Professional Documents
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Excellent Youth Football Drill Book
Excellent Youth Football Drill Book
DRILL BOOK
Steven Arnold
CONTENTS
Section 2: STANCES
1
Section 4: TEAM OFFENSE
2
GAMES &
WARM-UPS
This section provides an overview of
pre-practice routines, warm-ups, and a series
of games used for conditioning, evaluations,
and fun.
3
1. Drop-back Passing Lines
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
To the passer:
• Ball to trigger (earlobe).
• Step with opposite foot.
• Side to target. QB
• Follow through with thumb
in the pocket for good spiral.
To the receiver:
• Watch the ball in to
outstretched hands.
• After the catch, tuck the ball
into the correct arm.
Set-up and Instructions:
Pick two passers and set up a line of receivers to the right of each
passer. The receivers of passer #1 should be facing directly across from
passer #2 on the opposite side of the field. The receivers jog a short
pattern of the coach’s choosing (5 yards to start and progress to 15
yards as practice nears). After they have been thrown to and hopefully
made a catch, the receiver takes the ball back to the passer or to the
opposite passer and goes to the back of the receiving line.
4
2. Sprint Out Passing Lines
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
To the passer:
• Ball to trigger (earlobe).
• Little steps when preparing
to throw
• Throw with opposite foot
forward.
• Follow through with thumb
QB
in the pocket for good spiral.
To the receiver:
• Watch the ball in to
outstretched hands.
• After the catch, tuck the ball
into the correct arm.
Set-up and Instructions:
Pick two passers and set up a line of receivers to the right of each
passer. The receivers of passer #1 should be facing directly across from
passer #2 on the opposite side of the field. The receivers jog a short
pattern of the coach’s choosing (5 yards to start and progress to 15
yards as practice nears). After they have been thrown to and hopefully
made a catch, the receiver takes the ball back to the passer or to the
opposite passer and goes to the back of the receiving line.
5
3. Dynamic Warm-up
C
Purpose:
Set up two lines facing each other about 10 yards apart. Have everyone
get into a stance (vary the type of stance each time). Check for a perfect
stance and have the kids perform a warm-up exercise or agility drill on
your cadence. Some of the exercises we use are high knees, butt
kickers, half speed jog, full speed jog, carioca, Frankensteins, get-ups,
reverse get-ups, etc. This is also a good time to review hit position,
stances, and varying the snap count.
6
4. Red Line / Gold Line
Coaching Pointers:
Gold Line
This is the first drill my teams do every season. Set up cones to create
two lines. Explain to the kids which line is which. Our team colors are
red and gold so we call one line the red line and the other the gold line.
Feel free to change that. Have the kids start on the red line and then run
to the gold line. Have them run back to the red line. Next we introduce
our cadence, the hit position, and our stances. We will also add our
attention getters (for us, three whistles means that the kids clap three
times then run in and take a knee, if the coach says “give me two” the
kids clap twice and get silent, if the coach says “eyes” the kids yell
“snap” and snap their heads to attention.) We may add some of our
agility drills to create additional commands (“high knees to the gold line
from three point stance, butt kickers to the red line from hit position,
etc.) Keep going back to previous commands to make sure the kids
remember them all. Sometimes we will try to trick the kids and tell them
to run to a line that they are already standing just to add some fun to the
drill.
7
5. Towel Game
Purpose:
• Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
8
6. Deer Hunter
Purpose:
• Conditioning.
• Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
= Hunters
=Deer
= "Killed" Deer
Another game from Dave Cisar. Use cones to create a square or circle
that is about 40 yards by 40 yards. Choose 4 kids and give them each a
soft ball that they can use to hit other players without hurting them.
These are your “hunters”. They throw the balls at the other players
“deer” that have spread out inside the playing area. If a player gets hit,
he goes to the outside and takes a knee. After a winner has been
declared, pick four new hunters or allow the last four surviving deer to
be the new hunters.
9
7. Sumo Drill
Purpose:
•
Evaluate strength and
aggressiveness.
Have fun!
O
Coaching Pointers:
O
matched.
• Be Very enthusiastic.
Select two equally matched players to face off in a circle. The size of the
circle depends on the skill level of your players but imagine a sumo
circle. Start them off in the middle either in low 2-point stances with
their hands on the chest of their opponent or in a three-point stance. On
the signal they are to push and drive the other player to the edge of the
circle. The player whose body touches outside the circle or touches the
ground first is the loser. No twisting or turning is allowed, only straight
up power. You will find the player that stays low, gets his hips under his
opponent, and uses his legs in short choppy steps usually wins. You
can use this drill to emphasize blocking technique or the techniques
employed by defensive linemen.
10
8. King of the Hill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
• Be Very enthusiastic.
Have two equally matched players face each other about a foot apart on
opposite ends of a long blocking pad or wooden board. Start them off in
3-point stances. On the signal they explode out of their stance and make
contact with each other. They should meet in the middle with a collision
and then attempt to drive each other backwards off of the pad or board.
The player who drives his opponent off of the board is the winner. In
order to be victorious, a player must keep his feet wide, stay low, and
take short choppy steps.
11
9. Gladiator Ball
Purpose: O
• Have Fun!
• Condition.
Coaching Pointers:
Mark off two squares that are approximately 10’ x 10’ with spray paint or
cones. Place a trashcan in the middle of each square to serve as the
goal. The ball can be a soccer ball, Nerf ball of approximately the same
size, or football. This is an ultimate game meaning that once you
possess the ball, you are no longer allowed to move and must either
pass or shoot. Teams advance the ball down the field by passing. If a
pass is incomplete or intercepted, possession switches to the other
team. A point is awarded every time a team is able to shoot the ball into
the goal. No player is allowed into the square around the goal. If an
offensive player scores a goal from inside the square, the point does
not count. If a defensive player touches the ball while inside the square,
it is an automatic goal.
12
10. Golf Football
Purpose:
• Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
Mark off a field with sidelines, a midfield line, and an endzone. Divide all
players into teams of approximately equal numbers - 4 or 5 per team
works best. Assign one team to be on offense and one to play defense.
The offensive team huddles around the offensive coach who hands a
golf ball to one of the players. The defensive team must stay behind the
midfield line and should determine a strategy before play begins. When
the offensive coach yells “Break”, all of the runners try to get into the
endzone without being tackled by the defenders or stepping out of
bounds. If the player with the ball makes it into the endzone, it is a point
for the offensive team; otherwise the defensive team gets a point.
Rotate so that all teams play offense and defense and get to face off
against all other teams.
13
11. Slam Dunk
Purpose:
O
Have fun!
• Determine aggressiveness.
