Chad Wilson
May 8, 2025
Open-field tackling is one of the most challenging — and most critical — skills a safety must master. Whether you’re the last line of defense or filling the alley in run support, your ability to get a ball carrier on the ground often makes the difference between a short gain and a touchdown.
This quick article breaks down the essentials of open-field tackling for players and gives coaches tips on how to teach it effectively.
The Reality of the Open Field
In today’s game, especially at the high school and college levels, offenses are built to isolate defenders in space. Spread formations and quick passes force safeties to make tackles in one-on-one situations. If you’re late, off-balance, or out of control — it’s 6 points.
Key Elements of a Great Open-Field Tackle
Approach with Control
You can’t tackle what you can’t track. Come to balance with a “shimmy” step as you approach. Short, choppy steps reduce your momentum and allow for directional control.
Maintain Leverage
Know where your help is and keep the ball carrier on your inside hip. Never overrun or cross your leverage. Funnel him toward pursuit or the sideline.
Break Down with a Wide Base
Drop your hips, widen your feet, and keep your chest up. Your feet should be outside your shoulders, allowing for lateral movement.
Track the Near Hip
Lock in on the ball carrier’s near hip, not his head or feet. The hip doesn’t lie — it tells you where he’s going.
Shoot Low, Wrap, and Run Feet
Aim for the thighs or waist. Keep your head up (no ducking), wrap tight, and drive your legs through contact.
Coaching Tips for Teaching Open-Field Tackling
Use Alley or Angle Drills to simulate space tackling with controlled pursuit angles.
Coach Eyes and Feet: Remind DBs to watch the near hip and keep their feet active all the way into contact.
Reinforce Leverage Rules: Build in “contain responsibility” and fit rules in every drill.
Film Feedback: Show missed tackles in meetings and slow it down — focus on breakdowns in approach, not just the miss.
Final Thought
Being a reliable open-field tackler makes you a coach’s dream and a nightmare for offenses. It takes discipline, footwork, and repetition. Coaches: keep it simple and consistent. Players: don’t just aim to hit — aim to finish.
Want more tips like this?
Join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area for complete video breakdowns, coaching clinics, and player lessons.
Or grab the ultimate guide to DB play: 101 DB Tips – a must-have for every safety and secondary coach.
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
