Young defensive players are often filled with enthusiasm when they take the field. While that enthusiasm will help them engage in battle with opposing ball carriers and blockers, it is not enough to defeat an opponent with better technique. Young defensive players can complete key drills in order to improve their level of play.
Oklahoma Drill
This is one of the most traditional defensive football drills done at all levels of the game. It is especially effective for young players who are trying to learn how to tackle. Set up two cones about five yards apart. An offensive lineman and a defensive lineman will set up at the line of scrimmage between the cones. A running back lines up behind the offensive lineman and the linebacker lines up behind the defensive lineman. On the coach's signal, the offensive lineman drives the defensive lineman right or left and the running back runs away from the block. The linebacker must make the tackle by driving his shoulder into the midsection of the ball carrier. Have all linebackers do this drill three times each.
Bag Drill
In this drill, the coach sets up five agility bags on the field three yards apart. On the coach's whistle, the defensive player runs over the bags and then sprints to the tackling dummy 10 yards away. The defensive player drives his shoulder into the dummy and drives it into the ground. The key to this drill is hitting the dummy as low as possible. Have each linebacker do this five times.
Shed and Throw
In this drill three linebackers line up one yard away from the blocking sled. On the coach's whistle they drive their shoulder into the sled and push it five yards downfield. At that point, the linebacker on the left side of the sled spins off at a 45-degree angle and tackles the ball carrier, making sure to drive his shoulder into the ball carrier's midsection. Do this drill three times so each linebacker on the sled gets a chance to tackle the ball carrier.
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