Coaching Pointers:
14
12. Hockey Puck Walk
Purpose:
• Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
This is a great team building activity. Put your players into teams of four
or five. Each team is given 4 hockey pucks, coasters, tennis balls (much
harder), or something similar. Mark off a line about 50 feet away from
the starting point that the teams must traverse. One child from each
team must walk on the hockey pucks and they may not touch the
ground. The other kids should assist by balancing their teammate or
moving the hockey pucks into position. Everybody should be involved
in some way. If the walker touches the ground, the team must go back
to the beginning and try again. If he hits the ground a second time, the
team starts over with a new walker. Switch walkers every time the team
successfully makes it to the opposite side.
15
13. Target Ball
Purpose:
• Improve teamwork.
• Evaluate agility.
• Have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
Separate your team into groups of 8-10 kids. Each team forms a circle
big enough so that players could put their arms out wide and still not
touch each other. You may want to use cones or spray paint to define
the circle as the kids have a tendency to scoot in as the game
progresses. Select two kids to be in the middle of the circle. One player
is the target and the kids on the outside will attempt to hit him by
throwing a soft Nerf or gator ball. The other player in the middle is the
bodyguard or shield. That player will attempt to position himself
between the target and the player with the ball. If a player on the outside
is able to hit the target, the target goes to the outside, the player who hit
him becomes the shield and the person who was the shield becomes
the new target.
16
14. Straddle Ball
Purpose:
• To have fun!
Coaching Pointers:
Separate your team into groups of 8-10 kids. Teams form a circle with
each player’s feet touching the foot of their neighbor. The kids must
have their feet as wide as comfortably possible. Give one player a soft
Nerf ball. Players try to smack the ball to get it to go between the feet of
one of the other kids in the circle. No player may pick the ball up and the
ball is always free to be hit by anyone who is close enough to touch it. If
a goal is scored, the player who had the ball go between their legs must
retrieve it. If a player hits the ball out of the circle without it going
between another player’s legs, the player who hit the ball must retrieve
it.
17
15. Toxic Waste
Purpose:
• Have Fun!
o
Coaching Pointers:
Find an object that you can use to represent a canister of toxic waste. I
use old tennis ball containers. If you really want to get creative, fill the
container with water and add a few drops of food color for effect.
Separate your kids into teams of 3 or 4. You must have a container of
toxic waste for each team. Also prepare a packet of three long pieces of
rope or jump ropes wrapped in a thick, strong, rubber band. Place the
containers in squares or triangles that are big enough that the kids
could not reach in and touch them (approximately 8’ x 8’). Give each
team the packet of ropes and tell them that this is the only tool they
have to move the toxic waste without knocking it over. The coned off
space is contaminated so no part of their body may enter that area.
Teams will generally experiment with the ropes and ignore the rubber
band before finally figuring out that the only way to be successful is to
use the ropes to stretch the band out, place it over the container, and
relax the tension so that the rubber band clasps the container. They
should then be able to move it out of the contaminated area.
18
16. Ultimate Football
Purpose: O
• Determine who are your best
athletes.
• To encourage teamwork.
Coaching Pointers:
Mark off two squares that are approximately 8’ x 8’ with spray paint or
cones. Place a hoop or spray paint a circle in the middle of each square
to serve as the goal. The ball can be a Nerf football or regular football.
This is an ultimate game meaning that once you possess the ball, you
are no longer allowed to move your feet and must pass the ball to a
teammate. Teams advance the ball down the field by passing. If a pass
is incomplete or intercepted, possession switches to the other team. A
point is awarded every time a team is able to place the ball into their
goal. Only offensive players are allowed into the square around the
goal. If a defensive player touches the ball while inside the square, it is
an automatic goal. Offensive players may dive to place the ball inside of
the hoop as long as their feet do not leave the ground.
19
17. Continuous Baseball
Purpose:
• Enjoyable conditioning.
• To have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
Separate your kids into two evenly matched teams. One team will be up
to bat and the other will be in the field. Mark off bases that are much
larger than a normal baseball base. You can have more than 4 if you
like. I suggest using a whiffle ball or some other substitute that is safer
than a regular baseball as some of your kids will not have baseball
experience and you will likely not be using gloves. There are no outs
and there is no limit to how many players can be on a base at a time.
When a player makes it to home plate, they do not stop but continue
running the bases instead. The only way to stop the runners is to get
the ball back to pitcher. After everyone has batted, switch the batting
and fielding teams.
20
18. Rubber Ducky Relay
WATER
Purpose:
• Team building.
• To have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
21
19. Water Race
WATER WATER
Purpose:
• Enjoyable conditioning.
• Have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
Separate your team into groups of 6 to 8. You will need a bucket and jug
for each team. Drill a few holes into each jug. Set a large container or
containers, filled with water about thirty or forty yards away from the
buckets. Each team lines up behind their bucket and the first person in
line holds the jug. Teams run, one person at a time to the water source.
They fill their jug and must hold it over their head as they run back to
their team. The water should spray out of the holes and onto the runner
as they return. Once back at the bucket, the remaining water is poured
in and the jug is handed to the next person in line. The first team to fill
their bucket is the winners.
22
20. Zip-Zap
Purpose:
• Enjoyable conditioning.
• To have fun.
C
Coaching Pointers:
Players form a circle with the coach standing in the middle. All players
and the coach place their hands together as if they were praying. The
coach moves around, points to a player, and says “Zip”. That player
must duck down while his two neighbors turn to face each other, point
with both hands, and yell, “Zap”. If anyone messes up, they must run a
lap, sprint up a hill, do push-ups, etc. This is a great game that will have
the kids begging to do conditioning.
23
21. Ten Seconds to Live
Purpose:
• To have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
Have all players duck and cover so that they cannot see anything. The
coach walks around selects one player to be the killer by tapping him on
the back. After the killer is selected, all players stand up and begin
shaking hands. The killer may take out one of the other players by
squeezing their hand during the handshake. If a child gets his hand
squeezed, he walks around and continues to shake other players’ hands
for ten seconds at which point he will fall down and play dead. It is
important that the player who gets his hand squeezed does nothing to
give away the identity of the killer. Players who have not had their hand
squeezed may try to guess the identity of the killer. If they are wrong,
they too must die. If they guess correctly, the game is over and a new
killer is selected.
24
22. Only Two Feet
Purpose:
• Have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
Mark off two long lines that are approximately 30 feet apart. Players are
partnered up and seated along one of the lines. It is a good idea to
separate the kids so that one partner is big enough to carry the other
partner. Teams must travel from one line to the other while maintaining
contact but only two of their four feet may touch the ground on each
trip. Teams get a point for each successful attempt and may not use the
same technique twice. Common ideas are for one player to carry the
other, for each to hop on one foot, for one to ride the other like a horse,
wheelbarrow, etc.
