Hitting Hard, Seattle Style

Hitting Hard, Seattle Style

Tracking the inside hip is key to tracking the ballcarrier. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

Tracking the inside hip is key to tracking the ballcarrier. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

Among the best tackling examples is this one of K.J. Wright, who is about to bring down Jacksonville's Denard Robinson for a two-yard loss. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

Among the best tackling examples is this one of K.J. Wright, who is about to bring down Jacksonville's Denard Robinson for a two-yard loss. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

Football's strike zone for defenders is the same as it is in baseball: knees to shoulders. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

Football's strike zone for defenders is the same as it is in baseball: knees to shoulders. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

The "strike zone" illustrated as K.J. Wright is set to bring down Wes Welker in Super Bowl XLVIII. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

The "strike zone" illustrated as K.J. Wright is set to bring down Wes Welker in Super Bowl XLVIII. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

During practice, Seattle uses a pad to train defenders, like Earl Thomas, to identify and hit within the strike zone while on the move. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

During practice, Seattle uses a pad to train defenders, like Earl Thomas, to identify and hit within the strike zone while on the move. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

One of the exceptional things about the Seahawks' technique is that they teach it year-round, in pads and in shorts and t-shirts. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)

One of the exceptional things about the Seahawks' technique is that they teach it year-round, in pads and in shorts and t-shirts. (screengrab from Seahawks Tackling)