Speed and conditioning drills for football camp are designed to help you improve quickness and agility on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Speed drills are often designed for players such as halfbacks and receivers, who require speed bursts to gain yards and get open downfield. Despite this, offensive and defensive linemen can also benefit from improving their on-field speed and conditioning. Conditioning drills for lineman help improve and sustain their endurance throughout a game.
Types
Speed and conditioning drills for football camp break down into several unique categories. Receiver speed and conditioning drills are designed to improve a receiver's route running abilities as well as their ability to break tackles after a catch. Speed and conditioning drills for quarterbacks are designed to improve a quarterback's ability to scramble away from a sack as well as their on-the-move throwing. Other types of drills focus on halfbacks, fullbacks, linebackers and defensive backs.
Time Frame
Football camp is administered during the summer months leading to the regular season. Speed and conditioning drills for football camp are often performed at the end of each day of camp to prevent players from fatiguing during practice. In addition, performing speed and conditioning drills at the end of each day of football camp helps simulate end of game fatigue. Speed and conditioning drills should be performed for an hour or two each practice, depending on what football position you play.
Offensive Speed Drill 1
This offensive speed drill is designed to improve your backward running ability as well as your overall conditioning. Stand on the goal line while one of your teammates stands at the 5-yard line. On your coach's whistle, have the player on the 5-yard line start running backward, keeping his hands in front of his chest at all times. Sprint after him with a football in your throwing hand. Toss the ball back and forth as quickly as possible until you reach the center of the field. Repeat the drill in the opposite direction, with your teammate sprinting forward and you sprinting backward.
Offensive Speed Drill 2
This offensive speed drill is designed specifically for halfbacks and fullbacks looking to improve their speed out of the backfield. Have your team line up on the 20-yard line in a standard offensive formation. Have the center hike the ball to the quarterback and have him hand the ball to the halfback or fullback, depending on who is in the backfield at the time. If you are the running back in the play, grab the handoff from the quarterback and sprint to the right side of the field. After 8 feet, cut back toward the center of the field, lowering your shoulder and keeping your feet moving quickly. Run for 10 yards before breaking.
High Knee Drill
This drill is designed to help improve your running technique as well as overall endurance. Place five square bags along the field, 5 feet apart. Stand at the 30-yard line and wait for your coach's whistle. On your coach's whistle, sprint forward, making sure to keep your knees at your waist in order to avoid tripping over the bags. If you touch one of the bags during the drill, you must perform ten push-ups before repeating the drill. Perform the drill five times before resting.
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