What is Open Field Tackling?
Open Field Tackling is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for defensive back work. It covers Set Up, Purpose, Execution and more with purpose, setup cues, and coaching language for youth and high-school staffs.
- Open Field Tackling is part of FantasyHQ’s free football drills library.
- Focus: Defensive Back.
- Inside: 4 drill progressions.
How to run this drill
Open Field Tackling is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.
- Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo.
- Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish.
- Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
- Close with one coaching cue players can repeat in the huddle next period.
Progressions
- Set Up
- Purpose
- Execution
- Coaching Tips
Full drill
Drill Type: Team Drill
Purpose:
In this tackling drill drill, we’re going to recreate an open field situation and focus on tackling.
Set Up:
Place your players ten yards apart.
Execution:
- With the bag (or cones) separating them, the offensive player will sprint forward and break to either the left or the right at the last second.
- The defender will run forward as well, but they must remember to stay low and under control.
Coaching Tips:
- If players don’t stay low and under control, they risking getting beat with a head fake, or even just missing the tackle because they came out of stance.
Open Field Tackling FAQ
- What is the Open Field Tackling drill?
- Open Field Tackling is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for defensive back work. It covers Set Up, Purpose, Execution and more with purpose, setup cues, and coaching language for youth and high-school staffs.
- Who should use this football drill?
- Open Field Tackling is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.
- How do I run Open Field Tackling in practice?
- Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo. Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish. Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
- Is this drill free?
- Yes. Browse FantasyHQ football drills, youth plays, and coaching guides free on Football Coaching.
- What progressions does Open Field Tackling include?
- This page includes Set Up, Purpose, Execution, Coaching Tips.
