2025 Convention Recap | Cortney Braswell, Cincinnati | Culture of Tackling
March 11, 2025
Cortney Braswell currently serves as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at the University of Cincinnati. Coach Braswell joined the Bearcats’ staff in 2023 as the Inside Linebackers Coach. His coaching journey has included stints at Army, Appalachian State, and Louisville.
Coach Braswell is a former AFCA’s 35 Under 35 participant. He presented at the 2025 AFCA Convention with a presentation about tackling.
Tackling Basics and the Tracking Phase
In the video below, Coach Braswell outlines fundamental tackling techniques emphasized at Cincinnati, including the different types and families of tackles and how to execute them effectively. Additionally, he highlights the Tracking Phase, an essential part of tackling.
Coach Braswell defines tackling as comprising three distinct phases:
- Pursuit
- Track/Closeout
- Finish
This video delves into the tracking phase, offering detailed instruction alongside video examples of both effective and ineffective tracking techniques.
Tackling Fundamentals
Leverage
Leverage, often referred to as the “Secret Sauce,” is your positioning on the field relative to the ball carrier.
- Key Principle: Trust your hip. You don’t have control of both sides of the ball carrier.
- Pro Tip: Use the sideline—your best defender—to limit the ball carrier’s options.
- Stay square to the line of scrimmage (LOS).
Types of Tackles
- Bear Tackle
- Applied when facing the front of the ball carrier.
- Profile Tackle
- Used when approaching from the side of the ball carrier.
Stack Blocker Technique
To execute a successful block stack:
- Position your near toe and knee through the ball carrier’s crotch.
- Drive your near shoulder into their thighboard.
- Shoot your elbows (the hips will follow).
- Lock, squeeze, and pull.
- Drive for five yards if needed.
Tackling Families
- Spaced Tackles
- Performed in open-field situations.
- Requires balance, body control, proper leverage, tracking, and closing distance.
- Condensed Tackles
- Occur in tighter areas, such as the box.
- Emphasize shuffle or skate footwork with minimal redirection or body control.
Tracking Phase Breakdown
- Over Track
- Happens when positioned too far outside (on the far shoulder).
- Results in the runner cutting back.
- Key Adjustment: Focus on the outside leg and mirror the runner’s movements.
- Under Track
- Occurs when positioned too far inside or on top of the runner.
- Allows the runner to escape to the outside.
- Recovery: Execute a midsection or lower-body tackle if needed.
- Pure Track
- Maintains alignment with the near hip and body of the runner.
- Ideal position for knock-back tackles.
For a deeper dive into Coach Braswell’s tackling philosophy and methods, watch his full presentation on the AFCA Digital Library here: https://library.afca.com/media/viewItem/52237
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Cortney Braswell currently serves as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at the University of Cincinnati. Coach Braswell joined the Bearcats’ staff in 2023 as the Inside Linebackers Coach. His coaching journey has included stints at Army, Appalachian State, and Louisville.
Coach Braswell is a former AFCA’s 35 Under 35 participant. He presented at the 2025 AFCA Convention with a presentation about tackling.
Tackling Basics and the Tracking Phase
In the video below, Coach Braswell outlines fundamental tackling techniques emphasized at Cincinnati, including the different types and families of tackles and how to execute them effectively. Additionally, he highlights the Tracking Phase, an essential part of tackling.
Coach Braswell defines tackling as comprising three distinct phases:
- Pursuit
- Track/Closeout
- Finish
This video delves into the tracking phase, offering detailed instruction alongside video examples of both effective and ineffective tracking techniques.
Tackling Fundamentals
Leverage
Leverage, often referred to as the “Secret Sauce,” is your positioning on the field relative to the ball carrier.
- Key Principle: Trust your hip. You don’t have control of both sides of the ball carrier.
- Pro Tip: Use the sideline—your best defender—to limit the ball carrier’s options.
- Stay square to the line of scrimmage (LOS).
Types of Tackles
- Bear Tackle
- Applied when facing the front of the ball carrier.
- Profile Tackle
- Used when approaching from the side of the ball carrier.
Stack Blocker Technique
To execute a successful block stack:
- Position your near toe and knee through the ball carrier’s crotch.
- Drive your near shoulder into their thighboard.
- Shoot your elbows (the hips will follow).
- Lock, squeeze, and pull.
- Drive for five yards if needed.
Tackling Families
- Spaced Tackles
- Performed in open-field situations.
- Requires balance, body control, proper leverage, tracking, and closing distance.
- Condensed Tackles
- Occur in tighter areas, such as the box.
- Emphasize shuffle or skate footwork with minimal redirection or body control.
Tracking Phase Breakdown
- Over Track
- Happens when positioned too far outside (on the far shoulder).
- Results in the runner cutting back.
- Key Adjustment: Focus on the outside leg and mirror the runner’s movements.
- Under Track
- Occurs when positioned too far inside or on top of the runner.
- Allows the runner to escape to the outside.
- Recovery: Execute a midsection or lower-body tackle if needed.
- Pure Track
- Maintains alignment with the near hip and body of the runner.
- Ideal position for knock-back tackles.
For a deeper dive into Coach Braswell’s tackling philosophy and methods, watch his full presentation on the AFCA Digital Library here: https://library.afca.com/media/viewItem/52237
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
