Football drills are vital for helping coaches evaluate players and help them get ready to play against tough opponents. Drills help players improve at blocking, tackling and running with the football, as well as catching and throwing it. Using drills properly in practice sessions can help players prepare to play their best.
Two vs. Two
Line up two blockers against two defensive linemen between two athletic cones about 8 yards apart. A running back has the ball five yards behind the two offensive linemen, and a linebacker is stationed about five yards behind the defensive linemen. On the coach's whistle, the offensive linemen will attempt to drive the defensive linemen off the ball. That leaves the running back one-on-one against the linebacker. He has to use his speed, moves or power to get by the linebacker. Run this drill so all linemen, running backs and linebackers get at least four attempts in each practice.
Quick Hands Drill
The receiver starts on the far outside. On the coach's whistle, he runs 10 yards upfield and cuts hard to the middle, where the quarterback delivers the ball. After he secures the ball, the receiver drops it and runs straight upfield again for another 10 yards. He then cuts hard to the middle again, where he catches another ball. This gets the receiver used to catching the ball while running over the middle and facing significant traffic. Give each receiver two attempts to do this in practice.
Tackle Drill
Prepare linebackers to tackle in games with this drill. Line up the running back behind the offensive line and the quarterback, in his standard position. The linebacker is two to three yards behind the defensive linemen in his standard position. On the snap of the ball, the quarterback hands the ball to the running back, who runs to the wide side of the field before turning upfield outside the hashmarks The linebacker must follow the running back and then bring him down with a tackle shortly after he turns upfield. The linebacker must get through the blocking and deliver his shoulder to the running back's midsection with speed and force. Each running back should get at least three attempts at this drill in each practice session.
Second-Level Blocking Drill
Offensive linemen may be required to make more than one block on each play. After blocking a defensive lineman to open a hole on a running play, a lineman has to continue moving downfield to block a linebacker or a defensive back. This is called blocking on the second level. On the snap of the ball, the offensive lineman blocks down on the defensive lineman opposite him to open a hole. Then he must find the next available defensive player to knock down to help turn a successful running play into a big play. Each offensive lineman should get at least three attempts to do this in practice.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- Youth Football Coaching Seminar; Tony Dungy; Mundelein, Ill.; August, 2010
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