Titans 2017 Football Drill Reference Manual

2017 TITANS FOOTBALL
COACHES DRILL MANUAL
Table of Contents
Drills for Everyone................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
All Agilities - Circle Cones Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
All Agilities - Cone Drills ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
All Agilities Lateral Movement Drill ........................................................................................................................................................7
All Bag & Board Drill (doublewing wishbone blocking) ....................................................................................................................7
All Ball Fight Drill............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
All Bird Dog Drill Point .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
All Bird Dog Drill Step ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
All Fit In Drill ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
All Form tackling (no pads) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
All Form tackling (angle, with or without pads) ................................................................................................................................... 10
All Form tackling (Angle, WITH pads) ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
All Form tackling (Angle, 5cone WITH pads) .......................................................................................................................................11
All Form tackling (bag, with or without pads) ........................................................................................................................................11
All Form tackling (butt, bench and fury, WITH pads) ......................................................................................................................... 12
All Form tackling (lateral movement #1, WITH pads) ......................................................................................................................... 13
All Form tackling (lateral movement #2, WITH pads) ........................................................................................................................ 13
All Form tackling (pick a hole, with or without pads) ......................................................................................................................... 13
All Form tackling (pit drill, with or without pads) ................................................................................................................................. 14
All Form tackling (reach tackle, WITH pads) ......................................................................................................................................... 14
All Form tackling (shed, recover, tackle, WITH pads) ......................................................................................................................... 15
All Form tackling (twoline attack, WITH pads).................................................................................................................................... 16
All Form tackling (with or without pads) ................................................................................................................................................ 16
All Form tackling (with shield, with or without pads) .......................................................................................................................... 17
All Form tackling from backpedal #1 (with shield, WITH pads) ....................................................................................................... 17
All Form tackling from backpedal #2 (with shield, WITH pads) ...................................................................................................... 17
All Fumble Recovery Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
All Horizontal Tackle (aka Cat & Mouse) Drill ....................................................................................................................................... 18
All Machine Gun Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
All Mirror Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
All Pad Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
All Pursuit Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
All Quick Hands Drill.................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
All Six Point Explosion Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20
All ShoulderonShoulder Bang Drill ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
All Shoot and Tackle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
All West Point Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
All ZigZag Agility Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Conditioning Drills ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Conditioning Basic hold your stance Drill .......................................................................................................................................... 22
Conditioning Bear Crawl w/ Cones Drill ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Conditioning Foot, Fire and Drop Drill .................................................................................................................................................. 23
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Conditioning Four Corners Drill ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Conditioning Illinois Test Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Conditioning Interval Sprints Drill ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
Conditioning Leg Matrix ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Conditioning Ladder drills ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Conditioning Michigan State Drill ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
Conditioning Position Competition Drill................................................................................................................................................ 28
Conditioning PT Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Conditioning Pushup Variations Drill ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Conditioning Running Drills ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Conditioning Speed Burst Drill ................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Conditioning Speed Test Drills ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Conditioning TTest Drills .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Defensive Back Drills ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
DB Backpedal Drill #1 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
DB Backpedal Drill #2 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
DB Backpedal Drill #3 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
DB Backpedal and Weave Drill ................................................................................................................................................................ 32
DB Banjo Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
DB Bump and Run Drill with LB ............................................................................................................................................................... 33
DB Cover Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
DB Crash and Burn Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34
DB Interception Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
DB Island Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
DB Jam Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
DB M Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
DB Safety Read Drill..................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
DB Tip Drill ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
DB ZigZag Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Defense (general) Drills ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Defense Angle Tackle Drill ......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Defense Inside Runner Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Defense Shed and Tackle Drill .................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Defense String It Out Drill .......................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Defensive Line Drills ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
DL Close Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
DL Conquer Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
DL Find and React Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
DL First to the QB Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
DL Gap Drill (DT) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
DL Goal Line Tackle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................ 42
DL Hold and Tackle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................ 42
DL Hoops Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
DL NG and C Drill......................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
DL Off the Ball Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
DL Sled Work ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
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DL Technique Drills ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
DL Rapid Fire Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
DL Read and React Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Linebacker Drills .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
LB 1step Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
LB Blitz the QB Drill...................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
LB Block Shed Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
LB Defeating a Trap Block Drill ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
LB Multiple Shed Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
LB Pass (or Draw) Drill................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
LB Piano (or Flow Over) Drill..................................................................................................................................................................... 48
LB Read Drills ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48
LB Shuffle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
LB & DL Stunting Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
LB & S Zone Read Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................... 49
LB & S Zone Read Drill #2 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Offense (general) Drills......................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Offense Blitz Read and Pickup Drill ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Offense Half Line Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Offense Read and Recognize Skeleton Drill ......................................................................................................................................... 51
Offensive Line Drills ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
OL 1st Steps Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
OL 10yard Drive Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................. 52
OL Basic Blocking Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
OL Bear Crawl Block Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................... 52
OL Best Move Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
OL Blocking Linebackers Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 53
OL Body Position Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
OL Counter (Pull) Blocking Drill ............................................................................................................................................................... 54
OL Down Block Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
OL Duck, FIT, Finish Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................. 55
OL Duck Walk Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
OL Finish Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
OL First to the Flag Drill.............................................................................................................................................................................. 56
OL Four winds Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
OL Good Balance Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
OL Hat on the Dummy Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................... 57
OL Hill Drill ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
OL Hip Extension Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................. 58
OL Lock on Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 58
OL Mirror Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
OL Pancake Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
OL Pass Block Footwork Drill .................................................................................................................................................................... 59
OL Pull around Drill ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
OL Punch Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
OL Punch Strength Drill.............................................................................................................................................................................. 60
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OL Quick Hit Drill.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
OL Shoeshine Drill......................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
OL Stay Low Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
OL Three Ball Drill ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
OL Tennis ball Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
OL Tight X Drill .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 62
OL Trap Block Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
OL Trap Block Drill #2 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 63
OL Trap Block Drill #3 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 64
OL Two Bags Downblock Double Team Drill .................................................................................................................................... 64
OL Two Bags Xblock Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................ 65
OL Whistle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 65
OL & DL Beat Your Man Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 66
OL & DL Finish Alive Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................... 66
OL & DL One on One Pass Protection .................................................................................................................................................. 66
Quarterback Drills ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
QB Check Off Pass Drill .............................................................................................................................................................................. 66
QB Exchange Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 67
QB Hot Box Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
QB Landmark Passing Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................ 67
QB Landmark Passing Drill #2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 68
QB Pass Reaction Drill................................................................................................................................................................................. 68
QB Passing Lines Drill.................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
QB Passing Lines Drill.................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
QB Progression Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
QB Read and Recognize vs. Skeleton Defense Drill .......................................................................................................................... 70
QB Recognition Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
QB RollOut Passing Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................... 71
QB Set, Find and Fire Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Running Back Drills ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 71
RB Bag Drill ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
RB Barrel Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 72
RB Counter Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 72
RB Cutback Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 73
RB Cut and Switch Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................... 73
RB Gauntlet Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
RB Goal Line Drill .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
RB High Knee Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 75
RB Inside Outside Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................ 75
RB Juke, Spin then Stiff Arm Drill ............................................................................................................................................................. 76
RB Kick Out Block Drill ................................................................................................................................................................................ 76
RB Off Tackle Reaction Drill....................................................................................................................................................................... 77
RB One Cut Drill ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
RB Power Toss Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
RB Seal Block Drill......................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
RB Stiff Arm Drill w/ heavy bag ................................................................................................................................................................ 79
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RB Stiff Arm Drill w/ live tackler................................................................................................................................................................ 79
RB Stiff Arm, Spin and Drive Drill ............................................................................................................................................................. 80
RB Trap Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
RB Triangle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 81
Receiver Drills ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Receivers Blocking Drill ............................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Receivers Catch Pyramid Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Receivers Catching Triangle Drill ............................................................................................................................................................. 83
Receivers Crack Back Block Drill .............................................................................................................................................................. 83
Receivers Concentration Drill.................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Receivers Cones and Cut Drill .................................................................................................................................................................. 84
Receivers Cross Drill .................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Receivers Full Gauntlet Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Receivers Hook and Turn Drill .................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Receivers Lightning Catch Drill................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Receivers Over the Shoulder Drill ........................................................................................................................................................... 85
Receivers Pass Reaction Drill..................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Receivers Pass Reaction Drill #2 .............................................................................................................................................................. 86
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Arrow) .................................................................................................................................................. 87
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Comeback) ......................................................................................................................................... 87
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Corner)................................................................................................................................................. 88
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Fade)..................................................................................................................................................... 88
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Go) ........................................................................................................................................................ 88
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Post) ...................................................................................................................................................... 89
Receivers Sideline Catch Drill .................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Receivers Stop Drill ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Receivers Stop & Indirect Drill ................................................................................................................................................................... 91
Receivers Turn Drill ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 91
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Drills for Everyone
All Agilities - Circle Cones Drill

Purpose: Teaches quick feet and staying low while moving with short, choppy steps
Procedure: Line up 3 or more cones in a straight line vertically from the player
On the snap, the player bursts to the first cone, and circles his feet around the cone,
staying low and keeping his head facing forward, his shoulders square, and his hands out
in front
After circling the first cone, player sprints to the second cone and repeats
In the picture below, the players start to the left of the cones and circle around to their
right. You can also have the players start to the right of the cones and circle to the left
All Agilities - Cone Drills

Purpose: Teaches quick feet
Procedure: Line up 4 cones in a square with about 5 10 yards between each cone. Players can run:
90s
o Run around the outside of the cones in a square pattern, planting the outside
foot, and driving at a 90 angle around each cone
Backpedal
Mix n Match
o Sprint to cone 1, shuffle to cone 2, backpedal to cone 3, shuffle to cone 4
o Bear crawls, Army crawls, crab walk can also be used
Hooks/Comebacks
o Run straight to cone #1, plant the outside foot, and drive back towards cone #3.
Once he gets to cone #3, plant the outside foot again, and drive towards cone
#2. Once he gets to cone #2, plant on the outside foot again, and drive back
towards cone #4. In effect, he will be running around the cones in an X shape
as shown below
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All Agilities Lateral Movement Drill

Purpose: Teaches quick feet and proper lateral movement
Procedure: Setup 4, 6, or 8 cones in a rectangle (2 cones per row, each row 2 or more yards apart)
Have player start 5 yards behind first row of cones
On the snap player sprints towards cone #1, then shuffles laterally to his right to the end
of the row, then sprint to the next row of cones and shuffles to his left to the end of that
row
Continue until player shuffles through each row
All Bag & Board Drill (doublewing wishbone blocking)

Purpose: To develop proper wishbone blocking technique and develop a Finish It Off attitude
Procedure: You need up to 5 boards and 5 bags

Have players hold the bags in front of them, with their feet shoulder width apart and the
bottom of the bag on the ground. These are the DL.
Line up the boards directly behind the DL, then have the same number of offensive
players line up across from the bags, 2 yards away.
Offense gets in a good 3point stance, and fire off in a doublewing blocking technique
and drives the bag beyond the end of the board using drive steps
The DL should offer mild to moderate resistance
The coach should check for a good stance throughout the drill, and ensure that the bag
pops up on contact AND is driven back at the same time
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All Ball Fight Drill

Purpose: Maintaining possession (if you have it) and gaining possession (if you dont)
Procedure: Pair up the players up by size/ability

Mark off a very small square and have two players inside it
Give one ball to each group and make sure both players have a good grip on it
Once the whistle blows, give the players 3 to 10 seconds to fight for possession and
control of the ball
All Bird Dog Drill Point

Purpose: To go over blocking assignments.
Procedure: Set up 11 cones or players into a defensive formation that your opponent plays
Line up the offense to execute a play and then each offensive player takes a knee.
On the snap, each offensive player points to whom he is blocking, or points to where he
is going
They hold that position until the coaches check them. This allows you check each player
to ensure they understand their blocking assignments and first step.
Run reps to both sides, but do so multiple times
You can rep the line only as well.
All Bird Dog Drill Step

Purpose: To go over blocking assignments and proper first step
Procedure: Set up 11 cones or players in a defense your opponent will play

Line up the offense to execute a play and on the QB cadence, they only take the first step
on their assignment.
They hold that position until the coaches check them. This allows you check each player
to ensure they understand their blocking assignments and first step.
Run reps to both sides, but do so multiple times
You can rep the line only as well.
All Fit In Drill

Purpose: Teaches proper form and hitting position.
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Procedure: Start with a blocking dummy and two cones.

The offensive player will run inside the cone to one side of the dummy
The defensive player must keep his shoulders square to the LOS, fill the hole, and fit
into the RB using good form:
o His head in front
o Hips down
o Shoulder pad into the hip
o Wrap the ball carrier
All Form tackling (no pads)

Procedure: Runner stand erect, hands together behind back, head up. Small jump up, and let
tackler lift and carry you.
Tackler Hit position, 1 foot from runner, Lock, lift, drive for 5, arch back and keep eyes
to sky
Coaching points:
o Hit: breakdown position; knees bent, tail back, arch in back, neck against helmet,
eyes up
o Fit: shoulder to numbers, helmet to side with the ball, eyes to the sky, upper
body between ball carrier and goal line
o Lock: at the instant of contact, wrap arms around ball carriers thighs and
SQUEEZE. Lift his butt off the ground using your legs, not your back
o Lift: drive hips forward and your shoulder pads into ball carriers chest
o Drive: use your legs, keep upper body TIGHT to ball carrier
Page 9 of 91
All Form tackling (angle, with or without pads)
Purpose: Teaches proper form and angle tackling position.
Procedure: Line up a defender facing the ball carrier about 5 yards apart.
Put a cone about 3 yards to the right and left of the linebacker and have the running
back attack the inside of the cone.
Defender should make the tackle on the running back with his head in front and hit with
his inside shoulder. He should make contact with his shoulder at the hip of the ball
carrier and run his feet through on contact.
Make sure the defender is wrapping his arms around the ball carrier. Repeat drill with ball
carrier going other direction
All Form tackling (Angle, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop proper tackling and pursuit techniques on a ball carrier facing at an angle.
Procedure: You need 1 or more heavy bags and 3 cones set up in a triangle as shown below. The
cones can be 3 to 10 yards apart.
Set up one row of ball carriers, and another row of tacklers
The ball carriers will carry the shield and on the snap, will run in a diagonal line towards
the third cone.
On the snap, the tackler will take a good angle and make a good form tackle on the bag.
The coach should emphasize:
o Hit (breakdown position; knees bent, tail back, arch in back, neck against helmet,
eyes up)
o Fit (shoulder to numbers, helmet to side of the ball, eyes to sky, upper body
between ball carrier and goal line)
o Lock (At instant of contact, wrap arms around ball carriers thighs and squeeze
him with your arms pressing in ward, lift his butt of the ground)
o Lift (forward thrust of hips and driving your shoulder pads into his chest will
create lift)
o Drive (use legs, upper body holds tight, move ball carrier up and back)
Page 10 of 91
All Form tackling (Angle, 5cone WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop proper tackling and pursuit techniques on a ball carrier facing at an angle.
Procedure: Set up 5 cones in a diamond (the 5th cone in the center of the diamond) with each cone
two yards from the center cone.
Line up one ball carrier and one defender, each standing directly behind his point cone
On the snap, the ball carrier runs for either gap. Once he passes his point cone, he can
continue towards his chosen gap, or cut back to the other gap
The tackler must mirror the ball carrier, keeping his shoulder square and taking a good
inside angle, keeping his head in front of the runner
eyes up)
o .Lock (At instant of contact, wrap arms around ball carriers thighs and squeeze
create lift)
All Form tackling (bag, with or without pads)