25
23. Football Scrabble
Purpose:
• Enjoyable conditioning. O I
M L K I I
U Y OU
Z T M T O M J L K I
• Have fun. ME
R U Y I
L K MS T I U
C X Z TH RU J
A U YAMX P T S
I Z TC D RA E J A
Coaching Pointers: V P SP H
L L RC SX E V T E IA A G D
A A P H S A G P
I L F L RO D E TI
VS M T Q
SL M GAI P S
A
• M BL LN R OS U EY T
N S TAE E KF T SU QS M
Z BT F B M
T
C KW S T ROQN J
N
M EE S
N BC X FC N DAO KEW A P E EH TSB S
I N TS
C C V HL
KW N R DF B D G PS
F ED TH A A
L N G R SC R S
F TG S
CB SH R Q M
N O EE S
G N T
C KW B
N F D
S
C H R
G
Create a document of letters and print off copies so that you have a few
hundred letters. You should have more of the common letters. For
example, you should have at least 4 or 5 E’s for every X. Scatter the
letters in central location, separate your kids into teams of 3 or 4, and
spread them out about 20-30 yards away from the letters. One player at
a time runs for each group. He picks up one letter and returns it to his
team. Teams use the letters they collect to spell words that are at least
four letters long. At the end of the game, teams get a point for every
letter they have used in a word (four letter word are worth four points,
five letter words worth five points, etc.) If a word is football related, the
point value doubles.
26
24. Sheet Ball Pick-Up
Purpose:
• Team building.
• To have fun.
Coaching Pointers:
Cut a hole in the center of an old, twin size sheet. The hole should be
just big enough that it can fit over a soft Nerf or gator ball. Drop a few
dozen balls in the center of your field and place teams of 8 to 10 players
about 20 feet away from the balls. Teams must work together to pick up
a ball in their sheet, carry it back to their starting station, and drop it.
You may want to mark off an area for each team to drop their balls. The
kids may not use their bodies to manipulate the ball. When time runs
out or all of the balls are gone, the team with the most balls is the
winner.
27
STANCES
28
25. Hit Position
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the
progression of getting in a good hit position. Stand with feet
shoulder width apart. Toes and knees face straight ahead, no pigeon
or duck feet. Stand up tall like a soldier, flat back. Bend your knees
and lean slightly forward. Head is up, eyes forward, and chin is out.
Check every player to make sure they are in the proper stance and
make any necessary corrections. Walk them through the same
progression and check their stances one more time. Next, add the
command “break down”. Whenever the coach yells “break down” at
any point in the season, the kids let out a football yell and get into
their hit positions as quickly as possible.
29
26. Two-Point Stance
(WR & DE)
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
This is a position specific stance (we use it for our wide receivers and
defensive ends) and is different from the hit position. The hit position is,
however, a prerequisite for teaching the two-point stance and all of the
other stances as well. Line the kids up straight across from you and
walk them through the progression of getting in a proper two-point
stance. First explain that in football terms, “inside” means toward the
ball’s location prior to the snap and “outside” means toward the
sideline. Place a ball down somewhere and ask the kids to identify their
inside and outside. Move the ball and ask them again. Next have them
assume a proper hit position. From there, have them move their feet
together slightly to that they are positioned directly under the hips. The
inside foot goes forward and the outside foot back a few inches so that
their center of gravity is directly between the two feet. From there, turn
the head to look inside at the ball.
30
27. 3-Point Stance
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the
progression of getting in a proper three-point stance. First have them
get into a good hit position and check to make sure they have their feet
shoulder width apart, toes and knees pointed straight ahead, a slight
bend in the waist, flat back, and chin out. From here, lower the center of
gravity by bending at the knees and sitting. The players rest their
elbows on the thighs. The knees should be at an angle slightly greater
than 90 degrees. Make any correction then have the players lower their
dominant hand to the ground to complete the three-point stance. The
hand is positioned so that if the player’s eyeball fell out, it would land
on his thumb. There is just enough weight on the hand so that the
player’s fingertips turn white. Make sure the toes and knees have
remained pointed straight ahead, that the back is flat, and the head is
still up so that the boys can see what they are going to hit.
31
28. 4-Point Stance
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the
progression of getting in a proper four-point stance. First have them get
into a good hit position and check to make sure they have their feet
shoulder width apart, toes and knees pointed straight ahead, a slight
bend in the waist, flat back, and chin out. From here, lower the center of
gravity by bending at the knees and sitting. The players rest their
elbows on the thighs. The knees should be at an angle slightly greater
than 90 degrees. Make any correction then have the players fall forward
until both hands are in contact with the ground. The hands are placed
shoulder distance apart extended out in front of the player’s head with
approximately 65% of the weight on the hands. The arms are fully
extended. Make sure the toes and knees have remained pointed straight
ahead and the player is on the balls of his feet, ready to spring forward.
The back is flat, and the head is still up with neck bulled. The back
remains flat but the tail is elevated slightly above the rest of his body.
Walk through the progression again and once everyone feels
comfortable with their stance, have them fire out a few steps on a
cadence or ball movement.
32
OFFENSIVE
SKILLS
This section covers drills that are important
for the fundamental play of individual
offensive positions and position groups.
33
29. Under Center Snaps
Purpose:
34
30. Direct Snaps
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
This is how we teach the snap in the youth version of the single wing offense
developed by Dave Cisar. It is specific to that type of offense but if you are
looking to run something similar or to install a direct snap package to
compliment your other plays, you may find this technique easiest to teach.
Have each center work with a partner or in a group if you will have more than
one potential target in your direct snap formation. At the beginning of the
season, we will teach every lineman how to snap and will run this drill with no
backs, only linemen rotating between center and backfield positions. First
instruct everyone on the correct pre-snap stance. The key to the direct snap is
having the backs lined up fairly close (2 ½ to 3 yards behind the center) and
low to the ground. We have our backs assume a hit position then crouch low
like a baseball catcher. Their pinkies are touching each other, palms facing
forward, and fingertips make contact with the ground. We do not over-coach
the center but allow him to grip the ball in whichever manner allows him to feel
comfortable. The center must have his knees bent, butt up, and head down to
look at the player he is snapping to. The pass must be nice and low, just
slightly harder than a lob. If linemen are snapping to each other, have each
center take 3-5 snaps and then rotate. Eventually have the centers fire out into
a blocking shield or execute a crab block after their snap. Centers may
practice this skill on their own by snapping into a lawn chair and attempting to
get the ball to stay on the seat of the chair.
