Improving agility is a key factor in becoming a competent football player. In many cases, agility is more important than game-breaking speed or overwhelming power. The ability to dip a shoulder while maintaining full speed is a key move that can turn a good defensive end into an All-Pro at the position. Players who can use their agility to stay on their feet can make big plays when others get tackled.
Rope Ladders
The rope agility ladder is used by football teams at nearly every level. Football players have to pick their feet up high to avoid getting tripped up, and running through a rope ladder builds agility, quickness and stamina. Start off at the front of the ladder. Place your left foot in the first open square on the left and then put your right foot in the second square on the right. Your left foot goes in the third square on the left and then the right goes in the fourth square on the right. Continue in this manner until you finish the course. Return to the back of the line and repeat the drill.
Three Pops and a Sprint
In this drill, three of your players will hold blocking pads at the 5-yard line. The rest of your players will line up at the goal line. The first player in line will get in a three-point stance and accelerate to the first pad where he will drive his shoulder into it. He will take two steps back and then drive into the second pad and then do the same thing with the third pad. Then he will sprint 15 yards to the 20, circle around an athletic cone and sprint back to the goal line. Each player should do the drill twice.
Sidestep and Pop
For this drill, all linebackers will line up on the sidelines. Four blocking pads will be placed on the ground, each one 3 yards apart from the previous one. The linebacker will sidestep over each pad, making sure to pick his feet up high. He will then sprint toward a running back who will take a pitchout from the coach at the time the linebacker goes over the last pad. The linebacker must then tackle the running back as far upfield as possible. Each linebacker gets three chances at this drill, which works on agility, foot quickness and tackling ability.
Receiving Drill
In this drill, the receiver will line up on the line of scrimmage, sprint 15 yards and turn around and face the quarterback. He will then catch a short pass, secure the ball, turn 90 degrees to his right and place the ball on the ground. He will then catch another ball thrown by a coach, secure the ball, turn 180 degrees and place the ball on the ground. He will then catch a third ball, secure it and then turn 90 degrees to his right and sprint 25 yards upfield. This drill builds agility, catching ability and concentration.
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