Purpose: To develop proper tackling technique while hitting a soft target in a controlled hitting
environment. We need to emphasize the importance of keeping the head up and making a good
hard tackle
Page 11 of 91
Procedure: You need from 1 to 5 heavy bags, and two players per bag
One row of players will hold the bags, with their arms extended
The other row players (the tacklers) will line up three yards away, facing the bags.
On the snap, the tacklers will attack the bag and perform a good, clean tackle.
eyes up)
create lift)
All Form tackling (butt, bench and fury, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop proper tackling and pursuit techniques on a ball carrier facing at an angle, and who
has a blocker.
Procedure: Set up 4 cones in a diamond

At one cone, set up an offensive blocker, with a ball carrier behind him
At the opposite cone, line up one defender, with the extra players behind their cone
On the snap, the blocker attacks the defender. The defender should take on the block,
extend his arms (keep the blocker off your body!), and prepare to shed
On the second whistle, the ball carrier runs directly towards one of the cones.
At that point, the defender should shed the blocker in the opposite direction, and make
the tackle
Page 12 of 91
All Form tackling (lateral movement #1, WITH pads)
Purpose: To develop quick and proper footwork, to stay balanced while avoiding obstacles and proper
tacking technique
Procedure: Set up at least three shields or heavy bags on the ground in a line, each about 1.5 to 2
yards from the others
Line up one player as the defender at the end of the line, and a coach (or another player)
at the other end of the line with a bag
The defender can either face forward and shuffle over the bags on the ground, or he
can face the bags and high step over the bags on the ground
On the snap, the defender makes his way over each bag, gets in good position, and
tackles the bag at the end of the line.
All Form tackling (lateral movement #2, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop quick and proper footwork, to stay balanced while avoiding obstacles and proper
tacking technique
Procedure: Same as #1, except well use a live ball carrier and add a cone to the end of the line
instead of a heavy bag
Line up the ball carrier about two yards farther outside the bags then the defender
On the snap, the ball carrier runs towards the cone, and the defender will perform the
same side steps over the bags, and make the tackle before the ball
All Form tackling (pick a hole, with or without pads)

Page 13 of 91
Procedure: Line up three agility bags about 3 yards apart. Have the defender line up on the end of
one bag and the ball carrier on the opposite side of the bag.
On coaches cadence the ball carrier will run with his shoulders perpendicular to the line
of scrimmage and attack one of the three holes.
The defender must shuffle until the back has committed and then attack the hole and
wrap up the ball carrier and run through contact.
The defender should reverse the momentum of the ball carrier and cause him to go
backwards.
All Form tackling (pit drill, with or without pads)

Purpose: To develop good tackling technique and a good aggressive approach so the player gains
confidence in his tackling ability.
Procedure: Equipment: 1 shield w/player and 5 dummies formed into a mat behind the shield man. Last
player holding shield goes behind the dummies and resets them after the next tackle.
How: Player w/ shield lines up in front of the Pit facing the tackler. The shield should be at nose
level and he should be cocked and ready to take a hit. He provided minimum resistance. The
tackler starts in a good tackling position 2 yards away and on GO he charges forward and
makes a good tackle. He should be on top of the other player on the end of the drill.
Variations:
Blocking use wishbone blocking instead of tackling
Kick-out/Trap T gets in a 3-pt stance facing left or right in a proper stance.
Pull T shift left or right five yards with a cone 2 yards in front of P. T pull and comes
around the cone and then blocks P
All Form tackling (reach tackle, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop proper tackling technique when the ball carrier has made a move to the side (cutting
away from) of the defender.
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Procedure: Line up two players, both facing the same direction
One player will be holding a heavy bag. The bag represents the ball carrier. The other
player is the defender.
The defender is offset from and about one yard behind the ball carrier
On the snap, the ball carrier will back peddle, dragging the bag with him.
As the bag is dragged past the defender, the defender should dive sideways at the bag,
aiming to put his chest into the body of the bag. As contact is made, the defender
should wrap and roll.
The defender MUST get his upper body into the bag, as arm tackles often fail. Also,
when rolling the bag to the ground, the defender wants to roll his body over the top of
the bag, twisting the bag to the ground.
All Form tackling (shed, recover, tackle, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop an aggressive attitude and the ability to recover from a blow and make the tackle
quickly.
Procedure: Set up 4 players (two with shields, one with a heavy bag) and the coach (or another
player) about 2 to 10 yards behind the player holding the bag.
One player is the defender, the two holding the shields are offensive blockers, and the
heavy bag is the ball carrier.
On the snap, the defender heads towards the first shield and delivers a blow, trying to
knock the blocker back and off his feet. His head should be in front, and proper form
must be maintained.
After contacting the first shield, he sheds, then heads towards the second shield and
delivers another blow
Once he clears the second shield, he gets into good tackling position and tackles the
heavy bag. The bag should be wrapped and lifted properly, driven backwards and the
defender should land on the bag
As soon as the tackle is made, the coach drops or bounces the football on the ground.
The tackler must get up and recover the fumble.
eyes up)
Page 15 of 91
create lift)
o When recovering the fumble, the defender SHOULD NOT land stomach or chest
first on top of the ball. Rather, fall along side of the ball, cradle it with both
hands and bring it into your midsection, wrapping your body around it. Make
the official come to you to get the ball.
All Form tackling (twoline attack, WITH pads)

Purpose: To develop an aggressive attitude and confidence in the players to deliver a blow and make a
tackle
Procedure: Set up 3 to 15 players (depending on how many shields and bags you have) in 3 lines
The players at the bottom of the graphic are the defenders, the players in the middle are
the blockers (line them up 5yards from the defenders), while the players holding the
bags (line them up 10yards behind the middle line) are the ball carriers.
On the snap, the defenders drive into the blockers (who offer medium resistance), driving
them back 5 yards.
At that point, they shed the blocker, and tackle the ball carrier (bag)
All Form tackling (with or without pads)

Page 16 of 91
Procedure: Pair up players facing each other. Start with defender facing ball carrier with right
shoulder in mid section, head to the left side with bowed neck and right foot slightly
staggered.
On Cadence, defender should step with right foot through the crotch of the ball carrier.
The defender should wrap arms vertically behind the ball carrier and clinch wrists
together at lower back. These are a form rep activity and should only be done at about
half speed.
Repeat with both shoulders
All Form tackling (with shield, with or without pads)

Procedure: At least one player holding shield, backpedal upon contact, offering moderate resistance
Tackler Hit position, 1 feet from runner, Lock, lift, drive for 5, arch back and keep eyes
to sky
All Form tackling from backpedal #1 (with shield, WITH pads)

Procedure: At least one player holding shield, move forward on snap

Tackler starts by backpedaling 5 yards, then reverse direction, and make tackle
All Form tackling from backpedal #2 (with shield, WITH pads)

Procedure: Same as above, but tackler will backpedal 5 yards, do one hit it, pop up, then move
forward and make tackle
All Fumble Recovery Drill

Purpose: Teaches quick reactions to a fumble and fumble recovery (as opposed to advancement)
Procedure: Pair up the kids by size, and put them into a small area using tackling dummies to mark
the boundary
The coach will put a fumble in play by rolling or bouncing a ball between the players
Stress the PROPER way to recover a fumble, which means not necessarily using the hands
Stress the actual fumble recovery over the players hitting each other first
Players should use the slide technique where he uses his body to shield the ball from
the other player, then corral the ball to their body
Players should NEVER dive directly on top of the football!
Page 17 of 91
All Horizontal Tackle (aka Cat & Mouse) Drill
Purpose: Teaches quickness, and proper hitting/tackling form
Procedure: Setup two cones no more than 2 yards apart.

Position two players flat on their backs lying helmet to helmet but not touching (6 inches
apart).
One player will be the ball carrier (holding ball) and the other the tackler.
On the coachs whistle or cadence, the players rise and the ball carrier run a straight path
at the defensive player who must execute a good form tackle.
Coaches should make sure that proper technique and form is used in this tackling drill.
All Machine Gun Drill

Purpose: To teach proper foot work, to shed a block, then make a tackle
Procedure: Place one tackler on one line, 1015 yards from the remaining players, who are lined up
single file; the last player in line carries a football.
On the whistle, the first player in line sprints to the tackler and makes contact.
Tackler gets set, absorbs the hit, and then sheds the block.
As soon as the first player makes contact, the second player in line starts sprinting
towards the tackler.
The tackler must shed the first block, reestablish good position, and then shed the
second block.
This continues until the last player, whom the tackler must meet, and bring to the ground.
Coach should look for good form here (head up, wrap arms, get low, etc.)
All Mirror Drill

Purpose: To teach proper foot work and proper position when trailing a ball carrier.
Procedure: Start with two players and four cones

The first 1015 yards, the offensive player can sprint and jog, but must do both in this
span
During the first 1015 yards, the defender will trail by one yard. He must shuffle when the
OP jogs, and shuttle when the OP sprints. He must be able to stop and break down at
any time, so keep good form
During the second 1015 yards, the OP must stay behind the LOS but is free to stiff arm,
spin, juke, or whatever. Each time he makes a move, the DP must fit into him in good
form.
The OP must then run through the last two cones, and the DP must make a good form
tackle
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All Pad Drill

Purpose: To review a play using contact w/shields and bags to develop timing and coordination in the
offense. Equipment: 3 to 5 bags and 4 to 5 shields along with cones for the backside.
Procedure: The coach sets up a defense using players and cones on the defense.
All interior tackles will have blocking bags (B) and all play side defenders that dont have
bags will have shields.
Any player that does not have direct contact in the play can be replaced by a cone or just
stand there with out a pad.
The defense does not move their job is to provide moderate resistance when being
blocked.
The coach sets up using the most common defenses faced or the upcoming opponents
defense.
The offense lines up and executes a play at full speed. You should have a coach for the
play side blocks, backside blocks, and the backs executing the play or misdirection. This
allows you check each play and player to ensure they understand their assignments and
are executing them correctly. You can rep one play to either sides, or a set of plays to
one or both sides. You can rep the line only as well.
All Pursuit Drill

Purpose: Teaches defensive personnel proper pursuit angles and provides conditioning.
Procedure: The defense huddles on a selected line of scrimmage.

Align two cones, one on each side of the field on top of the numbers.
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Position a running back on each hash mark, five yards behind the selected line of
scrimmage.
The coach calls out the defensive play. The defense lines up accordingly in proper stance
and alignments. On the cadence, the coach either drops straight back and throws the
ball deep or turns and simulates a toss sweep.
If the coach drops straight back, the defensive line rushes and the secondary and
linebackers drop to respective zones. The coach throws the ball deep, and the defender
intercepts the football at its highest point and returns it up the near sideline. The
remaining defenders set up a wall leading the ball carrier into the end zone.
If the coach simulates a toss sweep, the ball carrier on the hash mark sprints around the
cone and down the sidelines.
All Quick Hands Drill

Purpose: Teaches players to quickly and explosively get their hands up and into the opponent
Procedure: Pair up the players and have them kneeling, facing each other. On the whistle, one player will
bring his hands up and drive his partner by hitting him in the breastplate (the same as he would
if he were an OL blocking a DL).
As they get better at this, you can have the offensive player start on his knees, with his butt resting
on his heels. You can then progress to starting in a six, then a fourpoint stance. On the whistle,
he must use his hips to explode up to a kneeling stance, and THEN hit his opponent.
All Six Point Explosion Drill

Purpose: Teaches hip and hand explosiveness. Important to the linemen.
Procedure: Have a player get in a 6point stance (a 4point stance, but also have his knees on the ground).
On the whistle, the player will use his hips to explode straight forward with his hands out in front.
If done correctly, he will be laying on the ground, on his stomach, looking like Superman flying).
This can also be done from a 3 or 4point stance. The key is to be explosive on the whistle, not
just to simply lay down.
All ShoulderonShoulder Bang Drill

Purpose: Teaches players the protective value of their shoulder pads and to build confidence in hitting due
to that protection.
Procedure: Divide players into two lines, facing each other, on all fours, about 1 yard apart. On the snap,
the players will spring at each other making contact shoulder pad to shoulder pad, trying to bump
the other player back.
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All Shoot and Tackle Drill

Purpose: To develop proper tackling technique in a Real Game situation under a controlled environment.
Procedure: Equipment: 10 cones and 10 players (5 ball carriers and 5 tacklers)
How: Place 2 cones 1 yard apart from each other. Place 5 sets of these 3 yards apart (12 yards
total). Have 5 players on one side and 5 players on the other side. Each pair takes a chute and
gets 1yard depth from the chute (2 yards total). Each player lies down prone facing the chute
and on GO both pop up the ball carrier hits the chute as fast as he can and the tackler must
make a good tackle before he crosses the chute. Stress to the tackler that they must be
aggressive and attack the chute and the ball carrier. The coach will call the side the ball is on.
All West Point Drill

Purpose: To develop teambuilding in small groups, with a controlled environment for tackling, blocking,
and ball carrier and pursuit skills.
Procedure: Use cones to mark off a 5yard wide by 10yard long field.
You need three OL, one QB (a coach can play QB) and one RB on offense.
On defense, you need two Agap DL, two Bgap ILB (playing 4yards off LOS), and one
S (playing 9yards off LOS).
The offense gets four tries to score, getting one point each time. After four tries, the
two sides switch. The OL can block anyway they want, using drive blocks, double teams,
pulling, etc.
The defense can use stunts, blitzes, etc.
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All ZigZag Agility Drill
Purpose: Footwork and stance
Procedure: Line up five cones in a zigzag pattern

Line up the players outside the first cone
On the whistle, have your players run through the course
You can have DB and LB backpedal, then plant and move forward
You can have OL drop back into pass blocking, then get back down and fire out into a
drive block
You can have QBs perform a 5 or 7step drop, then tuck the ball and run forward
You can have RBs backpedal, then take the handoff and look to hit the hole
Conditioning Drills
Conditioning Basic hold your stance Drill

Purpose: Builds stamina and muscle memory.
Procedure: Have the players get down in a proper 3 or 4point stance, and have them hold it for 15 to 60
seconds. Shake it out and do it again.
Conditioning Bear Crawl w/ Cones Drill

Purpose: Conditioning
Procedure: Set up a course of alternating pylons (one on the left, one on the right) so players have
to move to the outside of the cones. The course should be between 7 and 10 yards long.
With the pylons set up in an alternating fashion, a player gets down on all fours, but
instead of on the knees, the player is on his hand and feet. The behind should be raised
and the knees or elbows should never touch the ground.
The player will navigate the course in this fashion to the end and back.
Result Players will often get knocked down during a game, or blocked, and they have
to get back up. You will often notice that a player will naturally get into this type of
stance from a fourpoint stance on the defensive line. This Drill mimics that, and when
done along a course, builds strength and cardiovascular improvement along the way.
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Conditioning Foot, Fire and Drop Drill
Purpose: Conditioning, stance and footwork
Procedure: Break the team up into four lines

Have a coach stand in front of the group and on his whistle, the players get their feet
chopping
Stress the importance of starting and staying in a good breakdown position. Sloppy form
leads to sloppy play
The coach will point left, right, backward or forward, and the players must shuffle,
backpedal or come forward as indicated
I like to add a whistle at the end where all players do a hitit, then pop up and sprint off
the field
Conditioning Four Corners Drill

Procedure: Place four cones about 10 yards apart to form a square.

o The first 10 is a sprint
o Then Shuffle
o Then Backwards sprint
o And finish with a bear crawl
You can replace any or all of those exercises with ones of your choosing
Conditioning Illinois Test Drill