35
31. Bird Dog
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Offensive linemen predominantly use this drill but we want every kid to
learn how to block on the line. Start with kids in a relaxed two-point
stance with shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Demonstrate a
gap step to the right by taking a short, 6-inch step with your right foot at
a 45-degree angle. We tell the kids that their step should be about the
size of a dollar bill. The upper body should stay low with the back
remaining flat and close to parallel with the ground. Shoulders should
turn 45 degrees to the right as well. If done correctly, you should look
like a bird dog pointing. Have the kids execute the 6-inch step to the
right and then to the left. Next add the “guns” command. Have the kids
practice this technique to both sides and then add the “Flippers”
command with a second 6-inch step. Practice this both ways several
times before attempting to execute out of a 3-point stance. Walk them
through the progression of Stance, Guns, and Flippers several times
before trying to combine it all into one movement. Finish off the block
with short, choppy, 6-inch steps.
36
32. Sled Blocking
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Take a small group of kids to your blocking sled. I prefer to keep the
groups limited to 6-8 players to maximize reps and avoid a long wait
where the kids might lose focus. You can use the sled to work on
components of a drive block such as having the kids practice delivering
a blow out of a 6-point stance or breaking down the movement into the
“Stance”, “Guns”, “Flipper” progression. You can also practice the
complete drive block as one movement. Always have the players block
with their head on the outside and switch lines each time so that they
work both shoulders. Make sure the players keep blocking until they
here a whistle.
37
33. Board Drill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Some days we will omit the sled and replace it with the board drill. Split
the kids into groups and have each group form a line behind a long 2x4.
The first player in line will step onto the board and execute a drive block
on a coach-held dummy or shield. Just like the sled, have the players
keep their head on the outside (or inside if you want to have them turn
the dummy at the end of the block) and switch lines every time so as to
work both shoulders. Having the board between their feet forces the
kids to use a wide base and to keep their feet moving. Make sure they
continue to block until the whistle is blown.
38
34. Double Teams
Purpose:
You will need two adults to hold blocking dummies. Split your players
into two groups and have each group go to a dummy. Two players at
time will execute the double team. Place the dummy head up on the
outside player. The player who has the dummy over top of them is the
post man. He must get his head on the outside of the dummy (in a game
this would be the defender’s inside but we want to drive the dummies
away from the other group). The other offensive lineman will be the
drive man. He must position his head on the inside so that they have
effectively pinched the defensive lineman with their heads. Both players
must keep their hips and shoulders connected while working together
to drive the dummy.
39
35. Pulling Progression
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line the kids up straight across from you and walk them through the
pulling progression repeating each step several times before moving
on. Start in a relaxed two-point stance and take a 6-inch step to the right
with the right foot. The foot opens to a 90-degree angle and drops six
inches back from the original starting position. Pivot on the left toe and
rotate the shoulders so that everything is pointed to the right. Check to
see that all players remain in a low crouch. Next have them throw their
right elbow backward as they take the 6-inch step. The arm stays close
to the body as it is swung around, facilitating the pivot. Next we do this
out of a 3-point stance, again checking for proper foot placement and to
see that the kids remain low. We will then have them take the step with
elbow swing out of a 3-point stance and freeze. If the players are in
good position, the coach signals them to continue on in the path of a
trap or lead block repping each a few times. Finally we will add a coach
with a shield or blocking dummy for the players to block, again
practicing both the trap and lead blocks. Practice this entire
progression to both sides. Once the kids become skilled at pulling, you
may add the splatter technique for additional practice.
40
36. Crab Blocking
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
41
37. Smart Blocking
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line up your offensive line with players in their correct positions. If you
have extra players, find a way to get them involved other than as a
dummy. Next place a marker on the ground where the ball would be. The
center must line up on this marker every time so that we get a
consistent look at where the defenders would be. Set up cones or some
other objects (I use T-Ball tees because they stand up and allow the
players to show me proper head placement) to represent a common
defense or the expected defense of your upcoming opponent. Call a
play and have your linemen step to the correct block on the cadence. If
they are to execute a drive block, I only make them take two steps but
they must use the “Guns” & “Flippers” technique. If they are pulling,
blocking a linebacker, or running a pass route I will have them fully
execute their block. Do not let the kids play with the cones or knock
them out of position.
42
38. Wedge Progression
Purpose:
E T G C G T E
Coaching Pointers:
1: From 2-point stance, step with inside foot and place it just inside and behind the foot of
your inside neighbor.
2: Same as above but add the inside shoulder to the rib cage of your neighbor. The
outside hand pushes on the near shoulder of your neighbor.
3: Same technique but out of a 3-point stance. We are only getting a fit right now and not
moving. Make sure the wedge looks like a ‘V’.
4: Again, have them form the wedge out of a 3-point stance, then have them take small
steps on your count. Count slowly at first then gradually speed up as they get better. You
are not allowed to grab your neighbor or interlock but all players must stay connected.
5: Speed up the count and make them go a longer distance (10-15 yards).
6: Have a coach hold a dummy or blocking shield at the point of attack. Again, freeze on
the dummy before starting a count. Explain that you do not have a certain man to block
but only worry about pushing on your inside neighbor.
7: Without freezing, go immediately into the drive. The coach still counts steps.
8: Do the full motion without freezing and without the coach counting.
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39. Splatter Blocking
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Splatter drills are one of the best ways to practice technique and
acclimate your young players to contact. If you have a mattress (full
size or bigger and the thicker the better) that you can transport to
your practice field, I suggest using that. Otherwise, create a landing
mat by placing three or four long tackling dummies side by side. If
you have to use the latter method, you will need to have a coach stay
by the dummies to make certain that they do not become separated.
If you do have a mattress, place one tackling dummy at the front so
that the blockers will need to use their hips to lift the player over the
bag. Give one boy a blocking shield and have him stand a few feet in
front of the landing area. Line up the other players and have one boy
come up close to the shield holder. That player executes a drive
block, finishing the block by driving the shield holder back and onto
the landing area. Switch the shield holder every five or six reps. You
can also use this drill to practice pulling.
44
40. Get a Grip
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Line up a group of kids up straight across from you. Each child needs a
football. First explain that in football terms, “inside” means toward the
ball’s location prior to the snap and “outside” means toward the
sideline. When running with the football we want the ball carrier to hold
the ball with his outside arm (right arm if running to the right and vice
versa). First have them hold the ball with their right arm. Tell the boys to
make an eagle’s claw with their right hand. One point of the football
goes into the armpit and the other point is covered by the eagle’s claw.
Make sure the ball is also in contact with their rib cage and forearm so
that there are four points of pressure. Make any corrections and then
practice on the left side. Point to one direction and ask them to show
you where the ball should be when running to that direction and then
switch once more.
