Football defensive end drills are designed to help improve your tacking as well as your ability to penetrate the line and get to the quarterback. Defensive end drills range from footwork instruction to one-on-one tackling. According to Michael H.E. Roth's Football Drills, the key to a successful tackle is getting into the proper hitting position.
Medicine Ball Shuffle
This conditioning drill is designed to improve quickness as well as keep your pad level down while breaking through the offensive line. Start in your normal defensive stance in front of several tackling dummies. On the coach's whistle, break through the line, making sure to keep pads down and eyes up. As soon as you get through the dummies, have the coach throw a medicine ball at your feet. Swat the ball away with your hands and continue running to finish the drill.
Initial Step Drill
The step drill is designed to improve quickness off the defensive line. Line up in your normal defensive stance with another defensive end at your side. Have the coach tie a rope to the football and place it where the center would stand. Your coach will call out the normal snap cadence, attempting to draw you offside. As soon as he pulls the rope, burst with your front foot and continue to run forward for 5 yards.
Get-Up Tackling Drill
This drill is designed to improve your tackling technique and ability to get in a proper hitting position. Lie on your back with another defensive lineman lying 2 feet from you. Have a running back stand a few feet away with a ball in his hand. On the coach's whistle, jump to your feet and turn to face the other defensive end. As the running back runs through the 2 feet between you and your teammate, attempt to tackle him by keeping your shoulders down and head low.
Four-Point Sled Drill
This traditional sled drill is designed to improve your tackling power and speed. Line up in a basic four-point stance directly in front of a tackling sled. On the coach's whistle, burst out of your stance and into the tackling sled, rolling your hips and keeping your hands up to drive the sled away from your body. After several seconds, roll to your right side and allow another player on your team the opportunity to hit the sled.
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