Procedure: Requires 8 cones

Sprint the entire course
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Conditioning Interval Sprints Drill
Procedure: Players start in 3point stance

On whistle, sprint 20 yards, jog 10 yards, sprint 20 yards, jog 10 yards, etc. all the way
down the field.
Once they reach the other end, turn around, get back in your stance, and do it again.
Conditioning Leg Matrix

Purpose: Conditioning & leg strength
Procedure: Complete one full circuit with NO rest. Start with 6, and work up to 25 of each
Squats
Alternating lunges (3 each leg)
Lunge jumps (3 each leg)
Squat explosions
Conditioning Ladder drills

90 turns
180 turns
Hopscotch (forward
and back)
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Ice skater
Ice skater (one foot)
In and out
Icky shuffle
Jumping jacks
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Lightning bolt
One foot, every

other square
Onelegged hops
Onelegged snake
Outside foot behind
Outside foot in
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Power lightning bolt
shuffle
Scissors
Two feet, every

square
Two in, two out

(forward/back)
Two in, one out
Two in, two out (left

side)
Conditioning Michigan State Drill

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Procedure: Set up two coaches, 20 40 yards apart, and line up your players along the line of one of
the coaches. Players begin this conditioning Drill by getting on their knees, with their feet
underneath them, in preparation for squat jumps. The Drill involves doing a number of
different motions, following by a sprint to the other coach.
Execution
o On the coach's signal, the players are to rock back onto their heels and do 10
squat jumps.
o Immediately following their squat jumps, the players sprint to the other coach
where they will do 10 situps upon crossing the line he represents.
o After their 10 situps, the players then sprint back to the other coach for 10 up
downs.
o Sprint followed by 10 pushups.
o Sprint followed by 10 mountain climbers.
o Sprint followed by 10 heel touches.
o Sprint followed by 10 jumping jacks
o Sprint followed by 10 pushups
o Sprint one 20 to 40yard dash to finish the Drill
Conditioning Position Competition Drill

Purpose: Conditioning and motivation
Procedure: Break the team up into groups based on size/weight/position

You can use this drill to encourage your players to give their all during sprints and
exercise by making it a competition and allowing the winners to take a break while
everyone else keeps running.
Line them up to do wind sprints, and the first one back is finished. Everyone else lines up
again and keeps running.
You can also have them do the most pushups in 30 seconds, or whatever other
exercises you like to run
You can then move the faster big kids to run against the faster small kids to see what
happens, etc.
Conditioning PT Drill
Procedure: Break the team up into four groups

Have one group with a coach at each corner of the football field
On the whistle, two groups diagonal from one another will begin doing pushups, while
the other two groups sprint around the field
Once each of the sprint groups arrive back to their original corner, they begin doing
pushups while the other two groups run
o Thats one rep.
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For subsequent reps, do crunches/situps, mountain climbers, lower back stabilizers,
squat jumps, etc. instead of pushups.
Conditioning Pushup Variations Drill

Purpose: Strength and conditioning
Procedure: There are a MILLION pushup variations. They include:

o Regular
o Diamond
o Wide
o Hindu
o Dive bomber
o Spiderman
o Staggered
o Alligator
o Explosive (take 5 sec. to lower, then explode back up)
Conditioning Running Drills

Procedure: Wind sprints

20 yard footwork Drills
o Carioca 20 yards, then sprint back
o Shuffle 20 yards, then sprint back
o Etc.
10 yard drop and go
o Sprint 10 yards, do a hit it
o On the whistle, pop up, sprint another 10 yards, do another hit it
o Etc.
Conditioning Speed Burst Drill

Procedure: Line up the players on a field that is between 10 and 50 yards long.
On the snap have them SPRINT to the other end of the field, then turn around and walk
back. Ensure that the rest period (them walking back) doesnt take more than 30 seconds
and give them a twominute break at the end for recovery
Repeat.
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Conditioning Speed Test Drills
Purpose: Conditioning, speed and agility
Procedure: Set up five cones (ten if you have them) one on the LOS, and at 5yard intervals off the LOS (a
cone at the 5yard mark, the 10yard mark, etc.). Each player will perform the following exercise,
going to each cone, touching the ground, then going back.
Jog
High knees
Butt kickers
Walking lunges
Duck walk
Squat explosions
Onelegged hops
Sprints
Conditioning TTest Drills

Procedure: Requires four cones

Start at A, sprint to B
Shuffle to C (do not cross feet!)
Shuttle from C to D
Shuffle back to B
Backpedal to A
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Defensive Back Drills
DB Backpedal Drill #1
Purpose: To develop good body position during the backpedal and improve reaction time
Procedure: DB will line up and on the snap will backpedal at full speed for 5 yards (you can increase
that distance as much as you want)
At the 5 yard mark, DB will plant, turn and sprint past the line
Ensure that the DBs chin is over his toes during the backpedal, his arms are pumping, his
head is up and looking forward (not over his shoulder)
Purpose: To develop good body position during the backpedal and to drive for the ball at a 45 angle
coming back towards the LOS
Procedure: Line up 5 cones as shown below

On the snap, the DB will backpedal from cone #1 to cone #2
Plant and drive to cone #3
Plant and backpedal to cone #4
Plant and drive to cone #5
You can then flip the cones to have the DB work on planting/driving off the other foot
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Purpose: To develop good body position during the backpedal and to drive for the ball at a 45 angle
coming back towards the LOS
Procedure: DB will line up 5 to 10 yards from QB or coach

Line up two cones 5 yards behind and 5 yards outside the DB
On the snap, DB will backpedal 5 yards past the cones, and read the QBs eyes and
shoulders and will attempt to get a jump on the ball
The QB will throw the pass towards one of the cones at which point the DB will yell out
BALL!
DB will then drive towards the cone, intercepting the ball
On the interception, DB yells out Bingo! and sprints towards the end zone
DB Backpedal and Weave Drill

Purpose: Stress the proper body position during backpedal and drive for the ball and to develop the ability
to keep lateral position on the WR
Procedure: DB can run this by himself, or you can line up a WR in front of him
On the snap, the DB will backpedal, then weave (bend) to the outside
As the WR runs his route, the DB will then push off with the opposite foot of the desired
direction, while turning his hips, and drive for the ball
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DO NOT cross your feet or turn your shoulders during the weave
DB Banjo Drill
Purpose: To teach CBs how to cover receivers that are crossing either at the LOS or directly past the LOS.
Procedure: Line up 2 WRs and two CBs.

On the snap, the inside WR releases around the outside of the outside WR, while the
outside WR runs a quick slant across the middle.
When seeing cross, the inside CB yells out BANJO! and turns to face the outside receiver
and steps up into his path and attempts read him.
o If the WR looks back at the QB for the pass, the CB should go for the ball by
getting his body between the QB and the WR and looking for the ball.
When seeing the cross, the outside CB also yells out BANJO! and drops two steps to the
outside and looks for the inside receiver circling to the outside.
o If the WR looks back at the QB for the pass, the CB should go for the ball by
getting his body between the QB and the WR and looking for the ball
If neither WR turns to look at the QB, BOTH CBs should attempt to jam the receivers
DB Bump and Run Drill with LB

Purpose: To teach CBs how to read and react to WRs who are either going out for a pass, or attempting a
crackback block against an LB
Procedure: Line up two cones along the LOS, about 1015 yards apart
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Line up one WR on each of the with a CB across, and a LB in the middle of the defense
A coach stands behind the defenders and signals either a run play or a pass play. If a run
play, the coach points in the direction the run is to go and then calls the cadence
If a pass play, the CBs should jam the WRs, forcing them outside
If a run play is called, the WR on the side the run is coming to runs straight at the LB and
tries to crack block him. The CB should try to step laterally and jam the WR, but he
should also call out CRACK! to alert the LB.
DB Cover Drill
Purpose: To teach good trailing technique to the cornerbacks and the confidence to cover a WR manto
man
Procedure: Line up one WR on the LOS and one CB 4 yards off the LOS
On the snap, the WR takes a release step to the outside and sprints straight up field for
15 yards
The CB should play an inside shade, with his outside foot back. On the snap, the CB will
backpedal with the WR until the WR breaks past his hips. Then the CB turns and trails the
WR as close as he can. The CB must turn towards the WR which means the CBs open
side foot crosses over as he turns.
CB, remember, you CANNOT jam or otherwise impede the WR once he passes 5yards
from the LOS.
DB Crash and Burn Drill

Purpose: To develop quick feet, and ensure a good stance during the backpedal, the plant and the forward
drive
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Procedure: DBs start by backpedaling

The coach will give one of four hand signals (backpedal, left, right, or forward)
DBs should keep moving until the whistle, while maintaining proper footwork and body
lean throughout
DB Interception Drill
Purpose: To develop quick feet, backpedal and quick reaction time
Procedure: On the snap, the DB will backpedal, react to the route being run and intercept the ball
Initially, you can run this drill without throwing the pass. Just have the DBs perform the
backpedal, plant and turn so you can evaluate their stance and footwork
DB Island Drill
Purpose: To develop good bump and run techniques in the defender at the same time develop a good run
support technique when the receiver commits to stalk blocking the defender.
Procedure: Line up one WR against one CB. The CB should play an inside shade with his outside
foot back.
Coach tells the WR what route to run, OR to stalk block the CB (the running game makes
up at least 90% of youth football, even when a team lines up with WRs split out.)
If the WR runs a pass route, the CB should jam him, the trail and cover.
If the WR comes out to block the CB, the CB should jam, then shed the block and attack
the ball carrier
Key Points to Jamming:

1. The cornerback aligns with his outside foot back, his knees bent, and his body bent at the
waist with his arms up in a ready position to strike the receiver.
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2. The cornerback does not move to the receiver to jam instead he mirrors the receiver
until the receiver reaches him and then he jams him. On an inside or straight up release
the receiver will come to him and he strikes the receiver in the sternum (outside arm) and
the shoulder (inside arm). On an outside release he moves laterally to stay in an inside
relation to the receiver and as the receiver crosses he strikes the receiver as above.
3. The jam comes from the waist, shoulders, and then arms firing into the sternum and the
inside shoulder. When he makes contact he drives the palms of his hands into the
sternum and inside shoulder at the same time.
4. Watch the hips of the receiver if they point in the direction he moves then he intends on
going there if they stay square then he plans to go the other way or straight.
Key Points to ISBR (Inside Shade Bump and Run) Coverage:

1. Keep your shoulders square with the receiver especially if he is moving horizontally on
the LOS.
2. Once he cuts up field backpedal to stay with him until he crosses your hips then turn and
follow him. You must turn towards the receiver which means your open side foot crosses
over as you turn towards him. You must stay near his inside hip.
3. When he turns his head to look for the ball you must get your near hand up in his face
and your far hand up to attack the ball. Keep your eyes on the receiver until he gets
aggressive and goes after the ball then you go after the ball. This is call a Trail
Technique
DB Jam Drill
Purpose: To teach good jamming fundamentals while using an inside shade bump and run
Procedure: Line up one WR on the LOS and one CB 4 yards off the LOS
On the snap, the WR runs a downfield route and the cornerback executes a good jam.
o A good jam is defined as one that knocks the WR off his route for 1 2
seconds, but not if the CB has to hold or grab cloth
The CB should line up with his outside should even with the inside shoulder of the WR,
his outside foot back, and his hands up (ready to jam the WR)
o If you prefer your CBs playing an outside shade, simply switch shoulders and
have the CB move his inside foot back
The CB should strike the WR in the sternum with his outside arm, and the inside shoulder
with his inside arm; striking with both arms at the same time
Watch the hips of the WR as the CB will get faked out by watching the eyes, head or feet.
Key Points to Jamming:

5. The cornerback aligns with his outside foot back, his knees bent, and his body bent at the
waist with his arms up in a ready position to strike the receiver.
6. The cornerback does not move to the receiver to jam instead he mirrors the receiver
until the receiver reaches him and then he jams him. On an inside or straight up release
the receiver will come to him and he strikes the receiver in the sternum (outside arm) and
the shoulder (inside arm). On an outside release he moves laterally to stay in an inside
relation to the receiver and as the receiver crosses he strikes the receiver as above.
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7. The jam comes from the waist, shoulders, and then arms firing into the sternum and the
inside shoulder. When he makes contact he drives the palms of his hands into the
sternum and inside shoulder at the same time.
8. Watch the hips of the receiver if they point in the direction he moves then he intends on
going there if they stay square then he plans to go the other way or straight.
Key Points to ISBR (Inside Shade Bump and Run) Coverage:

4. Keep your shoulders square with the receiver especially if he is moving horizontally on
the LOS.
5. Once he cuts up field backpedal to stay with him until he crosses your hips then turn and
follow him. You must turn towards the receiver which means your open side foot crosses
over as you turn towards him. You must stay near his inside hip.
6. When he turns his head to look for the ball you must get your near hand up in his face
and your far hand up to attack the ball. Keep your eyes on the receiver until he gets
aggressive and goes after the ball then you go after the ball. This is call a Trail
Technique
DB M Drill
Purpose: To teach good DB technique, hip turns and changes in direction using quick feet
Procedure: Set up 5 cones to resemble a capital letter M

The distance between cones 1 & 2 and 4 & 5 is 10 yards. The distance between cones 2
& 3 and 3 & 4 is 5 yards.
DB starts at cone 1 and backpedals to cone 2. Then he turns his hips and runs to cone 3.
As he approaches cone 3, he begins turning his hips towards cone 4. When he reaches
cone 3, he will run towards cone 4. The coach or a QB will throw the ball towards cone 4
at this point. The DB should intercept it and sprint to cone 5.
The coach should check for hip turns at cones 2 and 4 and watch that the DB does not
get his feet crossed up.
DB Safety Read Drill

Purpose: To teach the safeties to read the QBs eyes and move
Procedure: Line up five cones in two lines. One line has three cones, the other line has two
The row closest to the QB is 8 to 10 yards off the LOS and 8 yards outside the QB. The
row outside cones closest to the safety are 15 to 20 yards off the LOS and 12 yards
outside the QB
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Line up a safety behind the middle cone, and a QB directly behind the LOS
On the snap, the QB will look at, then turn his shoulders towards, and then throw the ball
to one of the cones.
The safety should read the QBs eyes and slide towards that cone, jumping the route as
the QB throws the ball
As the safeties get better at this drill, the QB can try to fool the safety by looking at one
cone, but throwing to the other cone on the same side (its not fair to have the S run to
the closest cone on the QBs left, only to have the QB turn and throw it to the farthest
cone on his right.
The coach can add a count one thousand one, one thousand two, etc. to simulate a
rush on the QB.
After running through this, the coach can add a little conditioning by having the DB then
sprint, shuffle, high knee from one cone to the next after his finishes his reads.
DB Tip Drill
Purpose: To teach the DBs to concentrate on the ball
Procedure: Line up a DB 5 or more yards away from a coach or QB

The QB will throw the ball towards the DB, who will tip it into the air then try to catch it.
As they get better at it, you can have them tip it two or more times before catching it
DB ZigZag Drill
Purpose: To develop the abilities to read and react to the QBs shoulders, and to rotate hips and change
direction quickly
Procedure: Line up one or more DBs on a line about two yards away from a coach or QB
On the snap, the DBs will backpedal
The QB will turn his shoulders as though he is going to pass in that direction, and the
DBs will react by planting and driving off at 45 in that direction
The QB may throw the ball to a particular back who must catch it, yell Bingo! and sprint
towards the end zone
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Defense (general) Drills
Defense Angle Tackle Drill

Purpose: Combines tackling skills with proper pursuit and leverage and position.
Procedure: Align two cones five yards apart.