45
41. End Run
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
• Eagle claw. C
Set down a cone and line up a group of players behind it. Give a football
to the first three of four players in line. Set an additional cone about ten
yards to the right and slightly in front of the first cone and one more
cone about 15 yards downfield. Check to make sure each player is
holding the ball correctly in his right hand before saying, “Go”. On the
signal kids run through the cones at top speed, accelerating as they go.
After running, the ball carrier returns to the group, gives the ball to the
next person in line who does not already have one, then goes to the
back of the line. Practice this drill to the right and left. For an added
progression, you may want to have a coach or another player pitch or
hand the ball off to the ball carrier.
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42. Gauntlet
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
• Eagle claw.
This drill is similar to the end run but with two columns of players at the
end that the ball carrier must run through. Check to make sure the ball
carrier is holding the ball in the correct arm with four points of pressure.
On the signal, the runner goes around the cone and through the
gauntlet. Players making up the gauntlet try to knock the ball out by
swiping at it or hitting it. They are not allowed to move their feet. You
may want to have two coaches at the end of the gauntlet holding
dummies. It is important for the runner to accelerate through the
gauntlet and to explode through the contact of the coaches popping the
dummies together at the end. After running, the ball carrier returns to
the back of the line, giving his ball to the next player in line without one.
Practice this drill to the right and left.
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43. Handoff Lines
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Create two lines of players about 10 yards apart and directly facing each
other. Give a football to the first three or four players in one of the lines.
The first two players jog to each other and execute a proper handoff.
Make sure the player receiving the handoff makes a wide pocket with
his near arm on top. The player who is handing the ball off must make
sure to focus on the pocket and correctly situate the ball. Players
continue on their path and go to the back of the opposite line. The
player who received the handoff gives the ball to the next player in line
who does not have a football.
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44. Skeleton Backfield
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
I use a painted fire hose to represent the offensive linemen. You may be
able to acquire an old hose from your local fire department. If you
cannot, use cones to represent the linemen. Make sure the spacing is
accurate. Call a play and have your backfield execute it with the runner
carrying the ball out at least 15 yards. Have any back who is executing a
fake do the same thing.
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45. Alley Drill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
50
46. Watch it In
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Pair off your backs and receivers (anyone who might need to practice
receiving the ball) and give each pair a football. Have the players form
two lines approximately 5 yards apart at first. Each boy is facing directly
across from his partner and is lined up at least 5 yards away from his
neighbors. Have the kids play catch, emphasizing that they must keep
their eye on the ball until they have secured it and that they must catch
the ball with their hands, not letting it hit any other part of their body
first. We start with underhand tosses for accuracy and a good spiral.
The receiver may turn his shoulders to the right, left, or all the way
around to simulate different pass-receiving positions. The passer may
alternate between high passes and low passes. If the ball is at or above
the receiver’s chest, he should catch it with thumbs together. If it is a
low pass or if his back is turned to the passer, he should catch it with
thumbs out and pinkies touching. Eventually we allow the receivers to
separate to a greater distance and to execute overhand passes.
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47. Stalk Block
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
52
48. Footwork Clock
12 12
Purpose:
O O
proper steps for each play.
9 3 9 3
• Improve footwork in general. QB QB
Coaching Pointers:
6 6
• This drill is better suited for
older kids.
C
• Correct any huge errors but
do not be too picky here. If
you try to make things too
perfect, you will end up
slowing the kid down.
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49. Fool the Coach
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Use this drill if you have a misdirection series in your offense wherein
many plays look the same but each goes to a different point of attack
with a different ball carrier. Set up a complete backfield with a coach
watching them. The QB selects a play and communicates it to the rest of
the backs. The coach should not know what the play is. The backfield
runs the play being sure to execute great fakes. The coach attempts to
identify the play and ball carrier. To make this drill fun, you can have the
coach do push-ups if he is unable to immediately figure out where the
ball is. Be sure to point out any errors for faking, ball carrying, and
executing your plays correctly.
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TEAM OFFENSE
55
50. Numbering System
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
56
51. Perfect Play
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
57
52. No Huddle
C
Purpose:
• Condition.
C
C
Coaching Pointers:
Set up two rows of cones to represent the sidelines. Have your offense
take the field with any coaches that you can spare holding shields or
dummies and moving around to play as defenders that must be
accounted for in order for a given play to succeed. The coaches should
know which play has been called so if your team uses wrist coaches,
give one to each coach. One of these coaches is also responsible for
spotting the ball after each play. Have whichever coach calls your plays
go to the sideline as he would in a game situation. If possible, have
another coach take any players that are not being used with him to run a
separate drill. Otherwise, rotate them in.
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53. Half Line Scrimmage
C
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
C
• Try to get as many plays in
as possible. Coach your
players on the fly.
This drill seems to work better for some groups of kids than for others.
In 2004 I was an assistant coach on a team that participated in half-line
scrimmages for a half hour at each practice. It was a great opportunity
for the kids to learn in a game situation and for us coaches to instruct
on the fly. My 2006 team never seem to get the same benefits and we
eventually stopped scrimmaging altogether. The greatest gains will
come if you have two capable coaches – one whose area of expertise is
on the offensive side of the ball and another who is able to concentrate
on the defense. Our 2004 team practiced three days each week. On the
first day we would only use our own offense and defense. On the
second day, we would run our plays against the expected defense of
our upcoming opponent. On the final day of practice, we would look at
our opponent’s plays against our defense.
59
DEFENSIVE
SKILLS
This section covers drills that are important
for the fundamental play of individual
defensive positions and position groups.
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54. Stance and Take-Off
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
C
• Start with a little more
weight forward than usual.
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55. Blow the Gap
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Put your defensive linemen into small groups. You will need two
coaches or players to hold shields or dummies for each group. If you do
not have enough shields, you can have some of your other players try
to prevent the defender from penetrating but keep in mind that this is a
drill for developing technique and confidence in your defensive players.
The offensive linemen should not deliver a devastating block. Like all
drills involving the take-off of defensive linemen, it is a good idea to
have a coach snap a football to instill good habits. On ball movement,
the defensive linemen explode out of their stance and attempt to
penetrate the gap between the two offensive players. He must use a low
charge and keep his feet moving. It is ok if the defender falls or if they
are unable to split the blockers as long as he continues to fight. If he
cannot get through the gap, neither can the ball carrier. The worst thing
he can do is to attempt to get past the blockers by taking any path other
than directly through the assigned gap. Remind the defenders that if
they are getting driven back on a double team, they are to get to the
ground and create a pile.
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56. All Gaps
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Separate the defensive linemen into two lines that are facing each other.
