Something I noticed on the newest practice video

**clonedude** · 03-26-2011, 07:37 PM

I just got done watching the videos from today's practice and one thing really stood out to me. It's on the last of the videos, where the DB's are tackling the WR's in space.

I assume our guys are taught to tackle at the shoulder pad level? It seems like every player tries to tackle the WR up around the shoulder pads. Is this normal practice? I always thought the proper technique was around the hips or upper thigh area? It just seems like it's way too easy to break tackles up around the shoulder area? Am I wrong? I imagine I probably am.

**cyclonedave25** · 03-26-2011, 07:52 PM

Main reason is to avoid injury in practice by not tackling at the legs/hips.

**Cyforce** · 03-26-2011, 08:01 PM

Coaches will call the intensity level of the practice. This was most likely high and hard.

**wartknight** · 03-26-2011, 08:11 PM

Practice etiquette- Stay off the legs.
Actually, a shift has taken place over the last few years and a lot of tackling drills are basically "double uppercutting" your hands and grabbing cloth on the back of the shirt and sinking hips. Much more sure way of tackling.

**besserheimerphat** · 03-26-2011, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

Practice etiquette- Stay off the legs.
Actually, a shift has taken place over the last few years and a lot of tackling drills are basically "double uppercutting" your hands and grabbing cloth on the back of the shirt and sinking hips. Much more sure way of tackling.

Yep, a lot more coaches now are using the phrase "chest-to-chest" when talking tackling techinque. Still seems weird to me as I was always taught to put my shoulder on the bottom half of the opponents numbers. Then again, I played center and never played a snap of defense after freshman year so whatever I did, I didn't do it very well...

**SenorCy** · 03-26-2011, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by besserheimerphat

Yep, a lot more coaches now are using the phrase "chest-to-chest" when talking tackling techinque. Still seems weird to me as I was always taught to put my shoulder on the bottom half of the opponents numbers. Then again, I played center and never played a snap of defense after freshman year so whatever I did, I didn't do it very well...

My high school coach changed to this technique. I didn't like it as players tended to get run over more than with the old shoulderpad to the waist method.

**BleedCycloneRed** · 03-26-2011, 11:03 PM

I was watching one of the WR practice vidoes and noticed JT (#11) lined up with the wide receivers. I did not see another #11 on the roster so I have to assume it was JT. Any chance they are working him out at receiver as well as QB in case SJ wins out the competition?

**stretchclone** · 03-26-2011, 11:17 PM

1. JT has a yellow shirt, I doubt they have him change colors just to work with the WR's IF he did.
2. JT has a black knee brace on his left leg, this kid doesn't
3. JT is black, this kid isn't
4. JT has a face shield on his face mask, this kid doesn't.

Chances are this kid is a walk on or a trying to earn a spot. IT'S NOT JT.

**Tre4ISU** · 03-27-2011, 12:27 AM

Like it has been said, I think the guys are probably trying to stay away from legs to avoid injury.

**HardcoreClone** · 03-27-2011, 01:16 AM

On an unrelated note but regarding the practice videos, I think I have only seen Leonard in one clip....maybe I've missed him in other clips or I'm looking too much into it, but is this just mere coincidence or has he been nicked up?

**Tre4ISU** · 03-27-2011, 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by HardcoreClone

On an unrelated note but regarding the practice videos, I think I have only seen Leonard in one clip....maybe I've missed him in other clips or I'm looking too much into it, but is this just mere coincidence or has he been nicked up?

Not sure but likely just coincidence. I haven't seen Reeves much either. Or Benton. Of course, I haven't been looking specifically for them a lot either.

**ISU2010** · 03-27-2011, 02:53 AM

Noticed that C.J. Morgan is working out with the defensive backs. His move to safety must be complete.

**swarthmoreCY** · 03-27-2011, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by ISU2010

Noticed that C.J. Morgan is working out with the defensive backs. His move to safety must be complete.

In other video's he was with LB's. Perhaps he just did not appear on that one?
Also, any idea on Bennett's position?

**Doc** · 03-27-2011, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by swarthmoreCY

In other video's he was with LB's. Perhaps he just did not appear on that one?
Also, any idea on Bennett's position?

He seems to be working strictly with the LBs, at least as much as one can tell from the videos. I'd love to hear an explanation from the coaches as to why they have Mattison at WLB, Bennett at SLB, and Morgan at safety. They all seem like tweeners so I'm curious what the coaches see in them to put them at these positions.

**Doc** · 03-27-2011, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by HardcoreClone

On an unrelated note but regarding the practice videos, I think I have only seen Leonard in one clip....maybe I've missed him in other clips or I'm looking too much into it, but is this just mere coincidence or has he been nicked up?

It's the opposite, they don't want him nicking up our receivers.

Seriously though, I assume it's just a coincidence. I really haven't seen much of the 1st team receivers either.