Divide players into two single file lines five yards apart facing one another and designate
one group as the ball carriers and the other group as the defenders.
The coach stands behind the first defender and signals the direction to the ball carrier.
On the coach's cadence, the ball carrier takes off the designated cone. The defender
closes the distance and executes a proper angle tackle.
The Drill should be conducted so that all defenders work angle tackling to both the right
and left sides.
Defense Inside Runner Drill

Purpose: To teach the defense the advantages of turning a sweeping ball carrier back to the inside. By
taking a proper pursuit angle, they will force the RB back inside to the teeth of your defense
Procedure: Line up the DL and LBs across from an RB

Run this half speed to start
On the snap, the RB runs a sweep/pitch play to one side
Your DE should get to where he needs to be, if he is playing outside contain, to turn the
RB back inside
If the RB gets past the DE, the LB should also be taking a proper pursuit angle to get to
the corner first, forcing the RB to cut back
Defense Shed and Tackle Drill

Purpose: Teach defender to take on, then shed a block, and make a tackle.
Procedure: Line up defender about 5 yards from an offensive player between two bags that are
about 5 yards apart. Behind the lineman should be a ball carrier with the ball.
Coach will give the offense a direction to go either right or left.
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Defender must read the direction of the lineman, attack his hip and make the tackle of
the ball carrier between the two bags
Defense String It Out Drill

Purpose: Against sweeps/pitches, teaches defenders how to stuff the gaps and take on blocks early in the
offensive plays development
Procedure: You can line up the full offense vs. defense for this drill, but it should be run at half speed
to illustrate the tactics
Have the offense execute a toss sweep, pitch or screen pass with any pulling linemen
getting to their spots
Each defender has to perform his responsibility first (watch for over pursuit which can
lead to weakness vs. counters, reverses, etc.)
While pursuing, the early arriving defenders must take on blockers before they can get
downfield.
The pursuing defenders must then plug the holes as they go
Defensive Line Drills
DL Close Drill
Purpose: To develop quickness and good body position while closing the distance between the DL who is
pass rushing and the OL who is pass blocking
Procedure: Line up 2 to 5 OL and the same number of DL.

Have the DL line up at the LOS, but have the OL line up 2 to 3 yards behind the LOS.
On the snap, the OL shuffles straight back while the DL closes the distance and executes
a pass rush move once the reach the OL
DL Conquer Drill
Purpose: To develop mental quickness in the DL
Procedure: Line up a single OL against a single DL

Coach stands behind the DL and signals to the OL the direction he (the OL) is to block
the DL and the snap count
One the snap, the DL should read the will of the OL, and fight through the block, trying
to get himself across the face of the OL.
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For example, the OL is assigned to block the DL to the OLs left. On the snap, the DL
should sense that block based on the OLs first step, position of his hands, helmet and
backside. The DL should use his hands to keep separation from the OL and fight across
the face of the DL
DL Find and React Drill

Purpose: Teach DL to find the ball carrier and to react quickly.
Procedure: Two or three defenders take their respective stances at the line of scrimmage.
A Center snaps a ball to a lone back who takes off at full sprint to either sideline.
A coach calls out the snap count trying to draw the defenders offside.
On the snap the defenders fire off the line and pursue the ball carrier.
When time and or manpower allow, two offensive linemen and an extra ball carrier can
be used to perfect the defenders ability to "find" the football.
DL First to the QB Drill

Purpose: Teaches DL to get into the backfield quickly
Procedure: Lineup the DL against other players/coaches holding bags (representing the OL)
Have another player/coach holding a bag representing the QB
On the snap, the DL must execute one move (bull rush, swim, rip, twist, etc) and then get
past the bag and be the first to hit the QB
You can try to motivate them more by allowing the winner of each round to sit out,
while the rest of the DL must go again. Do this until you get down to the slowest kids,
and then you know who to work with
DL Gap Drill (DT)

Purpose: Teach DTs to shoot the gap quickly while staying low.
Procedure: Setup on offensive guard and one tackle, with the DT in that gap.
A coach plays the center, calls the cadence and hikes the ball to himself.
On the snap, the coach moves into the G/T gap and holds the ball out behind the G.
The DT must try to penetrate the OL and swipe the ball out of the coachs hand. You can
try to draw the DT offside with a hard count, or use a silent count to teach the DT to
move on the snap.
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DL Goal Line Tackle Drill
Purpose: Teach DL to maintain a good stance and to drive the RB backwards, away from the goal line.
Procedure: Set up four cones in a square that is three yards long & wide
Line up a ball carrier even with one set of cones (the LOS), and a defensive lineman even
with the other set (the goal line).
On the snap, the ball carrier runs STRAIGHT towards the goal line
The DL must:
o Maintain a solid base
o Keep his feet moving
o Meet the RB as far away from the GL as possible
o Hit the RB high and engage as much surface on him as possible
o Keep his head up during the tackle
o Drive the RB backwards (this CANNOT be done if the feet stop moving!)
DL Hold and Tackle Drill

Purpose: To teach the DL to hold his ground, shed a block and make a tackle
Procedure: Setup a RB who will carry the ball, a coach or player holding a heavy bag (representing
the OL), a defensive player who will engage the OL, and two cones indicating the
boundary of the running area.
On the snap, the DL will engage the heavy bag and the RB will run towards one of the
cones
As the RB approaches, the DL must shed the block and tackle the ball carrier
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DL Hoops Drill
Purpose: To develop the ability of a defensive lineman to get on the edge of an offensive player in pass
protection. Also, to teach the defensive lineman to shorten the corner around pass protector.
Procedure: Set up a circle with a 1 yd. diameter using line paint, rope, or whatever you have available
Position a DL 1 yd outside the circle in his stance
On the snap, the DL bursts from his stance and run the circle twice, keeping as close to
the circle as possible
In order to accomplish this, the DL should lean into the circle as much as possible without
falling over.
If he does fall over, he should crab back up and continue
By having the DL lean into the circle, this reduces the surface on which the OL can deliver
his punch because the lean turns the shoulders sideways, making the pass rusher skinny
DL NG and C Drill
Purpose: Teach NG to find the ball and to react quickly to the ball.
Procedure: Match up the NG against an actual center with the coach as QB.
The coach will call the cadence then take the snap and drop back, holding the ball up for
pass or out for handoff.
If using the handoff, the coach can either run in the direction he is holding the ball, or in
the opposite direction. The NG will drive into the center and read the ball. If the ball is
held low (run) he continues to drive back the center and looks to pursue the QB by
shedding the center to chase the QB down the LOS. If the ball is held high (pass) the NG
sheds and runs to the coach for the sack.
DL Off the Ball Drill

Purpose: To develop quick reaction to movement of the ball
Procedure: Have DL line up in their stance

On movement of the ball, have them execute a good, pads level, 5 yd. sprint
The coach can use hard counts, silent counts, etc. to train the DL to ONLY go on the
movement of the ball.
DL Sled Work
Purpose: To develop quick fire off on the snap and correct body position (hands out, head, up, etc.)
Procedure: The DL should work on the sled as much as the OL

On the snap, the DL should use his hands to protect his body
You can also line up a DL on each end of the sled and use that to practice your rips,
swims and spin moves
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DL Technique Drills
Purpose: Teach the DTs how to use their hands against the offensive lineman
Procedure: THE PUNCH: The ability to deliver a good blow on the Offensive Lineman with the punch is the
key to using the hands. After exploding out of his stance on movement by the OL the 1st thing
your DT must do is deliver the punch. The aiming point for the hands on the punch should be the
outside of the breastplate on the OL.
Key Coaching Points for the Punch: #1 The DT should keep his elbows in tight (touching his rib
cage). #2 Thumbs should be pointed straight up. #3 On contact the palm of the hand should hit
the outside of the breastplate and the fingers should be positioned up under the armpit. #4 This
positioning of the hands will give the DT the ability to send the OL where he wants him to go. #5
A proper punch creates separation between the OL and DT and SEPARATION IS A MUST!
PUSH/PULL: Punch the offensive lineman with your hands which will get him off balance, once he
is off balance pull him toward you and more often than not he will fall to the ground. I also like to
use this move when the DL is engaged with the OL. As the DL uses his hands to push and create
separation, the OL will (obviously) push back. The DL can use the OLs own momentum against
him. The DL must decide which side of the OL he wishes to use. He then pushes with that hand
against the OL, while pulling forward with the other. For example, if the DT wants to go to his left
against the OT, then the DT must push with his left hand, and pull with his right. This has the
effect of getting the OT perpendicular to the LOS instead of parallel. The DT can then step past
the OT with his right foot and pursue.
THE RIP: The DT must decide which side to rip to. He must the keep his shoulder pads at least as
low as the OLs armpit and be in a GOOD STANCE (if the DT loses his balance because hes
standing up too tall and in a sprinters stance, this will NEVER work). The DT then steps across the
OTs face, and throws an uppercut under the OTs elbow. If done hard and quick enough, this
will knock the OT off balance and allow the DT to get past. For example, if the DT wants to rip to
his left (the OLs right), he needs to:
1. KEEP HIMSELF LOWER than the OT, and in a good stance
2. Step across the OTs face with his RIGHT foot
3. Take his right arm UNDER the OTs right elbow, and throw a quick, hard uppercut
driving the OTs right arm straight up into the air.
4. Step into the gap with his left foot, then quickly step with his right foot, placing it down
behind the feet of the OT (if the OT tries to step back or turn his body to block you, he
will trip over your foot)
THE SWIM: Again, the DT must decide which side of the OT he wants to go through. The DT then
takes his outside arm and uses it to slap the elbow of the OT and pin it to his body. The DT then
takes his inside arm and shoots it straight past the bicep of the OT. For example, if the DT wants
to swim to his left, he needs to:
1. KEEP HIMSELF LOWER than the OT, and in a good stance!
2. Use his LEFT arm to grab the right elbow of the OT and DRIVE it into the OTs body,
pinning it there (this stops the OT from being able to use his hand
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3. Take his right arm and shoot it straight back past the OTs right arm (it looks like the DT is
throwing a jab, though his hand isnt in a fist; and even though its called the SWIM
move, DO NOT have your DT circle his arm up over his head like he would if he was
actually swimming. He opens his body up too much, and will either get blocked, have his
shoulder injured, or both)
4. Step past the OT with his RIGHT foot, putting it down BEHIND the feet of the OT (if the
OT tries to step back or turn his body to block you, he will trip over your foot)
5. Drive his right elbow into the back of the OT and use that to propel himself past
DL Rapid Fire Drill

Purpose: Works on pass rush techniques in a controlled environment
Procedure: Divide linemen into two groups.

Position three defenders in a single file line, three yards apart. The defensive player will
face the first of three blockers in a line. On the coach's command, the defender will
consecutively engage and execute a pass rush technique on each of the blockers.
The Drill should be conducted until all defenders have had sufficient number of
repetitions.
Check for proper form and technique in each of the defender's moves.
DL Read and React Drill

Purpose: Teaches the defensive lineman to read and recognize the type of block of the opposing offensive
lineman by the first head movement.
Procedure: This is a progressive Drill:

First have 3 defensive linemen at a time lineup and face the coach, who will do the head
motions. The defensive line man must react quickly to the head movements.
Next pair up the defensive linemen, and a coach standing behind the designated
defensive lineman signaling the kind of block and snap count to the designated offensive
lineman. Have the defensive lineman react to the movement of the opposing offensive
lineman.
Finally, lineup one defensive lineman against three offensive linemen to work on correct
reactions to away and combination blocks. Again the coach will stand behind the
defensive lineman and signal block and snap count.
Linebacker Drills
LB 1step Drill
Purpose: Teaches linebackers how to make contact with an offensive player
Procedure: Pair up linebackers facing each other. The linebacker will line up opposite a bag holder
and be shaded to the left.
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The linebackers right foot should be slightly back and in the middle of the bag. The right
shoulder should be on the bag.
On command, LB will take a six inch step with his right foot to the bag and throw his
forearm through the bag. The foot should make contact on the ground at the same time
the forearm hits the bag.
Emphasize a quick step and contact and accelerate through contact. Repeat Drill with left
shoulder
LB Blitz the QB Drill

Purpose: Teaches linebackers where to attack the OL when a blitz is called
Procedure: Lineup the LBs across from cones (representing your DL) or against the actual DL
Have a coach or a player in the backfield acting as the QB
As the players lineup, the coach calls out a blitz (early in the year, you can point at the
blitzing LB) and call for the snap
On the snap, the LB takes the proper path to the QB whom he tags
LB Block Shed Drill

Purpose: Teaches linebackers how to attack, then shed a blocker
Procedure: Line up LB head up on bag holder about 5 yards away.

On cadence, have LB attack the bag with his right shoulder.
The LB should aim his right shoulder at the hip of the defender.
LB should look to make contact with his right foot, right shoulder and forearm at the
same time and get to the hip of the blocker.
LB should break down after getting to the hip of offensive lineman and redirect to
football
LB Defeating a Trap Block Drill

Purpose: Teach the LB to recognize and defeat a trap block.
Procedure: Line up the five OL (you can include the DL when the LBs master this without them)
Direct the LB which gap he is to attack
On the snap, the trapping OL moves towards the hole, along with the LB
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The instant the linebacker sees the lineman in front of him block toward the ball, he must
shift his attention to the tackle on his outside, making sure that he is not coming on an
angle block.
If neither of these men is blocking him, the linebacker must attack the line of scrimmage
As the linebacker moves forward, he must look past the center to the OL on the other
side of the ball.
As soon as he determines who the trap blocker is, the LB must set to defeat it
As the trapping lineman begins to throw his block, the linebacker should bring his
OUTSIDE shoulder and forearm hard across the blocker's helmet and shoulder pads,
redirecting the blocker's body into the hole in which the ball carrier eventually will try to
run.
As with taking on a drive block, it is important that the linebacker keep his knees bent, his
back straight, and his shoulders at the same height as the blocker's shoulders
LB Multiple Shed Drill

Purpose: Teaches linebackers how to attack, then shed a blocker
Procedure: Line up 3 agility bags on the ground about 5 yards apart.

LB will line up outside the first bag. In between the first two sets of bags is a blocker that
the linebacker must take on with his shoulder
Outside the third bag is a ball carrier that they must wrap up then perform a good form
tackle.
LB takes on first blocker, turns and drops, shuffles, takes on second blocker, then backs
up shuffles and form tackles either a ball carrier or a giant bean bag
LB Pass (or Draw) Drill

Purpose: Teaches linebackers proper backpedal and change of direction
Procedure: LB flows over bags, dummies, or whatever you can lay on the ground.
He shoves the bags into the ground as he crosses them.
His head should be up the entire time, his feet should never cross. Go in both directions.
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LB Piano (or Flow Over) Drill

Purpose: Teaches linebackers how to stay parallel to LOS and shuffle
Procedure: LBs flow over bags, dummies, or whatever you can lay on the ground.
He shoves the bags into the ground as he crosses them.
His head should be up the entire time, his feet should never cross. Go in both directions.
LB Read Drills
Purpose: Teach Linebackers to react to most common blocks by offensive line
Procedure: Refer to the graphic at the bottom for the number key.
1. Pass blocking: If the OL drop back to pass block, the LB should step back 13 steps and
outside another 13 steps looking for pass receivers. OLB should look for out routes
and receivers in the flat. ILB should look for in routes
2. If the OG blocks down on the NG, the ILB should slam his outside shoulder into the
inside of the OT on the same side, looking for a run into his B gap.
3. If the OG pulls to the other side of the line, the LB on the OGs side of the line will trail
the OG over to the running lane and plugs the hole. For #8, if the LB is quick enough, he
can slam through the hole vacated by the pulling OG.
4. If the OG pulls from the same side, the LB on the OGs side of the line can also trail him
and fill the hole. However, if the LB is quick enough, he can crash the vacant hole left by
the OG. The LB had better be quick though, or he will be trailing the RB
Images 5 10 (with the exception of #8) show various stunts/blitzes used by LBs.
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LB Shuffle Drill
Purpose: Teaches linebackers to keep their shoulders square and develop feet agility.
Procedure: Linebackers stand in a single file line behind the cone.

