Handoff and Ball Carrying Skill

HANDOFF AND BALL CARRYING

SKILL CUES Carrying the Ball 1. Always cover the tip of the ball with the hand; the remainder of the forearm covers the ball. 2. In an area with numerous players cover the ball with both hands. 3. In a stretch of open field carry the ball on the open field side away from the defenders.

Taking a Handoff 1. Raise the arm on the side of the quarterback to have elbow at shoulder level. Keep your forearm directly in front of the body with the palm facing down. This position requires a 90-degree bend at the elbow. 2. Keep the arm away from the quarterback below the waist with the palm facing up and directly in front of the body, requiring a 90-degree bend at the elbow. 3. Wait until the quarterback places the ball in the midsection of the runner's torso between the hands-don't reach out for the ball. 4. Grasp the ball with both hands initially until getting into open field.

Running With the Ball 1. Lean slightly forward. 2. Run with the head up and eyes always scanning the field for an open area. 3. Hold the ball tightly and cover the front point. 4. When making a cut (changing directions), plant the opposite foot in the direction of the intended cut. If cutting to the right, plant the left foot and push off. 5. To be an effective ball carrier, you must be able to change speeds and make cuts while running, yet still maintain balance.

ACTIVITIES (30-40 MINUTES) 1. Present the skill cues for carrying the ball and taking the handoff. Demonstrate each skill. (4-6 minutes) 2. Divide students into groups of 10. Have each group form two lines 10 yards apart facing each other. The first student in each line runs toward the other, one with a ball and one without a ball. The runner with the ball hands it off to the runner without the ball as they pass. The rest of the players in the lines follow in a continuous process of handing off the ball back and forth between the players. After players have handed off the ball they get back into the opposite line and continue. (7-9 minutes) 3. Designate one student in each group of three as quarterback, one as snapper, and one as running back. Require the center to snap the ball to the quarterback, who in turn hands it off to the running back (going forward toward the opponent's goal). The running back should alternate running to different sides of the quarterback, taking the handoff from both the right and the left sides. Repeat three times and switch roles. (7-9 minutes) 4. Using the same arrangement, have the runner take the handoff from the quarterback and weave in and out of five cones placed every 5 yards down the field. Repeat three times and then switch roles. (7-9 minutes) 5. Again using the same arrangement, change the center snapper to a defender and position this player 10 yards from the ball carrier. Have the ball carrier take the handoff and try to avoid the defender for 15 yards. The defender tries to touch the ball carrier. Repeat three times then switch roles. Stress safety during this activity. (5-7 minutes)

CLOSURE (3-5 MINUTES) Review and discuss with students the content of the lesson. Use the following ideas to reinforce learning, check understanding, and give feedback. 1. Discuss the proper way to take a handoff from the quarterback, emphasizing the arm and hand position of the ball carrier. 2. Have three students demonstrate one cut each that could be used to avoid a defender. Analyze the moves with the rest of the class.