within your defense and where to get started on tackling in 2024.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Tackling Systems
Importance of Tackling Drills
Factors Affecting Performance
Optimal Performance and Reaction Time
Training for Complex Motor Skills
Building Trust and Confidence
Foundation of Energy Systems
Staying Square to the Football
Entry Point and Yardage Control
Grading and Coaching Player Techniques

Follow Vince DiGaetano on Twitter/X @CoachDiG.

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