The coach gives a "set" command and the first linebacker steps up to a good football
hitting position.
On the next command, "hit", the linebacker shuffles over the bags leading with his right
foot.
As the linebacker crosses the last dummy, he turns and sprints past the cone. Make sure
you work the Drill to both sides.
LB & DL Stunting Drill

Purpose: Teaches LBs and DL where to go during a stunt
Procedure: Line up your defensive front seven against cones (representing your OL) or the actual OL
The coach will call a stunt
On the snap, the DL & LB will execute the stunt (start at half-speed)
LB & S Zone Read Drill

Purpose: To teach the LBs and safeties how to read a pass play while defending the middle zone.
Procedure: Set up a QB and two WRs on offense, and one LB or S on defense

On the snap, the WRs release on post, slant or in routes. Once the defenders get the
hang of this, then have the WRs release straight up the field
The QB will take a three, five, or sevenstep drop then throw to one receiver. If the
defender slides early, the QB should throw to the other receiver
Once the defensive player sees the QB drop back to pass, the defender should yell out
PASS! He should also take three backwards steps and follow the QBs eyes
Once the QB throws the ball, the defender makes a play on the ball.
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If the QB rolls, the defender must mirror his movements, staying square to the LOS.
You can also add the OL and DL to teach run/pass blocking recognition.
LB & S Zone Read Drill #2

Purpose: To teach the LBs and safeties how to read a pass or run play while defending the middle zone.
Procedure: Setup 3 cones to simulate the C and both guards

Set up a QB, RB and one or two WRs on offense and one LB or S on defense
This drill is run just like the one above, but you add the element of a running play, forcing
the LB to make a choice
On the snap, the WRs release on post, slant or in routes.
The QB will do one of three things: handoff to the RB who must run a dive between the
cones, drop back to throw, or roll out to throw. For more advanced kids, you can add a
play action move, forcing the LB to be even more aware of this surroundings
Once the defensive player sees the QB drop back to pass, the defender should yell out
PASS! He should also take three quick backwards steps and follow the QBs eyes
Once the QB throws the ball, the defender makes a play on the ball.
If the QB rolls, the defender must mirror his movements, staying square to the LOS.
If the QB hands off, the LB/S must step up to make a play on the ball
You can also add the OL and DL to teach run/pass blocking recognition.
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Offense (general) Drills
Offense Blitz Read and Pickup Drill

Purpose: To teach offense to read and pick up a blitzing defender
Procedure: Line up the offensive front 7 vs. the defensive front 7

Start off by running at half speed to get the offensive players used to seeing what is
coming
The offense will run a play with no ball, and on the snap, one (start with one, then you
can add a second or third blitzer) defender is charged with finding his way into the
backfield.
The offense should communicate with each other once they recognize who is blitzing
and where he is coming from
The running back, slot back, wing back (whatever) must pick up any blitzing defenders
who make it through the OL
This drill works well if you will be facing a defense that likes to stunt
Offense Half Line Drill

Purpose: Allows you to practice running plays with the focus one side of your offense vs. one side of your
defense
Procedure: Line up the C, G, T and TE from either the left or right side of your offense, along with a
QB and 1 or 2 RBs
Line up the DL and LBs from that side of your defense across the LOS
You can run plays to this side and ensure that your OL are blocking correctly, that the RB
is running to the correct hole, and that the QB is pivoting correctly, etc.
This allows you to focus solely on one side of the offense
Offense Read and Recognize Skeleton Drill

Purpose: Allows your QB/RB to read what defense is being called and make the correct the correct
throw/cutback without the linemen
Procedure: Line up your offense and defensive units, minus the linemen (should be 7 vs. 7)
On the snap, each player will execute his assignment. The QB will execute his handoff or
drop back, the RB will execute taking the handoff or running his route, while the WRs
and TE will run their routes.
The defensive unit will execute their stunt, blitz, and coverage, etc.
The QB will throw to the open receiver or the RB will cut to avoid blitzing and/or stunting
LBs
Offensive Line Drills
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st
OL 1 Steps Drill
Purpose: To teach offensive lineman each of the first steps they may be required to use
Procedure: The first couple of practices, you can start the OL in a twopoint stance. Once they get
comfortable with these steps, drop them into a threepoint stance.
Jab step: This is the step to use if the OL has to perform a gap block. On the snap,
have each OL take a 6 forward directional step and punch through with the up hand
Drive step: On the snap, have each OL take a forward step about 8 to 12. Punch with
the up hand.
Open step: This is the step to use if the OL has to perform a down block, short trap or up
on an LB. On the snap, the OL takes a 6 step at 45. Again, punch with the up hand.
Drop step: This is the step to use on long trap, pass, the kick out part of an X block and
the fold block. On the snap, the OL takes a step straight backwards
Slide step: This is the step to use on a reach block or by a TE who has an outside release.
On the snap, take an 8 step to the outside
OL 10yard Drive Drill

Purpose: To teach the OL to KEEP blocking until the whistle
Procedure: Often times, the OL think that their job is over as soon as they make initial contact with
the DL
Lineup one or more OL, each with a coach or DL holding a shield across from him
On the snap, the OL fires OUT, makes contact and performs a drive block, moving the DL
10yards backwards
Dl can start by offering light resistance, then more as the OL get better
OL Basic Blocking Drill

Purpose: To teach offensive lineman to stay in the proper stance while making his block
Procedure: Line up one or more OL and have a coach or player holding a heavy bag across from
him
On the snap, the OL fires OUT (not up) and blocks the heavy bag
Coach should ensure that:
OLs feet are shoulder width apart
His shoulders are low and squared
His neck is bowed
His hips push up and forward when making contact
That he maintains contact until the whistle blows
OL Bear Crawl Block Drill

Purpose: Build agility and strength
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Procedure: Line up an OL and a DL about two yards away
The OL starts in the bearcrawl position, the DL can be in a two or threepoint stance
On the whistle, the DL rushes the passer at about half speed.
The OL must stay in bear crawl position and move in front of the DL, stopping his
penetration
The object for the DL is to run directly at, or to either shoulder of the OL. Try to avoid
having the DL run a big looping rush route
OL Best Move Drill

Purpose: To teach offensive lineman to stay in the proper stance while working on footwork and delivering
a punch to the DL
Procedure: Requires two cones, one OL and one DL.

Starting at one cone, the two linemen will shuffle to the other cone. The OL will deliver a
punch every couple of steps.
Coaching points while shuffling:

Do not let heels click
Keep your weight balanced
Keep your hips down
The punch should only be about 6. DO NOT reach for the DL
OL Blocking Linebackers Drill

Purpose: To teach offensive lineman the proper angle to take when blocking an LB and to help them be
more effective delivering a blow when the LB reacts to the ball carrier
Procedure: Requires at least one OL, a tennis ball, and one LB with a shield.
A coach will tell the OL which way the ball carrier (represented by the tennis ball) is going
to run, and will stand behind the OL.
On the snap, the coach rolls the ball in the assigned direction, and the OL must fire out
and block the LB.
The LB, on the snap, will read the direction of the play (based on the direction the OL
leads, and then finding the ball carrier), and attack.
The OL needs to block the LB at the point where the LB attacks the ball carrier.
OL Body Position Drill

Purpose: Teaches proper body position for pass blocking.
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Procedure: The defensive lineman aligns in a challenge position with his hands grabbing the
shoulders of the blocker.
The blocker assumes the proper lock out position.
Align a cone in the backfield, representing the quarterback.
On the coach's command, the blocker shuffles his feet, maintaining an inside position as
the defender moves side to side and toward the passing point.
OL Counter (Pull) Blocking Drill

Purpose: Teaches proper footwork and blocking technique when pulling
Procedure: Line up the C, G and T from either the left or right side of the OL, and the opposite side DT, DE,
and ILB on defense.
Center:
Down block the DT
Guards:
Step back with foot nearest the C, then push out with farside foot
Work downhill towards the inside half of the DE
As you prepare to make contact, keep your feet wide, and in a good stance
Deliver a forearm shiver, then lift and drive the DE
Tackle:
Step back with foot nearest the C, then push out with farside foot
Work on getting depth so you dont get bunched up with the C or G
Find the LB and take him on as soon as you can
As you prepare to make contact, keep your feet shoulder width apart and in a good
stance
Deliver a good 2hand punch and drive him out of the hole
OL Down Block Drill

Purpose: To develop a good, aggressive down block technique
Procedure: Requires two OL, two blocking dummies and two cones
Line up the OL(s) with WIDE splits on the LOS
Line up the players holding the dummies (DL) one yard off the LOS, each one yard to the
inside of the OL
Line up the cones about 0.5 to 1 yard behind, and to the inside of, the DL
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Line up one coach about 3 yards behind and in between the DL
On the snap, each OL steps towards the DL with his near foot (using an open step),
while his head aims for the front of the bag
The OL should drive the dummy towards the coach and past the cone
OL Duck, FIT, Finish Drill

Purpose: To strengthen the legs, then to teach the proper progression from fit position to initial contact, to
drive
Procedure: Requires OL and at least one blocking dummy

DL will line up 6 yards off the LOS
OL will duck walk five yards, then come up to proper fit position
OL will then deliver a 2 hand punch to the pectoral area of DL
Finally, OL will lift the DL and snap his hips under, driving DL backwards
Coaching points:
OL MUST stay low and maintain a good base throughout
OL Duck Walk Drill

Purpose: To strengthen the legs
Procedure: Your natural tendency after the ball is snapped is to fire up instead of fire out. You
MUST stay low and use leverage (not just your strength) to defeat the defender. Your
legs should be strong and you should have good endurance to block properly for the
entire game
Begin with the feet shoulder width apart and slightly staggered (either one foot slightly
further back than the other).
Bend the knees, not the back, to a 90 degree angle so that hips are parallel with their
knees. This is a weightlifting squatting technique.
Bend at the waist setting your belly on your thighs. Try to make your back as flat as
possible.
With a flat back, DO NOT pick your belly up off your thighs, lift your neck back so that
your eyes are looking forward.
Walk this way for 5 yards, you should get tired right away, but work on it throughout the
day to build up stamina and strength in your legs.
Try to build yourself up to 10 yards, 15 yards, 20 yards, etc.
OL Finish Drill
Purpose: To teach proper leverage, hand thrust, along with hip and foot movement to finish a block
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Procedure: Place payers into three lines. Have line one (defense) step out and face line two (offense)
The coach will stand behind line two and give line one a hand signal in the direction he
wants them to move after the initial collision.
On command, line two (offense) will carry out the entire drive block from start to finish.
Coaching points:
When the defender reacts to the ball and the offensive player feels his weight shift, he
(the OL) comes alive, utilizing the momentum of his opponent to finish the block.
Strike a blow simultaneously with screws and hands
Thrust the arms, lead the hips, and knees inside
OL First to the Flag Drill

Purpose: To teach the OL how to fire out QUICKLY
Procedure: Setup the linemen with the correct splits in a straight line
Across from each lineman (about 25 yards away) is a cone
Call out the cadence and on the snap, the players fire OUT (not UP) and the first to grab
his cone wins and gets to sit out the next round
Continue until you have identified who are your slowest players coming out of their
stance, and now you know who to work on
On a false start penalty, move the linemen back five yards, and they will run the rest of
the drill from there
OL Four winds Drill

Purpose: To develop an aggressive attitude in blocking that will foster a desire to finish off a block.
Procedure: Requires 5 players and four shields.
We use five players for this drill with four that have shields. One on each direction East,
West, South, and North face a player that is in the middle.
The coach gives each shield player a number.
When their number is called they rush the center player who sets in that direction and
delivers a wishbone block looking to drive the player back.
We size the players up so that the weights are close.
This teaches players to deliver a blow and keep a low base. It gives them confidence in
themselves to deliver a good blow. He should be hit by all four directions before leaving
the square.
After the players become good at it you can remove the shields. The square is three
yards from the center player.
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OL Good Balance Drill

Purpose: Teaches linemen and blocking backs to keep their feet apart and keep their bodies from being
pushed, pulled or tipped from side to side.
Procedure: Have the players line up across from each other and grab the shoulder pads of the player
opposite them.
On the coachs command, one of the players, the defensive player, tries to get his
opponent off balance by pushing, pulling and tipping from side to side.
This forces the offensive player to get low, get a wide base, and move his feet to keep his
balance.
Switch offensive and defensive players and continue drill.
OL Hat on the Dummy Drill

Purpose: Improve 5man line dynamic coordination in pass blocking. Improve pass pocket
formation and protection.
Improve timing of scripted blitzes against an offensive line.
Improve offensive reaction to blitzes.
Teaches the OLine to work together in dynamic situations and provides fast repetitions
while giving the defense front 7 pass rush and scripted blitz practice at the same time.
Procedure: You will need all 5 interior offensive linemen, the defensive front 7 including down
linemen and linebackers, 1 heavy blocking/tackling bag, 1 cone and 1 football.
Set offensive line at LOS with heavy bag positioned at 5 or 7 step QB distance behind
center. Place cone on top of bag just for fun. Set defensive front 7 at LOS in their usual
alignments.
On coachs cadence and snap count, center snaps ball out of the way and Drill begins at
full speed with offensive line dropping for pass protection. Defensive front applies pass
rush attempting to tackle heavy bag or retrieve cone within 5 seconds of the snap.
Defense is permitted to run any of its scripted blitz schemes but must be encouraged not
to recklessly rush all 7 men just to defeat the offensive line.
This Drill is intended to be productive for both the offense and defense at LOS. Coach
blows whistle 5 seconds after snap ending the Drill if defense has not sacked QB (bag).
Repeat Drill moving bag to different pocket locations and changing defensive front to
give different looks for the offensive line. Offensive line must protect the QB for 5
seconds while defensive front must apply aggressive pass rush to sack QB within 5
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seconds. Add 1 RB to backfield to improve pass protection once blitz schemes start to
dominate OLine.
Coaching Make sure OLine protect inside lanes first

Points: Coach OLine to keep heads up looking for the blitz
Check proper pass drop and contact techniques for OLine
Make sure defensive down linemen use varying techniques bull, swim, rip, stunt.
Make sure linebackers do not hesitate when their number comes up for scripted blitz
OL Hill Drill
Purpose: Conditioning for the bigger guys, and works on them firing out and driving
Procedure: You will need a hill for this drill (duh, LOL)
You can start this drill without any DL. Simply have the OL fire out, then charge up the
hill. Once they get used to that
Setup an OL at the bottom, with two DL standing on the hill, one 2 5 yards away, the
other 5 10 yards away
Each DL should have a shield
On the snap, the OL fires UP the hill and engages the first DL who offers LIGHT resistance
(to start, you can increase the resistance as your OL get in better shape)
The OL drives the DL up the hill to a designated spot, where the first DL releases, and the
OL must hit the second DL and drive him up the hill to a designated spot
OL Hip Extension Drill