One group will play as offensive linemen and the other as the defensive
line. If you have an odd number of players, the offensive line gets the
extra player. Otherwise you can have a coach with a shield or dummy
stand in to represent an offensive lineman. The defensive players align
in the gaps of the offensive players. It is a good idea to use a ball for
this drill or you can just have one player put out their hand and snap
and imaginary ball. The coach calls cadence and the defensive line goes
on ball movement. They attempt to fire through the gaps and get into
the backfield. The offensive linemen are free to block either of the
defenders that are near to them. This will result in some defensive
linemen getting blocked one-on-one, some getting double-teamed, and
some coming through unblocked. The defensive lineman must
determine what is happening and react accordingly. Against a one-on-
one block, fight the pressure and penetrate into the backfield. If
unblocked, gain control and break down to find the ball. When double-
teamed, attempt to stay low and split the block but get on the ground
and create a pile if being driven back. The defensive linemen can never
leave their assigned gap in this drill. Every player rotates one spot
clockwise after every one or two reps.
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57. Drive and Rip
Purpose:
C
• Teach the technique for
playing as a head-up, two-
gap defensive lineman.
Coaching Pointers:
Set up lines of defensive linemen with no more than four kids in each
line. Line up a coach or player with a shield, representing an offensive
lineman, in front of each line. It is also a good idea to have a coach or
player acting as center so that the defenders get used to firing off on
ball movement. The coach stands behind the dummy holders. When the
ball moves, the defensive linemen fire off directly at the offensive
linemen, making contact with the chest, both hands, and facemask (with
head up). After the initial explosion, the defender attempts to lock out
the offensive lineman and drive him backwards while looking into the
backfield and in this case, at the coach. The coach signals the direction
that the ball is going at which point the defenders should drop their far
shoulder and rip the far arm underneath of the blocker, almost in an
uppercut motion, to create separation. They then pursue down the line
to get into position to make the tackle. At this age, defensive linemen
have a tendency to pick a gap without any regard to where the ball is
going. The defensive linemen in this drill should never pick a side until
they get a signal from the coach. Switch dummy holders after every
three to five reps.
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58. 2 vs. 1 DL Drill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Three of you linemen will be involved in any given rep of this drill. If you
have a surplus of players, it is a good idea to have more than one
instance of this drill going on at a time so that players are not waiting
around too long. Select one player to act as a defensive lineman, one as
an offensive lineman, and one as a ball carrier. Set up an alley of cones,
approximately 5 yards wide that the runner must stay within. On the
cadence or ball movement, both linemen will fire out and make contact
while the ball carrier attempts to run to daylight. The offensive lineman
attempts to block the defender but we do emphasize that this is a
defensive drill. If the blocker is more skilled than the defender, we ask
him to ease up slightly but to still make the defender work hard to make
the play. The defensive lineman fires off directly at the offensive
lineman, making contact with the chest, both hands, and facemask (with
head up). After the initial contact, the defender attempts to lock out the
offensive lineman and drive him backwards while looking into to see
which side the ball carrier has chosen. If the defender has created
separation, he can use the rip move or another technique to get away
from the blocker and make the tackle. Rotate positions after each rep.
65
59. Beat the Double
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Divide your defensive linemen into groups of three. Two players will
represent offensive lineman while the other plays a defensive lineman.
The defender aligns in the gap between the two blockers. On your signal
or on ball movement, the blockers attempt to execute a double team
block. The defender explodes low and hard with his head up, attempting
to split the blockers. If he is getting stalemated, the defensive lineman
can get lower, even t one knee, and continue fighting to get through. If
being driven back, the defender should get on the ground and create a
pile as quickly as possible. The worst thing the defender can do is to
leave his assigned gap. Rotate which player is the defender after every
1-2 reps.
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60. Hands Up
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
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61. King of the Hill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
• Be Very enthusiastic.
Have two equally matched players face each other about a foot apart on
opposite ends of a long blocking pad or wooden board. Start them off in
3-point stances. On the signal they explode out of their stance and make
contact with each other. They should meet in the middle with a collision
and then attempt to drive each other backwards off of the pad or board.
The player who drives his opponent off of the board is the winner. In
order to be victorious, a player must keep his feet wide, stay low, and
take short choppy steps.
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62. Sumo
Purpose:
•
Evaluate strength and
aggressiveness.
Have fun!
O
Coaching Pointers:
O
matched.
• Be Very enthusiastic.
Select two equally matched players to face off in a circle. The size of the
circle depends on the skill level of your players but imagine a sumo
circle. Start them off in the middle either in low 2-point stances with
their hands on the chest of their opponent or in a three-point stance. On
the signal they are to push and drive the other player to the edge of the
circle. The player whose body touches outside the circle or touches the
ground first is the loser. No twisting or turning is allowed, only straight
up power. You will find the player that stays low, gets his hips under his
opponent, and uses his legs in short choppy steps usually wins. You
can use this drill to emphasize blocking technique or the techniques
employed by defensive linemen.
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63. Spot, Contain, Pursue
Purpose:
Place two cones about 8 yards apart to represent the offensive tight ends. The
coach stands between the two cones holding a ball. Have your defensive ends
form a line behind each cone. The first two defensive ends step up and
assume a proper stance outside of their cone. For our defense, we have the
ends align one yard outside a tight end and two yards outside of a wing. The
coach calls cadence but the ends move only when the coach simulates a snap.
The coach, acting as quarterback, first drops straight back checking to see
that the ends penetrate straight into the backfield, not quite as deep as the
ball, without angling in. The ends must stay square, never turning their
shoulders so that the coach would be able to see their jersey number. Have the
ends rotate to the opposite line after each rep. The next step is to have the
ends penetrate to the same depth and then to move inward in the shape of an
‘L’. Again, they must not turn their shoulder or cross their feet. The next
progression is to have the coach move to one side or the other to simulate a
blocker coming out of the backfield. The defensive end that the coach comes
at must get low and attack with his inside shoulder, keeping the outside
shoulder free. The backside defensive end must slowly pursue through the
backfield being prepared for a bootleg, cutback, or reverse coming back to
him. Once your contain players have become proficient at these fundamentals,
you can get more advanced having the coach execute cutbacks, bootlegs,
dropback passes (ends rush in the shape of an ‘L’), or other plays that might
cause concern. You can also use the extra players to serve as blockers
coming out of the backfield or pulling guards.
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64. Sam Huff
Purpose:
2 3
Coaching Pointers:
7 6
• Don’t just accept the blow,
deliver one of your own as
you shed the block.
71
65. Outside Drill
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
72
66. Shed the Block
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Set up any players that will be participating in the drill in a straight line.
