In the open field, defenders have to read the ball carrier’s direction, take the right angle, and get them down with solid form. This combines Profile, Sink, Near, and Wrap with read and react. Cue: Profile, Sink, Near, Wrap.
What you need: Open field. You can use cones to mark a 20-yard box.
Setup: The ball carrier starts in the middle of the box. The defender lines up 10 yards away facing them.
How to run it:
- The ball carrier has the ball and can move in any direction within the box.
- The defender reads where the ball carrier is going and pursues with good angles. No head-hunting; they’re reading and reacting.
- When close enough, they get into Profile, Sink low with the near shoulder, and Wrap.
- Do 5 reps with the ball carrier at half speed, then 5 reps at full speed.
What to watch: Is the defender getting into position or just running directly at the ball carrier? Good defenders predict and cut angles. Bad defenders chase from behind.
If they’re struggling: Have the ball carrier move slower and more predictably. One or two direction changes only.
If they’ve got it: Add multiple defenders. Two or three kids working together to converge and bring down one ball carrier.
Based on the Hawk Tackle technique developed by Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, adopted into USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. Head behind, never across the front. Eyes up through the chest, not into the chest.