Purpose: Teaches players how to use his big muscle group in drive block
Procedure: Setup one player holding blocking shield and a blocker on his knees in front of the
shield.
The blocker must be on his knees with his toes pointing backwards (do not let him curl
his feet under because we dont want him pushing off with his toes).
On the snap, the blocker fires out and into the shield with his shoulder pad using his hips,
back and thigh muscles.
OL Lock on Drill
Purpose: To teach the blocker to maintain contact in the follow through phase of blocking.
Procedure: Align the offensive blocker under the chute in a threepoint stance, standing at the edge
of the board.
Place the defender one foot away in a twopoint stance. (Alternate the defenders
between two and threepoint stance).
On the cadence, the blocker will fire out of his stance and drive the defender down the
board. The defender will collide with the blocker and give resistance as he is being driven
back.
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As the drill progresses, vary the distance between the blocker and the defender.
When the defender reaches the end of the board, the coach will give a direction to spin.
The blocker must continue to fight pressure where he feels pressure, lock on, and finish
the block.
OL Mirror Drill
Purpose: To develop the ability to move and maintain the proper relationship with a moving defender
Procedure: Requires to linemen and two cones

Two Linemen face each other with the offensive player in his stance.
They are about 1 yd apart and have the two cones on each side of them with about 5
yds. between the cones.
On command the offensive player snaps to a set position and begins to shuffle in relation
to the defender who is working laterally back and forth between the cones.
Drill should last 5 seconds and you should evaluate your lineman on set position, shuffle
technique and relationship with defender.
OL Pancake Drill
Purpose: Teach the OL how to drive block until their man falls down
Procedure: Line up at least one OL, each with a coach or DL holding a tackling dummy across from
him
On the snap, the OL fires OUT and into the dummy trying to drive the DL back 5 yards
Stress the importance of proper stance and footwork here
After driving the dummy 5yards, the DL releases the dummy so the OL gets the feeling
of executing a pancake block
OL Pass Block Footwork Drill

Purpose: To teach the OL the proper footwork and stance for pass blocking
Procedure: Line up one or more OL, each with a cone 3 5 yards behind him
Line up the same number of coaches or DL with blocking dummies across from the OL
On the snap, the DL bring the dummies across the LOS as though they are pass rushing,
and the OL must drop back, get set and use proper form to pass block
Stress the importance of a good stance for the OL:
o Feet wide, bottom low
o Head up, hands out
o Back straight and ready to deliver the punch
OL Pull around Drill

Purpose: To teach the OL to read inside to outside.
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Procedure: One line of blockers facing a coach a cone is three yards away on each side of the first
blocker after stepping up to the LOS and another cone is one yard up field and two yards
inside
On GO the blocker executes his pull as above but now as he reaches the first cone he
moves up field and inside sprinting to the inside cone.
After the entire line does it they go to the other side. Stress to read Inside/Out and block
the first defender he comes to.
OL Punch Drill
Purpose: To teach the correct method of delivering a blow when pass blocking.
Procedure: Pair up offensive linemen on a line of scrimmage.

The blocker aligns in a threepoint stance with the defender in a challenge position.
On the coach's command, the blocker sets up in the proper pass protecting position.
From the set position, the blocker will punch the defender using proper technique (The
punch should be made with the butt of the hands to the inside framework of the
defender's body)
OL Punch Strength Drill

Purpose: Build strength in the OLs arms
Procedure: Line up one or more OL, each with two light weights (dumbbells work very well with this)
in front of him
On the whistle, each OL will pick up his two weights, get his feet chopping, and assume
proper pass block position
Each time the coach calls out punch or some other word, the OL will shoot their arms
out and deliver the punch
OL Quick Hit Drill

Purpose: Teaches linemen and blocking backs to quickly get from their stance to a blocking position.
Procedure: Line up the players in a circle, each in a good stance.

On the coachs command, they pop up into a correct pass protection position, taking a
quick step with the outside foot, putting their hands up in a punch position, and
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assuming a squat position, ready to strike a blow. Have the players continue to repeat
Drill up, down, up.
OL Shoeshine Drill
Purpose: To develop the proper cutoff block technique in our backside blockers.
Procedure: How To execute a proper shoeshine block the blocker starts in a threepoint stance. On GO
he takes an open step and lunges to the inside (just above the nose of the next man inside) and
shoots his backside/away arm across the defenders shoes and then crawls down the LOS. If each
blocker executes their block correctly their backside shoulder would be near the next blockers
near hip. The object is not to block the defender in the gap but to take away the gap from the
defender by forcing the defender to go over or around the cutoff block. He must stay flat to the
LOS and not cross it he is trying t o create a wall on the backside. Let them bear crawl for 2 yards.
Try to do 3 reps to each side.
Shoeshine block a backside blockers technique that cuts off the inside defender on the backside
when we are pulling either a backside guard or a backside guard and tackle.
Open Step a short sidestep with toes at about 45 degrees.
OL Stay Low Drill

Purpose: Teaches linemen to fire off the ball while staying low
Procedure: Needs: One blocking dummy for each OL.
Lay the dummies on the ground length wise, with the heavy end towards the OL. On the
cadence, the OL will fire out and execute a shoulder block on the butt end of the bag, driving it
forward until the whistle blows.
OL Three Ball Drill

Purpose: Teaches footwork and pass block techniques.
Procedure: Set Up: This Drill requires three tennis balls
Players are to line up in a single file line facing the coach who is on one knee about 5 yards in
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front facing the player. On the coach's command, the player is to have his feet about shoulder
width apart with his butt down and head up in a good football stance. The coach is then going to
roll one ball to one side and the player should SHUFFLE to the ball then roll it back. Immediately
roll another ball to the opposite side and continue this for about 15 seconds. Once time is called,
the next player is to move into position for his turn. Each player should get at least 5 reps before
going to another Drill.
Coaching Points:
Players have a tendency to drop their heads and bend their back to get the ball. Make sure they
are using their legs to squat. Also watch their feet as they will cross over as fatigue sets in. Be sure
and mix up the directions you roll the ball and roll it to the same side sometimes so the player will
not get into the habit of guessing or anticipating the direction the ball will be coming from.
OL Tennis ball Drill

Purpose: To teach OL to EXPLODE out of his stance
Procedure: Have the blocker get in a good stance and get arms length away on his 30degree track Tell the
blocker that when you drop the tennis ball from head height he must explode with his gap side
foot first and catch the ball as it bounces off the ground on the first bounce. Teach him to
explode with his away foot and hip power step and follow through. As he improves move farther
down the track; if he can catch the ball 5 feet out then he is exploding off the LOS.
Now place a bag a foot behind the ball (on track) as it drops he now must get his away side
shoulder into the bag and head in front with good form after he catches the ball. Later in the
season you can work on near shoulder and head in back farther out.
OL Tight X Drill
Purpose: To develop a proper timing and technique between a G and T when performing an X block
Procedure: Line up the right side of the O line vs. the left side of the D line (or vice versa)
On the snap, have the T block down on the DT
On the snap, the G should take a drop step and slide behind the T to make a block on
the DE
The TE can slide out to block the OLB
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OL Trap Block Drill

Purpose: To develop a good trap technique by improving stance, footwork and take off while working on
delivering a aggressive block into a blocking dummy.
Procedure: How A proper trap block like all blocks starts with the proper footwork and technique. He starts
in a threepoint stance and on GO he takes a drop step squares his shoulders to the bag and
blocks it. The bag is 2 yards away. A good block is indicated by the bag popping up and back at
the same time. Let the blockers drive the bag 3 yards back. The holder should provide moderate
resistance and be point at the postman. Try for 3 reps to each side.
Drop Step a short slightly backward step with toes at about 45 degrees
OL Trap Block Drill #2

delivering an aggressive block into a blocking dummy.
Procedure: Needs 1 to 5 cones and the same number of shields, dummies

A proper pull block like all blocks starts with the proper footwork and technique. He starts in a
threepoint stance and on GO he takes a drop step and does his best to keep his shoulders
squares to the LOS until he pulls around the cone which is 2 yards away and come around and
meet the bag. He must attack the bag and block it. Make the bag pop when you hit it. Let the
blockers drive the bag 3 yards back. The holder should provide moderate resistance and be
pointed at the point where the blocker will meet the bag. Try for 3 reps to each side.
Drop Step a short slightly backward step with toes at 45 degrees
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OL Trap Block Drill #3

delivering an aggressive block into a live defender.
Procedure: Line up the O line vs. the defensive front (DL & LB)
If facing a 5-man front, the C and play-side guard double-team the NG
The off-side G pulls and hits the trap block on the play-side DT
The play-side T and TE move to the second level and try to seal the LBs
If facing a 6-man front, the C and play-side G block down on the NGs
The off-side guard pulls and hits the trap block on the play-side DT
The play-side T and TE move to the second level and try to seal the LBs
OL Two Bags Downblock Double Team Drill

Purpose: To develop a good doubleteam down block technique
Procedure: You need six players, two cones and two bags or shields
Line up the cones in a horizontal line about five yards apart
Line up two defenders, each with a bag/shield directly outside the cones
Line up the offensive players about one yard away from the defender
The headup blocker is called the seal man, and his job is to seal the defender from
getting to the LOS.
The outside blocker is called the post man, and his job is to drive the defender off the
LOS and into the second level, putting an obstacle in front of the backside linebacker.
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On the snap, the seal man takes a drive step, keeping his head to the INSIDE (the side
nearest the cone), otherwise he risks getting hit in the head by the post man.
The post man takes an open step (a short sidestep with toes pointed at about 45
degrees) with the foot nearest the defender
The offensive player should drive the bag towards the coach and past the cones.
OL Two Bags Xblock Drill

Purpose: To develop a good X blocking technique
Procedure: You need four players, two cones and two bags or shields
Line up the cones in a horizontal line about two yards apart
Line up two defenders, each with a bag/shield directly inside the cones. They can line up
headup or shaded to one side of the offensive players or the other.
Line up the offensive players across from the defenders
Coach designates one of the offensive players as the inside blocker, and the other as
the outside blocker
On the snap, the outside blocker down blocks the defender lined up on the inside
blocker by taking an open step (a short sidestep with toes pointed at about 45
degrees) with the foot nearest the defender
At the same time, the inside blocker takes a drop step (a short, slightly backwards step,
where your toes are pointed at a 45 degree angle), allowing the outside blocker to step
in front of him, then he continues and carries out a down block on the defender who
lined up across from the outside blocker.
OL Whistle Drill
Purpose: To teach proper first step, and to improve that first step quickness.
Procedure: Line up the OL either oneatatime or as a group. Get in proper 3point stance. On the snap,
each OL takes proper 6inch step with right foot (drive block), bringing his hands up in the proper
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position (thumbs up, ready to grab DLs armpits), then freezes so coach can check for proper
position (firing OUT, not up, back straight, head up, feet shoulderwidth apart, etc.). Next, get
back into stance, and have OL fire out with leftfoot.
We can use this Drill to teach pass blocking, trap blocking, or pretty much any blocking technique.
OL & DL Beat Your Man Drill

Purpose: Teaches good fundamentals of blocking, holding the block, and fighting through the block.
Procedure: Setup bags or cones on both sides of the players 56 feet apart. This limits the lateral distance
each player can move. The coach stands behind the defensive player and assigns the direction he
wants the blocker to take the defender. The defender needs to read the block and fight through
the pressure to the hole.
OL & DL Finish Alive Drill

Purpose: Teaches proper leverage, hand thrust, along with hip and foot movement to finish a block.
Procedure: Place players into three lines. Have line one step out and face line two. Line one (defense) will face
line two. The coach will stand behind line two and give line one a hand signal in the direction he
wants them to move after the initial contact. On command, line two (offensive) will carry out the
entire drive block from start to finish.
OL & DL One on One Pass Protection

Purpose: To teach the OL to maintain his block and to protect his QB. Also to teach DL to defeat the block
and get to an area.
Procedure: Setup boundary 3 to 5 yards wide. DL must stay within this boundary and get to QB. OL tries to
drive DL outside the boundary. Set up dummy as QB dropping back to pass. On the snap, DL
rushes the passer using bull rush, rip, and/or swim techniques, while OL tries to protect his QB.
Quarterback Drills
QB Check Off Pass Drill

Purpose: To teach the QB to throw to his safety valve when downfield receivers are covered
Procedure: Start with 1 WR, 1 RB and 1 DB per QB. You can add more WRs and DBs later.
Position the players where they would be during a game
Before the snap, assign a route to run, and give the DB some signal whether or not he
will let the receiver get open, but dont tell the QB
On the snap, the WR runs his route, and the DB either covers him tight, or lets him get
open. The RB runs into the flat to act as the safety valve. If the WR is open, the QB
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should throw him the ball. If the WR is covered, the QB should look to dump the ball to
the RB so he can cut up field.
As the QB masters this, you can add as many WRs and TEs as you would user during a
game.
QB Exchange Drill
Purpose: To improve the footwork of the QB when he has to make a handoff or pitch to a RB
Procedure: Line up a QB with a RB in his normal spot.

On the snap, have the RB move towards the correct hole
Ensure the QB is stepping with the correct foot in order to meet the RB (if it is a handoff),
or getting his feet into the correct position to make the toss
Ensure that the QB is getting the ball into the bread basket of the RB and that the RB is
holding his arms correctly (inside arm is up)
QB Hot Box Drill

Purpose: To improve the quick release, decision making and timing
Procedure: Line up a single file line of 5 or 6 receivers spaced about 2 yards apart
Line up 2 QBs facing the receivers and 10 yards away; each has a ball.
The QBs randomly alternate who they throw to, never throwing to the same guy two
times in a row.
Once a receiver has caught a ball he must immediately deliver it right back to one of the
QBs (it doesnt have to be the QB who threw him the ball).
Start slowly and then build up the pace
QB Landmark Passing Drill

Purpose: To improve the QBs accuracy when throwing passes where he must lead the receiver (corner,
post, fade, deep out, fly, etc.)
Procedure: As the receiver runs his route, the QB throws the ball to a spot ahead of, and to the inside or
outside (depending on the route) and lets the receiver run under it.
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QB Landmark Passing Drill #2

Purpose: To improve the QBs accuracy and consistency with ball placement
Procedure: Have your QB stand 5 yards behind an imaginary LOS.