Have the first person in line step out approximately 4 yards in front of
everyone else, turn, and face the group. With the rest of the players still
in line, give a football to the third player. The first player in line will
charge out and execute a block on the player in front of him. That boy
must shed the block with either his right or left shoulder, gather himself,
and prepare for the next blocker. The second person in line will come
out immediately after the first block has been shed. He will be followed
by the third player who is holding a football and acting as a ball carrier.
The player out in front will shed the block, this time using the opposite
shoulder, gather himself, and then execute a form tackle on the third
player without taking him to the ground. After each rep, the player out in
front goes to the back of the line, the player who was first in line comes
out in front, and everyone else moves one spot up in the line.
73
67. Bag Work
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
74
68. Triangle Drill
Purpose:
I call this the triangle drill because we typically have three linebackers
but you can do the same drill with only two backers. Have the coach
represent the quarterback and have your backers align in their normal
defensive spots. Take two extra players as offensive backs and align
them in either an I formation or as splitbacks. Typically we use this drill
to practice defending the isolation play. Tell your backs which direction
you will be running to and have one of them act as a lead blocker,
attempting to block the playside linebacker. The linebacker must step
up and take on the block with his inside shoulder, keeping the outside
shoulder free. If done correctly, the back will have to cut the ball back to
the oncoming backside linebacker or widen to attempt to get outside of
the playside backer’s free shoulder. If he chooses the latter, the
playside backer must play off the block and wrap up on the ball carrier.
We never bring the back to the ground in this drill. Although this drill is
chiefly done to practice defending the iso, we could also practice proper
pursuit angles on sweeps and coverage against passes.
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69. Man Coverage
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Place two cones anywhere from 20 to 30 yards apart from each other.
Two even lines form behind the cones and the coach, acting as
quarterback will stand in between the cones. You may want to separate
your more experienced or skilled players into one line and your players
who are still developing into the other line. The first player in each line
comes out and plays defensive back. He will use man coverage
technique on the player who is now at the front of the line. On the
coaches signal, the receivers are free to run any route that they choose.
The coach must choose a receiver and throw the ball relatively quickly.
After each rep, the defender goes to the end of the line and the receiver
becomes the defender. Coach the players on the techniques that you
stress regarding man coverage. For us, we want the defender to align
three yards off of the receiver and one yard inside. Once the play starts,
stay just behind and just inside of the receiver keeping your eyes on
him the entire time. Always be in position that if the receiver does catch
the ball, you can tackle him right away. If the receiver gets behind you,
turn and run as fast as you can to catch up. When the receiver looks for
the ball, you place your hand in between his hands and in front of his
face, turn and look.
76
70. Zone Coverage
Purpose:
C
Coaching Pointers:
77
71. Jam Coverage
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Review the situations where you would use jam coverage with your players
and the techniques you want them to use. For us, we try not to overdo it
with techniques but instead tell them to be very physical here. We want
them to align on the inside shoulder of the receiver and as close to their
man as possible without being offside. They look only at their man and are
concerned with nothing else. When their man moves, we want to punch
him in the chest with the palms of both hands and keep him from releasing
for a pass. If he does release, follow him and maintain regular man
coverage. If your man blocks, continue to engage him but look inside to
see if the play is a run coming your way. If so, shed the block and make the
tackle.
Place two cones about 20 yards apart from each other. Two even lines form
behind the cones and the coach, acting as quarterback will stand in
between the cones. You may want to separate your more experienced or
skilled players into one line and your players who are still developing into
the other line. The first player in each line comes out and plays defense. He
will use jam coverage technique on the player who is now at the front of the
line. The offensive players can either run a pass route or block. The coach
can pass or run depending on what the offensive players are doing. After
each rep, the defender goes to the end of the line and the receiver becomes
the defender.
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72. Interceptions
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
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73. Passing Scrimmage
Purpose:
C
Coaching Pointers:
Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen
and set up a skeleton defense using only the positions that are active in
pass coverage. If you have enough extra skill players, they will serve as
the offensive runningbacks, receivers, and tight ends. The coach can
play as quarterback. If you do not have enough extra skill players, the
linemen always enjoy the opportunity to play skill positions. Prior to
practice, create note cards with common pass plays or the plays of your
upcoming opponent. It is best to use a letters for each position on the
card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’, Jack is
‘F’, and so on.) Show the play to the scout offense using as little time as
possible, break the huddle, and check the defensive alignment. When
executing the plays, we will run full speed but with no tackling. Coach
your players up after each play and then quickly huddle for the next rep.
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TACKLING &
TEAM DEFENSE
This section provides drills that will help
develop defensive team concepts and
cohesion between your players, as well as a
variety of drills for introducing and
improving tackling.
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74. Form Fit
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
This is how we introduce tackling to our players. First we will have everyone take a
knee as we read the warning on the back of the helmet to them, emphasizing that they
must keep their head up at all times. Next we show them the two screws that hold the
top of the facemask to the helmet and explain that when we say “screws to the ball”
we mean that we would like them to keep their head up so that those two screws make
contact with the ball while executing a tackle.
Players find a partner that is of comparable size and line up facing directly across from
them. Partners should be only a few feet apart and at least five feet away from any
other group. We designate one side to be the tackler and the other side as the ball
carrier. You may give the runner a ball or just have him hold his arm as if carrying a
football. Slowly go through the progression of a proper form tackle. Start in hit
position, take one step, put the screws to the ball with shoulder in the runner’s
stomach. The arms wrap around the butt or just below and the tackler locks his hands
or grabs cloth in the back. Do this a couple of times with the ball on both sides and for
both partners.
Next, have the tackler keep his feet moving, driving the runner back a few steps after
the form fit. Be sure not to go to the ground here. Again, rep this progression a couple
of times. The final step is to have the tackler attempt to lift the runner and carry him
backwards. If their partner is bigger, players may not be able to lift for very long and
that is ok. We just want them to get a feel for lifting when tackling. Again, be sure not
to go to the ground and rep this several times.
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75. Angle Tackling
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Form two lines about 5 yards apart from each other. Place a cone in
front of one line and give the first three people in the line a football. That
line will be the runners and the other line, the tacklers. On the coaches
signal, the players jog at three-quarters speed to the cone. The tackler
will execute the proper form for an angle tackle, driving the runner a few
steps before releasing him. We want a little bit of contact here but we do
not want our players to go to the ground. After each rep, the runner
gives the ball to the next person in line who does not already have one
and both players go to the back of the opposite line. After everyone has
gotten a few reps, switch which line is the runners and which line is the
tacklers.
