AFM Home | The Staff Report | June 2004

With many high school programs, money and funds are always an issue. As coaches, we try to get the most for our money through purchasing equipment that is versatile and effective. At Milford High School, the Rogers Open-Field Tackle Station is one of these pieces of equipment. The use of this station has allowed us to perform and execute numerous offensive and defensive skills, drills and techniques. We can use it from the very first days of camp, before the players are in full pads, all the way to the end of the season. It emphasizes the importance of staying square, shooting the hands, maintaining a good base and driving the feet. These are aspects of the game that we stress and teach our players every day.

Drill #1 One of the first drills we do is fitting the athlete for a good fundamental tackling position. This position consists of a good base, back straight, head up to see the target and arms in a ready position. Next we have the athlete step, maintaining good form, wrap the arms around the bag, roll the hips towards it and drive the bag with feet shoulder width apart, to the end of the shaft. This drill emphasizes maintaining form and moving their feet while not overextending. (Photos 1 and 2)

Photo 1.

Photo 2.

Drill #2 It is actually a progression of the previous drill. The athlete will come out of their particular position stance and engage the bag in the correct manner. The player needs to be explosive but he needs to stay square and shoot the hands. If he doesn’t, the bag will fly to the side. (Photo 3) As we said before, all positions can use this. A few examples: linebackers coming from a blitz simulation and defensive backs backpedaling to attack the bag.

Photo 3.

Photo 4.

Drill #3 Attacking the bag while it is moving towards them. This simulates an oncoming runner. This time, the coach will push the bag towards the oncoming tackler. The coach doesn’t have to apply a lot of force because the 80lb. bag carries a good amount of velocity down the shaft. (Photo 4) Players are reminded to stay square, shoot the hands, wrap the arms, and maintain foot and leg drive through the bag and down to the end of the shaft.

I feel this has helped our team maintain momentum through the point of contact. Offensively, we also use this with all of our position groups. Lineman fire out of their stance, shoot their hands and drive block the bag. Backs benefit on practicing their lead blocking or iso type blocks. Backs also practice hitting and shedding as well as hitting and spinning. With these two particular back drills, the coach needs to steady the bag after each player goes through. Receivers can attack the bag as if they were coming out of a pattern to stalk block. They continue punching the bag and chopping the feet down the length of the shaft.

In conclusion, I hope you have enjoyed our drill summary with the Rogers Open-Field Tackle Station. I would like to thank Coach David Carter, Hunter Emory, Scott Webb and Dontae Tilghman for their assistance. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions at tkach47@yahoo.com

Mike Tkach ATC
Head Football Coach
Milford High School
1019 N. Walnut Street, Milford DE 19963