Tell him to throw the ball as far as he can from there at
a 45 angle. Mark the spot where the ball first lands.
Repeat this with a throw straight up field. These are his maximum distances. Now move those
markers 15 yards closer and have him throw until he can land several consecutive balls (you pick
the #) within a 1 yard radius of the markers. Then move it 5 yards back and repeat the exercise.
Repeat until you have reached a distance that is 5 yards less than his original max throw
QB Pass Reaction Drill

Purpose: Improve the quarterbacks passing game and to make a quick decision.
Procedure: A QB and 2 receivers align on the LOS. Receivers are numbered 1 and 2 and given routes to run.
The QB is assigned a play action (3 or 5step drop, semi or full roll out).
Coach kneels opposite the QB to deliver a snap. On cadence, all three execute the play. Just
prior to the QB completing his play action (1 or 2 steps remaining), the coach calls out the receiver
he wants the ball thrown to. The QB should plant, set and deliver the ball to the designated
receiver.
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QB Passing Lines Drill

Purpose: Improve the quarterbacks passing game.
Procedure: Line up a singlefile line of WR to one side of the QB. A coach in front of the QB delivers the
snap and gives the WR the route to run. On the snap, the WR runs the route, and the QB throws
him the ball
QB Passing Lines Drill

Purpose: Improve the quarterbacks passing game.
Procedure: Line up a singlefile line of WR to one side of the QB. A coach in front of the QB delivers the
snap and gives the WR the route to run. On the snap, the WR runs the route, and the QB throws
him the ball
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QB Progression Drill
Purpose: To teach the QB to make the best passing decision on the field
Procedure: Start with 2 receivers (1 WR and 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 WR and 1 TE, etc), but then you can work
up to 3 or 4 (or even 5, if you play that type of offense)
The QB will have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice, etc.
On the snap the receivers will run their routes at to speed
The QB will take his 3, 5 or 7step drop, looking at each receiver in turn, releasing the
ball no more than 3 seconds after setting at the end of his drop back.
You can add some difficulty to this drill by waiting until the QB gets set, and then telling
him which receiver to throw to OR
You can also line up one fewer defender than you have receivers. Have your receiver(s)
run similar routes, and then have the DB stepup to defend one of the receivers. The QB
must see the open receiver and throw him the ball.
QB Read and Recognize vs. Skeleton Defense Drill

Purpose: To teach the QB to make quick and correct decisions about whom to pass the ball to
Procedure: Line up both the offense and defense without any linemen.
On the snap, have the defenders each execute their duties (if blitzing, have him come
towards LOS, but do not hit the QB) and have the backs and receivers run their routes.
This works very well with the older kids who might face a defense that plays man-to-man
and zone coverage
QB Recognition Drill
Purpose: To teach the QB to make quick and correct decisions about whom to pass the ball to
Procedure: Line up one QB at the LOS (the red square)

Line up three or more receivers at various places on the field, between 5 and 20 yards
from the QB (the white squares).
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Assign each receiver a number between 1 and 3 (or 1 and 4)
A coach will stand behind the QB and hold up fingers to indicate which receiver is to
catch the ball but will not tell the QB
The coach tells the QB whether to take a 3, 5 or 7step drop
On the snap, the receiver who is to catch the ball holds up his hand. The QB must locate
him and deliver the ball
You can make this drill more difficult by having ALL receivers hold up one hand, but the
intended receiver holds up both
QB RollOut Passing Drill

Purpose: To teach your QB how to throw on the run
Procedure: Have one or two QBs, each with one or more receivers about ten yards away
On the snap, have the QB sprint out to his right or left as though he is rolling out, always
staying 6 8 yards behind the LOS
As he rolls, the receiver will break for the sideline, and the QB must square his shoulders,
hips and head and make a pass to the receiver
QB Set, Find and Fire Drill

Purpose: Improve the quarterbacks reaction upon setup.
Procedure: The quarterback takes a quick drop and sets up to deliver the football. Station three or four
players downfield, facing him in a horizontal line spread evenly across the field. Each player has
an assigned number. The coach calls out a number, the quarterback must quickly set his feet in
the direction of the designated player and throw the football.
Running Back Drills
RB Bag Drill
Purpose: Teach players how to receive a proper handoff and keep the head up to make the proper read
and cut.
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Procedure: This Drill involves the center, quarterback and running backs. The quarterback takes the snap from
the center and hands the football to the running back. The running back has his eyes up field
running towards a dummy, (the defender), held three yards away by a coach. As the player
approaches the dummy, the coach will move it to the right or the left, indicating that the back
should cut in the opposite direction. Players should be running at full speed.
RB Barrel Drill
Purpose: Teaches the RB to keep his head up, eyes open, protect the ball, and to fight for that extra yard
Procedure: You will need 4 barrels, cones or standing dummies. In a square 5 yards by 3 yards position the
barrels in a 5 of diamonds formation. The barrels should be about 2 yards wide in the front and 3
yards deep. A coach stands in the middle of the barrels and will step out in front of the runner
forcing him to pick a side to run. As the runner exits the last two barrels the first two players try to
strip the ball.
As the runner passes the two players stripping the ball he must high knee to keep from tripping
over the hand shields being thrown at his feet by two more players.
Finally he must go through a gauntlet of two to four hand shields and dive, claw, stumble or
whatever it takes to get into the end zone.
RB Counter Drill
Purpose: To develop good techniques and timing in the counter play
Procedure: Equipment: 7 cones, 1 to 2 balls, 4 shields with players.
Four players with (or without) shields are used to simulate contact with the backs. On GO the QB
makes a counter handoff to the rightside slotback. He breaks past the LOS at the outside of the
LTE cone. As he does, the defensive player in the LB position will attack his inside shoulder. The
SB must stiff arm the shield.
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The defensive player in the S position will attempt to knock him off his feet he must deliver a drive
by dropping his shoulder and driving the defender back 4 to 5 yards.
The FB executes a kickout block on the backside DE. The HB executes a fake power right and
drives the first defender that comes to him. Work for reps to each side.
RB Cutback Drill
Purpose: Teaches the RB to find the cutback lane if his run to the outside is well covered
Procedure: Setup cones to act as the OL (in the graphic below, I am using four cones to represent
the right-side of the offensive line)
Line up a number of defenders one less than the number of cones (in my graphic, I am
using three defenders)
Lineup your RB and QB or coach.
On the snap, have the RB take the hand off to the outside
At the same time, the defenders will step into one of the gaps, blocking that hole.
The RB must quickly recognize the one open hole, and either cut back or continue to the
outside
RB Cut and Switch Drill

Purpose: Teaches the RB to carry the ball in the correct arm, and to change arms as necessary
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Procedure: Setup 5 or more cones in a zigzag course along 10 yards of field. Leave about 5 yards
between each cone
At the snap the RB will carry the ball in his OUTSIDE arm, and will run OUTSIDE of the
first cone, zigzagging towards the next cone
As he approaches the next cone, he will switch the ball to his other arm (the outside arm)
and again run outside of the cone.
This continues through every cone
RB Gauntlet Drill
Purpose: Teaches RB to secure the ball and protect it as they make contact.
Procedure: One player with a ball starts 1 yard back from the tunnel. The tunnel is formed by 6 to 12
players split and facing inward with one player at the end of the tunnel with a shield. On
GO the ball carrier runs through the tunnel dropping his shoulders and covering the
ball with an arm over arm under carry.
As he enters the tunnel each player swipes at the ball from the bottom, top, and front.
They all can swipe at the ball or arms to pull the ball out.
Once ball carrier reaches the end of the tunnel he must drive his shoulder into the shield
and keep his legs pumping until the coach blows his whistle or stops it. Let him drive the
shield for 4 to 5 yards.
The shield man should provide moderate resistance. This simulates attacking the LOS and
then driving a defender backwards as he gains more yardage. Each back should get two
to three tries at this.
RB Goal Line Drill

Purpose: Teaches the RB to navigate his way through traffic on short yardage or goal line situations
Procedure: As shown below, setup four bags or cones in a square. Have a coach or player hold a
heavy bag in the center of the square. Line up five players and/or coaches at the end of
the line.
On the snap, the RB will run through the first two cones/bags.
As he gets there, the coach will lean his bag to the left or right, and the RB must quickly
cut the opposite way
The RB must then run between the other two cones/bags to where the five players are
waiting.
The first two players will try to strip the ball with their arms (they should not grab hold of
the RB
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After getting past the first two, the next two players have shields which they will throw at
the RBs feet, trying to trip him. The RB should high step over them
The final player will also have a shield and will try to bump the RB to the ground.
The RB must bull his way past him to get to the goal line
RB High Knee Drill

Purpose: Develops high knee running and body awareness.
Procedure: Setup five bags in a row, five feet apart. Have a back run at full speed over each bag in
succession. Make sure runners keep their eyes downfield and knees high. Check for proper ball
carrying throughout the entire Drill. Variation at the end of the last bag place a coach or player
with a shield hit the runner coming over the last bag.
RB Inside Outside Drill

Purpose: To teach the running back the difference between running inside (power) and outside (sweep)
Procedure: Equipment: 7 cones, 1 or 2 footballs, two shields with players.
The three inside cones are the center and tight ends spaced out to match the length of the line.
The two additional cones on each side are 2 yards behind the line and 5 yards and 10 yards away
from the TE spot. The inside cone marks the boundary of the inside play and the outside cone
marks the boundary of the outside play.
Tell the RB whether he is to run inside or outside. If inside the play is executed as if it is a toss and
the QB turns and tosses the ball. The RB must stay square until he hits the hole. He aims for the
outside edge of the TE cone and stays inside of the first cone. He must use one of the three
escape techniques when he reaches the defender (Stiff arm, Spin, Drive).
If outside he takes the ball on a Sweep handoff from the QB. He sprints and gains little depth after
taking the handoff until he reaches the playside TE and then sprints and attacks the outside cone
staying inside of it (marks the out of bounds). As he meets the defender he must execute a good
escape move.
On the inside move we want the back to run with force and not speed so he should be trying to
overpower and stiff arm the defender. When going outside we want the back to run with speed
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and not power. In either case he should not try to get deeper then he already is to start. Work for
4 reps to each side and mix up the inside or outside calls.
RB Juke, Spin then Stiff Arm Drill

Purpose: To teach the RB a few good moves
Procedure: Line up three defensive players in a single file vertical line, each holding a bag or shield.
Allow about 5 yards between each bag
Line up a RB, and on the snap, give him a handoff
The RB is to sprint to the first bag where he makes a juke move and goes around the bag
He continues to the second bag, where he lowers his level, then drives his opposite
shoulder into the midsection of the bag, then spins off and keeps going
o For example, if the RB decides to go to the right of the bag, he will drive his
LEFT shoulder into the bag, at the same time planting on his RIGHT foot. As
soon as his shoulder makes contact, he will pivot around on that right foot,
spinning to his right, the run past the bag
As he approaches the final bag, the RB will decide which side of the bag to run to. If
necessary, he will change the ball to the opposite hand, then use the near arm to deliver
a stiff arm to the bag
RB Kick Out Block Drill

Purpose: To develop good kick out blocking technique.
Procedure: Two backs each line up on an inside cone the back to the left will kick out to the left and the back
to the right will kick out to the right. They will then go to the end of the other line.
The two defensive ends will be 1 foot deep and 1 yard away from the cone. The back will be in a
threepoint stance. On GO the DE will charge across the line with the shield on the inside arm
facing the back. The back will take a open step and a direct path to the inside shoulder of the DE
and wishbone block the DE.
By attacking the inside shoulder and blocking him to the outside you create a kick out block that
seals him to the outside or Kicks him out of the hole. Make sure the back attacks the inside
shoulder the center of the wishbone should be on the arm. Try for 3 reps to each side. You can
Page 76 of 91
also have the DE crash to the inside or spy if that particular defense has their ends do one of
these techniques.
Kick out block an insideout block on the first defender past the point of attack. Aimed
at his inside shoulder so that he his sealed from the inside.
Log block an insideout block on the first defender past the point of attack. Aimed at
the outside shoulder so that he his sealed to the inside and away from the outside.
Drop Step a short slightly backward step with toes at about 45 degrees.
RB Off Tackle Reaction Drill

Purpose: To develop a good footwork, and to ensure that the RB is running with his head up
Procedure: Equipment: 1 cones, 4 shields or dummies
Line up the cone and 3 bags as shown. At the end of the drill, about two yards away from the
third bag, a coach or player holds the fourth bag. To start, the RB takes the handoff and runs off
tackle around the cone. He then high steps over three of the bags/shields. As he steps over the
last bag, the coach/player leans his bag either left or right to simulate a tackler, and the RB must
plant and cut AWAY from the bag.
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RB One Cut Drill
Purpose: Too many RBs will try to juke and jive in the backfield to avoid being hit. This drill teaches them
to get to the hole then accelerate through it.
Procedure: Line up cones to indicate the holes the RB can run through
Line up on RB and one shadow LB in their correct spots
One the snap, the LB will shadow the RB along the LOS
The RB gets only ONE up field cut, then they have to accelerate through their hole
RB Power Toss Drill

Purpose: To develop a good toss technique in the power play by the quarterback and wingback at the
same time developing good blocking techniques in all the backs involved.
Procedure: Equipment: 7 cones, 1 to 2 balls, 4 shields with players.
Using a proper Power Right TOSS technique, seal block technique, kickout technique we
practice the Rip power right play with defenders. There is a kickout defender for the Bback, a
inside seal defender for the wingback, a outside seal defender for the quarterback and a defender
for the running back to Stiff arm, Spin, or Drive. Work for 4 reps to each side.
RB Seal Block Drill

Purpose: To teach the wing back how to execute a proper seal block and to develop good technique and
confidence in the block.
Procedure: Equipment: 2 shields, 4 cones.
Two players holding shields and facing the back on their side; they are three steps of the LOS and
two steps to the inside of the cone. The back is in a twopoint stance one yard outside and one
yard deep to the cone. On GO the back takes a release step outside clears the defensive line
and turns inside squaring his shoulders perpendicular to the LOS; he then wishbone blocks the
first linebacker (Shield) that he comes to generally the LB will be square to the LOS and
reading/reacting to the backfield or he will be in pursuit mode. The LB moves to the outside by
shuffling and then turning and attacking the edge. Once the backs finish they go to the end of
the opposite line.
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Seal block an outsidein block by the wingback. Takes an outside release step and does not
attempt to touch the defensive lineman inside him. He turns inside perpendicular to the LOS and
attacks the first linebackers outside shoulder inside of the pointofattack.
RB Stiff Arm Drill w/ heavy bag

Purpose: To develop good stiff arm techniques.
Procedure: Equipment: Two cones, one football, one heavy bag
2 cones are set 10 yards apart from each other on any yard line. The coach puts himself over the
inside cone and is holding a Heavy Bag style tackling dummy (if a Heavy Bag is not available, a
regular tackling dummy will do). An RB places himself 5 yards away from the inside cone, holding
a ball in his outside arm. On the coaches signal he takes off heading straight for the outside cone.
The coach will heave the bag at the RB, alternating between knee high and shoulder high throws.
He should vary the angle at which he throws the Bag as well.
The RB should attempt to use his inside hand (thumb down) as the lever with which to use the
bags own momentum to deflect it away from his body. If any part of the bag touches any part of
the runner, he is tackled.
RB Stiff Arm Drill w/ live tackler

Purpose: To develop good stiff arm techniques.
Procedure: Equipment: Two cones, one football, one tackler
Page 79 of 91
Once the players have mastered this using the heavy bag, well do the same drill, but replacing
the bag with a live tackler. An RB places himself 5 yards away from the inside cone, holding a ball
in his outside arm. On the coaches signal he takes off heading straight for the outside cone with
the tackler giving chase.
Depending on what part of the body the tackler has exposed to the RB, the ideal aiming points
for a Stiff Arm are:
Top of the helmet (not the facemask)
Top of the shoulder plate
Chest plate
RB Stiff Arm, Spin and Drive Drill