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76. Popsicle
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
For this drill you will need two tackling dummies and a coach for each
bag. Set down cones 5 or more yards away from each dummy and form
a line behind each cone. The coaches keep the dummy up, holding it the
outside while placing a ball against it at about the level where a
runningback would carry it. On the signal, the first player in each line
will execute a running, full speed form tackle on the dummy, making
sure to keep his head up and placing the screws on the ball. We want
our players to know that if they place the screws on the ball, it can
create a fumble and that is exactly what should happen in this drill. After
the tackle, each player recovers the fumble that they created, gives the
ball back to the coach, and then returns to the back of the opposite line
so that on their next rep, they may practice tackling with their head on
the other side.
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77. Get Up Tackling
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
85
78. Oklahoma
Purpose:
• Practice tackling.
C
Coaching Pointers:
86
79. Three Slot Challenge
Purpose:
• Improve tackling.
Coaching Pointers:
Set down four cones in a straight line. Each cone should be about 6 feet
apart. Divide your players into two groups and have each group go to a
separate side of the cones. One group will be the ball carriers (give
them footballs) and the other will be the tacklers. The first player in each
line will come forward and face each other standing about 5 yards apart
in the middle of the cones. The offensive player begins moving laterally
back and forth while the defender mirrors him, always keeping his
shoulders square to the line and never crossing his feet. When the ball
carrier is ready, he will run in one of the three available slots (it can be
his choice or the coach can tell him where to run). The defender must
meet him and bring him down by executing a form tackle.
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80. Splatter Tackling
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
Splatter drills are one of the best ways to practice technique and
acclimate your young players to contact. If you have a mattress (full size
or bigger and the thicker the better) that you can transport to your
practice field, I suggest using that. Otherwise, create a landing mat by
placing three or four long tackling dummies side by side. If you have to
use the latter method, you will need to have a coach stay by the
dummies to make certain that they do not become separated. If you do
have a mattress, place one tackling dummy at the front so that the
blockers will need to use their hips to lift the player over the bag. Give
one boy a blocking shield and have him stand in front of the landing
area. Line up the other players and have one boy come line up about 5
feet away from the shield holder. Make sure he stays reasonably close
to prevent him from gaining too much momentum prior to contact. That
player executes a form tackle on the shield holder, lifting him up over
the dummy and onto the landing area. You can use this drill for straight
ahead or angle tackling. Switch the shield holder every five or six reps.
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81. Fumble Recovery
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
• If no opponent is around,
slow down half a step and
scoop the ball with arms C
totally extended. Run for a
touchdown.
Form a line with a group of no more than 8 players. First remind the players
that when we are on defense, if the ball is loose and an opposing player is
going for it, we want to fall on the ball to make sure that we recover it.
Emphasize the importance of laying on your side and tucking your arms
and legs in the fetal position. This will protect you if somebody falls on you
after the recovery. The coach kneels about 10 feet away with many
footballs around him. He will throw out a ball and yell, “Go!” for each player
to run, recover, and tuck into a ball. Throw the balls into different areas so
that multiple players can safely do the drill at the same time. Each player
must set the ball down next to the coach as he returns to the back of the
line.
Next, tell the players that if the ball is loose and there are no opposing
players around, we want to pick the ball up and score. The preferred
technique is to slow down just half a step, fully extend the arms with no
bend in the elbows, and make sure the ball is secured before you take off
running. Again, the coach kneels about 10 feet away with many footballs
around him. He will throw out a ball and yell, “Go!” for each player to run,
pick up the ball, and continue for another ten yards. Throw the balls into
different areas so that multiple players can safely do the drill at the same
time. Each player must set the ball down next to the coach as he returns to
the back of the line.
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82. Adjust to Formations
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
C
Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen
and assign extra players to serve as the offensive skill positions. The
coach can play as quarterback. Prior to practice, create note cards with
common formations, the formations of your upcoming opponent, or
special formations that may give you trouble such as an unbalanced
line, empty backfield, etc. It is best to use a letters for each position on
the card and assign each of your scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’, Jack
is ‘F’, and so on.) Show the card to the scout offense using as little time
as possible, break the huddle, and check the defensive alignment. Make
sure each player is lined up correctly and knows what to do once the
ball is snapped. You may place a man in motion to see if the defense
can react properly if you like. Make any corrections and hurry back to
the huddle for the next rep.
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83. Do Your Job
C
Purpose:
C
• Review formation C
adjustments.
Coaching Pointers:
Place five cones down to represent the five interior offensive linemen
and assign extra players to serve as the offensive skill positions. The
coach can play as quarterback. You will need three or four coaches
scattered around the field on the defensive side of the ball. Prior to
practice, create note cards with common formations, the formations of
your upcoming opponent, or special formations that may give you
trouble such as an unbalanced line, empty backfield, etc. It is best to
use a letters for each position on the card and assign each of your
scout players a letter (Billy is ‘T’, Jack is ‘F’, and so on.) Show the card
to the scout offense using as little time as possible, break the huddle,
and check the defensive alignment. Make sure each player is lined up
correctly and knows what to do once the ball is snapped. You may place
a man in motion to see if the defense can react properly if you like. Make
any corrections and hurry back to the huddle for the next rep.
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84. Angle Pursuit
Purpose:
• Condition.
Coaching Pointers:
coach.
Thanks to Scott Gettier for showing me this drill in 2006. We have done
it weekly and I think it has helped prevent at least a dozen touchdowns
since then. Set up cones for sidelines and also to represent the
offensive players so that the defenders know where to align themselves.
It’s best if you have two defensive groups that can rotate after each rep.
You will need one coach to act as quarterback and another coach, who
is in good shape, to act as the runner. On the snap, the first coach will
pitch the ball to the other who will execute a sweep to one sideline or
the other. All defenders must take their proper pursuit path and cross in
front of the ball carrier’s face. Be careful not run any of your players
over or, in some cases, not to get run over by them. For some variety we
may add QB fakes, passes, or reverses as the season progresses.
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85. Half Line Scrimmage
C
Purpose:
Coaching Pointers:
C
• Try to get as many plays in
as possible. Coach your
players on the fly.
This drill seems to work better for some groups of kids than for others.
In 2004 I was an assistant coach on a team that participated in half-line
scrimmages for a half hour at each practice. It was a great opportunity
for the kids to learn in a game situation and for us coaches to instruct
on the fly. My 2006 team never seem to get the same benefits and we
eventually stopped scrimmaging altogether. The greatest gains will
come if you have two capable coaches – one whose area of expertise is
on the offensive side of the ball and another who is able to concentrate
on the defense. Our 2004 team practiced three days each week. On the
first day we would only use our own offense and defense. On the
second day, we would run our plays against the expected defense of
our upcoming opponent. On the final day of practice, we would look at
our opponent’s plays against our defense.
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