Purpose: To develop good stiff arm, spin, and drive techniques.
Procedure: Equipment: Six cones, one to two footballs, three shield w/ players
Three players with shields are five yards apart from each other and five yards from the ball carrier.
The first two shields are staggered to right and left and the third is straight on line with the runner.
On GO the runner takes off straight up field the first shield moves to attack the runners shoulder
the runner must stiff arm the shield at the face mask level and keep his arm lock as he drives the
shield away from and behind him as he goes by.
As the runner approaches the second shield the shield attack the runners shoulder and the runner
drives into the shield with his near side shoulder and then spins using his near side foot and
spinning in the opposite direction of the shield. He must stay low as he does this to maintain his
balance and speed.
As he goes by he the second shield he gets low and attacks the last shield by driving his shoulder
into the shield and driving him back for 4 to 5 yards. Each player holding a shield must keep it just
above their face mask. The runner must keep a wide base with his feet and keep low at the hips
and knees when making contact.
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RB Trap Drill
Purpose: To develop a good running, faking, and blocking technique in the trap play by the backs involved.
Procedure: Equipment: 7 cones, 1 to 2 balls, 4 players with shields.
You can use the I formation, a pro set, or, as shown below, a doublewing. In the picture
below, hand the ball to your fullback.
He will run through the 2 hole (or 1 hole if you are running this to your left) and either
stiff arm or spin off the safety.
The playside wing back runs downfield and performs a seal block on the other safety.
The awayside wing back (or halfback) performs a kickout block against the playside
OLB, and the QB also performs a seal block against the playside CB.
RB Triangle Drill
Purpose: To teach RB to quickly cut away from wouldbe tacklers
Procedure: Equipment: Five cones, one coach or player holding a shield
Arrange three of the cones in a 3 yd x 5 yd triangle, and the other two cones 8 to 10
yards outside the top of the triangle.
The coach/player stands in front of the top cone holding a blocking shield. The RB starts
from 5 yards in front of the triangle. As he approaches the first two cones the coach
should quickly step into one or the other gap.
The RB should cut AWAY from the coach and through the opposite side of the triangle.
We want him to bend his path back up field and around the traffic cone once hes
completed his cutback.
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Receiver Drills
Receivers Blocking Drill

Purpose: To teach your WRs to block during an outside run to their side of the field
Procedure: Line up your WRs with a coach or another player holding a bag which represents the CB
On the snap, and depending on the play, the WR needs to release to the inside of the
CB, putting his body between the RB and the CB, and drive the CB towards the sideline.
OR, the WR needs to release to the outside of the CB and drive him inside, towards the
LBs.
Cover all the regular blocking points:
o Head up
o Back flat
o Feet should width apart
o Short, choppy steps, etc
Receivers Catch Pyramid Drill

Purpose: To teach your WRs and RBs handeye coordination, and quick hands
Procedure: Line up five WRs and/or RBs as shown in the graphic below. Give at least 5 yards
between each player.
You will also need three footballs. The players at the red, green and white squares will
each start with one football
At the start, red passes to orange and looks to receive from white. At the same time,
orange passes to green (orange had better be quick because hes throwing a pass at the
same time as the ball from red is on its way to him!)
As soon as green catches the pass from orange, he decides to pass to either blue or
white.
The sequence begins again: red to orange, orange to green; either blue or white
(whomever caught the last pass from green) throws back to red
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Receivers Catching Triangle Drill

Purpose: To teach your WR and RB how to properly catch a pass
Procedure: Line up two or three receivers who will throw the ball back and forth to each other
Passes should be caught with fingers outstretched, palms out, and index fingers and
thumbs creating a triangle
Once caught, the ball should be secured and brought to the body
Receivers Crack Back Block Drill

Purpose: Teach your WR to LEGALLY block a LB during a sweep, pitch or option to his side.
Procedure: Line up a player with a shield in the OLB spot, and a WR in his normal spot.
On the snap of the ball will execute a LEGAL seal block on the LB
o The block is ALWAYS above the waist. NEVER attempt to hit a man in the knees,
especially on this block because the LB may not see you coming.
o The block is NEVER from behind. If the LB, for whatever reason, has his back
turned to you, you become an impediment to his progress. DO NOT hit him in
the back!
o The block ALWAYS requires the WR to keep his head up, driving his shoulder
into the midsection of the LB
Receivers Concentration Drill

Purpose: Works on getting the receiver to focus on the ball and watch it all the way into the hands, even
though they know they are going to get hit.
Procedure: Have three players holding hand shields lineup 10 yards deep and 3 yards apart from
each other in an equal triangle.
Have a receiver run a pattern into the middle of the triangle.
As the receiver enters the triangle the coach or quarterback should throw the receiver a
high pass.
The receiver must jump up to catch the pass, when his hands touch the ball, the three
defenders should jam the receiver with their shields.
Page 83 of 91
Receivers Cones and Cut Drill
Purpose: To teach receivers to make their cuts at exactly the right spot
Procedure: Can be run with or without a QB

You will need one or more cones depending on what routes your receivers will be
running.
Line up the cone(s) exactly where the receiver is supposed to make his cut
On the snap, the receiver runs his route, sprinting to the cone, making his fake, and then
the proper cut. Watch for lazy receivers who cut their routes off.
If you are running this drill with a QB, have him make the pass
Receivers Cross Drill

Purpose: To teach receivers to concentrate on the football while having their vision obstructed.
Procedure: Divide the receivers into two groups facing each other on a selected line of scrimmage.
One receiver will run across the field behind the defensive man crossing from the
opposite direction.
The quarterback or coach will throw the ball to a point where the two players are about
to cross. Instruct the defender to wave his arms and try to distract the receiver. .
The defender IS NOT supposed to intercept or knock down the pass, he is only trying to
distract the receiver.
Receivers Full Gauntlet Drill

Purpose: To teach receivers the fundamentals of catching the ball and tucking it in before contact.
Procedure: Position players in two parallel lines facing each other approximately two yards apart.
The first receiver stands at one end approximately five yards away.
On cadence, the receiver runs towards the gauntlet, receives the pass, tucks the in and
runs through the gauntlet.
Instruct players on both sides to try and rip the ball loose.
Page 84 of 91
Receivers Hook and Turn Drill

Purpose: To teach your receivers how to gain yards after the catch
Procedure: Line up one or two QBs (or the coaches can throw), each with his own line of receivers
On the snap, have the receivers run a 5 or 10yard button hook pattern (you can have
the receivers run almost any route, but this works well to start because the receiver is
facing the QB when making the catch)
The QB makes the throw; the receiver makes the catch, then fakes by turning a quarter
turn one way, then fully turning the other.
For example, the receiver makes the catch, then turns a quarter turn to his left, causing
the DB to bit on that fake. Then the receiver turns to his right, and picks up extra
yardage
Receivers Lightning Catch Drill

Purpose: To teach receivers to concentrate on the football and to develop quick hands
Procedure: You will need 3, 6 or 9 footballs

Line up 3 QB in a straight line, with about 1 to 5 yards between each
Line up a receiver about 3 to 5 yards away from, but directly in line with, the middle QB
On the whistle, the QB to the receivers right will throw the ball to the receiver.
As soon as the receiver secures the ball, the middle QB throws a pass. The receiver must
drop the ball he is holding and catch the one being thrown.
As soon as that is secured, the QB to the left of the receiver will throw his pass. Repeat,
picking up the tempo as the receivers get better
Receivers Over the Shoulder Drill

Purpose: Works on proper techniques and fundamentals involved in catching the football over the
shoulder.
Procedure: Divide receivers into two groups.

Align the first group on the right hash mark, the other on the left hash mark
You can use one or two QBs. If you use two, have one throw to the WRs on the right,
the other throws to the WRs on the left.
On the quarterback's cadence, the receiver executes a go or fade route. The quarterback
takes a short drop and throws the ball over the outside shoulder of the receiver. The
quarterback alternates throwing to each line and the receiver should switch lines every
time
Page 85 of 91
You can start by having the QB make the throw after only 5 yards, that way the receivers
get used to catching over their shoulders
Receivers Pass Reaction Drill

Purpose: To teach decisive reactions and quick delivery
Procedure: Line up one QB and two receivers (numbered 1 and 2, X and Y, or whatever you would
use)
QB is assigned a play action (3, 5 or 7step drop, semi or full roll out).
Each receiver is given a different route to run.
Another player or coach kneels opposite the QB to deliver a snap
On cadence, all three execute their assignment.
Just prior to the QB completing his play action (1 or 2 steps remaining) the coach calls
out the route he wants the ball thrown to.
The QB should plant, set and deliver the ball to the designated receiver.
Receivers Pass Reaction Drill #2

Purpose: To teach decisive reactions and quick delivery
Procedure: Same as above, except you add a DB.

Tell the DB the routes being run, and either quietly assign him a WR to cover, or let him
choose
The QB goes through his assignment and then has to react quickly, throwing the ball to
the uncovered WR.
Page 86 of 91
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Arrow)

Purpose: To teach the WR the proper way to run a route
Procedure: The WR will take his first step with his outside foot on a 45 degree angle to the outside.
Then, he will crossover with his inside foot, gaining about 2 3 yards of depth.
WR should be looking for the ball as soon as he makes his crossover step. QB should
throw towards your outside shoulder
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Comeback)

Procedure: The WR will sprint off the LOS as though he is running a Fly or Go route. At the point
designated (5 yards, 10 yards, whatever), the WR will plant his inside foot, turn to the
outside, and work his way on a diagonal towards the sideline and back to the QB.
WR should be looking for the ball as soon as he makes his break QB should throw
towards your outside shoulder
Page 87 of 91
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Corner)
Procedure: The WR will take seven steps up field, plant HARD on the outside foot then take a hard
step to the inside as though running a post pattern. Then, plant HARD on the inside foot
and sprint to the corner pylon at a 45 degree angle. QB should aim for the outside
shoulder
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Fade)

Procedure: WR releases to the outside and then fade slowly towards the sideline. QB should throw
to your outside shoulder.
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Go)

Page 88 of 91
Procedure: WR sprints up field, trying to get past the defender. If DB is playing you with an outside
shade, QB should throw the ball to your inside shoulder. If DB is playing with an inside
shade, QB should aim for your outside shoulder.
Receivers Primary Routes Drill (Post)

Procedure: WR takes an inside release step beginning with his outside foot. On the 7 th step, plant
that outside foot HARD and cut towards the center of the field at a 45 degree angle.
Receivers Sideline Catch Drill

Purpose: To teach your WR and RB how to properly catch a pass against the sideline while keeping his feet
inbounds
Procedure: Line up two QBs, one on the right hash, the other on the left, each with his own line of
receivers
Line up the receivers facing the QB, 5 to 20 yards off the LOS
On the snap, the receiver runs straight for the sideline, and the QB must make the throw
as close to the sideline as he can, while allowing the receiver to catch the ball with his feet
in
The receiver must concentrate on getting one or both of his feet down while maintaining
focus on the ball, making and completing the catch
Page 89 of 91
You can add some variations to this by having the QB execute a rollout towards the
sideline, then making the throw
Receivers Stop Drill

Purpose: To develop timing and good passing and receiving technique in the passer and the receiver using
a direct pass.
Procedure: Equipment: 2 balls and 3 cones (the cones are 5x5x5 for a throwing distance of 7 yards, but feel
free to adjust this)
The receiver is in a twopoint receiver stance and the passer is in a ready to throw stance. On
GO the receiver sprints 5 yards to the next cone and stops, pivots towards the passer and looks
for the ball. The passer throws the ball to the outside of the cone as soon as the receiver stops.
Get 5 reps.
Keys to Receiving:
Get in your eyes on the ball and get your body in front of the ball.
Spread your fingers and get your thumbs together to form a triangle if the ball is above
your waist. Watch the ball in to the triangle and as the ball comes in wrap your hands
around it.
If the ball is below your waist get your pinkies together and form a shovel and get them
under the ball.
Secure the ball to your side.
Keys to Passing:
The ball is by the ear and the throwing arm is cocked and ready to throw.
The nonthrowing foot is pointed at the receiver and your hips are square to the receiver
as well.
As you throw it starts from the twisting of your hips, upper body, and into your arms. The
hand as you release the ball should point in the direction of the receiver. This forces the
hand to come down on the ball creating spin.
If the ball is thrown directly at the receiver the hand should be pointed at the chest of the
receiver. (bullet pass)
If the ball is lofted at the receiver the hand should be point above the receiver and the
throwing shoulder should drop slightly. (bomb/pooch pass)
A receiver moving must be lead. The distance you have to throw the receiver determines
the lead. The longer the throw the more lead. A short throw should lead a receiver at
least 1 yard, a long throw should lead a receiver 5 yards
Page 90 of 91
Receivers Stop & Indirect Drill
Purpose: To develop timing and good passing and receiving technique in the passer and the receiver using
a direct pass.
Procedure: Equipment: 2 balls and 3 cones (the cones are 5 x 5 x 5 for a throwing distance of 7
yards, but feel free to adjust this)
The receiver is in a twopoint receiver stance and the passer is in a ready to throw
stance. On GO the receiver sprints 5 yards to the next cone and stops, pivots towards
the passer and looks for the ball. The passer throws the ball to the outside of the cone as
soon as the receiver stops. Get 5 reps.
This drill is run the same as the Stop Drill, but this time, the QB throws indirectly to the
WR so that he has to adjust his route and get the ball. The QB can thrown a bit behind,
ahead of, or a bit to the right or left of the WR.
Receivers Turn Drill

Purpose: To force the receiver to get into a position to see the ball and concentrate on catching it.
Procedure: Form two lines of receivers on each side of the field, with a quarterback throwing to each line. The
first receiver in each line has his back to the quarterback. The quarterback yells "go" as he passes
the ball to the receiver. On the "go" command the receiver must snap his head around quickly,
locate and catch the ball, tuck it in, and turn up field. Receivers should change lines after each
throw
Page 91 of 91

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2017 TITANS FOOTBALL

COACHES DRILL MANUAL

All Agilities - Circle Cones Drill

All Agilities - Cone Drills

All Agilities Lateral Movement Drill

All Bag & Board Drill (doublewing wishbone blocking)

Procedure: You need up to 5 boards and 5 bags

All Ball Fight Drill

Procedure: Pair up the players up by size/ability

All Bird Dog Drill Point

All Bird Dog Drill Step

Procedure: Set up 11 cones or players in a defense your opponent will play

All Fit In Drill

Procedure: Start with a blocking dummy and two cones.

All Form tackling (no pads)

All Form tackling (Angle, WITH pads)

All Form tackling (Angle, 5cone WITH pads)

All Form tackling (bag, with or without pads)

All Form tackling (butt, bench and fury, WITH pads)

Procedure: Set up 4 cones in a diamond

All Form tackling (lateral movement #2, WITH pads)

All Form tackling (pick a hole, with or without pads)

All Form tackling (pit drill, with or without pads)

All Form tackling (reach tackle, WITH pads)

All Form tackling (shed, recover, tackle, WITH pads)

All Form tackling (twoline attack, WITH pads)

All Form tackling (with or without pads)

All Form tackling (with shield, with or without pads)

All Form tackling from backpedal #1 (with shield, WITH pads)

Procedure: At least one player holding shield, move forward on snap

All Form tackling from backpedal #2 (with shield, WITH pads)

All Fumble Recovery Drill

Procedure: Setup two cones no more than 2 yards apart.

All Machine Gun Drill

All Mirror Drill

Procedure: Start with two players and four cones

All Pad Drill

All Pursuit Drill

Procedure: The defense huddles on a selected line of scrimmage.

All Quick Hands Drill

All Six Point Explosion Drill

All ShoulderonShoulder Bang Drill

All Shoot and Tackle Drill

Procedure: Equipment: 10 cones and 10 players (5 ball carriers and 5 tacklers)

All West Point Drill

Procedure: Line up five cones in a zigzag pattern

Conditioning Basic hold your stance Drill

Conditioning Bear Crawl w/ Cones Drill

Procedure: Break the team up into four lines

Conditioning Four Corners Drill

Procedure: Place four cones about 10 yards apart to form a square.

Conditioning Illinois Test Drill

Procedure: Requires 8 cones

Procedure: Players start in 3point stance

Conditioning Leg Matrix

Conditioning Ladder drills

Ice skater (one foot)

One foot, every

Outside foot behind

Two feet, every

Two in, two out

Two in, one out

Two in, two out (left