2005 HSE Youth Football League

Coaches Handbook

Third Edition

June, 2013

Welcome to the Fishers-Hamilton Southeastern Youth Football League (Fishers-HSE YFL). The Fishers-HSE YFL continues to grow and provide a great opportunity for the families living within the HSE School District. Once again, we anticipate over 1,200 youth participants in our flag and tackle leagues.

The purpose of the Fishers-HSE Youth Football program is: . To develop and maintain a properly supervised football league for youth in grades: K – 6. . To promote improved community relations by demonstrating an interest in our youth. . To encourage physical and mental growth through keen competition. . To emphasize good citizenship and scholastic achievement. . To nurture good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play.

On behalf of the Fishers-HSE YFL Board, we want to thank you for your commitment to teaching the great sport of football to the youth of our community. To ensure that all participants (players, coaches, and parents) have a rewarding and exciting experience, the Board has created this handbook to provide coaches with the proper instruction to build and execute a consistent approach to coaching youth football. By using this handbook as a guide, you will learn how to properly teach football’s fundamentals in every phase of the game and how to run the best drills for every segment of your practice – position, group, and team.

This handbook includes the following information: . Thoughts and support from our H.S. football coaches . Coaching responsibilities and expectations . Organization and Planning Tips . Health and Wellness Information . Team Administration Tips

Again, the Board thanks you for your time, participation, and commitment to our league. We would also like to thank all of our league and field sponsors as well as the many community members that volunteer. It is through the dedication of our many volunteers and supportive parents and sponsors that our league continues to thrive.

We welcome your comments, suggestions, and input. Please direct all inquiries and comments to Board President, Eric Hohlt at [email protected].

Fishers-HSE Youth Football League Board

______F O O T B A L L ______

2010 Indiana 5A State Champs Head Football Coach HCC Champs – 2009, 2010 Rick Wimmer

Dear Fishers-HSE Youth Football Coaches:

As a coach in the Fishers-HSE Youth Football organization, you have agreed to take on a responsibility that can certainly be a rewarding experience for you; but most importantly, the opportunity you have to make a positive impact on the young players you will coach is by far your most important charge. We have a fantastic youth sports program here in Fishers – the youth football program certainly being one of the most successful. But the league is only as good as the coaches who work directly with the players. How will you know if you are having the right kind of impact on your players who play for you this year? It will not be based on how many games your team wins. Look to see how many young players return to the game next year. If you are having a positive impact on players, they will want to keep playing. Winning certainly helps, but winning alone does not equal a positive experience. A truly great coach will be able to impact young players in a positive way even in those years when wins do not come easily.

No matter what level you are coaching – youth, junior high, high school, college, or pros – teaching the fundamentals is where real coaching begins. This manual is designed to give you a blueprint for the teaching of fundamentals in a progressive manner that will ensure that your players are successful, help them have a positive experience, give them confidence, and provide the foundation for your team’s success. The purpose of most fundamental drills is not to evaluate what a player can do, but it is to create a situation in which he can perform a skill or technique with success, build his confidence, and carry over what he has learned into a game. There is a time and place for evaluation drills and conditioning drills. Understand the difference in each and coach accordingly. Avoid the tendency of many inexperienced coaches of spending most of the practice running plays. Focus on the fundamentals outlined in this manual and watch the success of your team improve as their technique, confidence, and enthusiasm for the game improves.

Finally, I would remind you that you as the coach control whether or not you have good practices, show improvement, and create positive experiences. When things are not going as you would like (I promise you, there will be those occasions), remember that you can make a difference. Teach, don’t criticize. Praise effort, technique, and progress – not just the great play by the star athlete.

Being a coach in the Fishers-HSE Youth Football program is certainly a tremendous responsibility but will also be a rewarding experience when you see your players develop a love for the game, have a desire to continue, and show progress in the fundamentals. I consider our youth coaches as extensions of our own coaching staff at Fishers HS. If I or anyone on our staff can help you in any way, do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Rick Wimmer Head Football Coach Fishers High School

Fishers High School, 13000 Promise Road, Fishers, IN 46038 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 317-915-4290 x 27143

Hamilton Southeastern Football 13910 E. 126th Street Fisher, IN 46037 (317) 594-4190 School (317) 594-0096 Fax [email protected]

Youth Coaches

First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to give back to the greatest team sport in our country! We as a community must work together to teach our youth the “right” way to play football. I believe in what HSE/Fishers Youth Football program is doing to develop future Royals and Tigers. I encourage you to do the little things right as you teach the game. To me the following are a “must” as you coach your team: make football fun, teach kids to block and tackle, and teach them how to play as a team. I really like the fundamental time the board has put in place to help guide your practice plan. Spend the time teaching fundamentals and stick to a simple offense that you can get better running throughout the season. If you ever want to watch us practice or have any question for my staff we are here to support you. Good luck and have fun!

Yours in Football

Scott May Head Coach

COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Coaching Perspective: . Football Character development through Football Fun and Fundamentals . Balancing the SPIRIT and WILL of a child . Focus on the process (preparation) and not the outcome (score). See philosophy on winning.

Coaching Objectives: . Provide the best football experience for each player regardless of skill level . Leave them better than where they began the season . Develop a desire in each player to return to football the next year (Don’t be their last football Coach)

Coaching Philosophy: RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, DISCIPLINE . Responsibility – TEACH each player what they are responsible for in SIMPLE 3-step progressions . Example for QB: 1. Make sure the line is set 2. Secure the ball from the center to the ball carrier or receiver 3. Carry out fake to the whistle . D-Line (Pre-snap): 1. Know your GAP responsibility (A,B, or C) 2. Great stance (Drill this every practice) 3. Explode on movement (NG watch ball movement, Tackles watch blockers) . D-Line (On Movement) “PPP”: 1. Penetrate 2. Pursue 3. Party at the ball (get to the ball) . Accountability – TEACH WHAT IS EXPECTED of each player, NO EXCUSES (own your assignments) . Discipline – Correcting mistakes through teachable moments with a focus on the NEXT TIME. Breakdowns are opportunities to learn. High 5 for mistakes in practice! Keep a teachable environment. Refrain from running kids for physical mistakes. Don’t default to being punitive or shaming. Go back to RESONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and DISCIPLINE of TECHNIQUE.

Philosophy on winning: . Focus on the process and not the outcome . Win every play, win every rep, win every moment, win on and off the field . If you did your very best, then you were successful . Winning is a product of doing the right things . Win games in practice

Coaching style: . Know your style and coach within yourself . STRATEGIC . MOTIVATIONAL . FUNDAMENTAL . HYBRID How to motivate: . DIRECTLY: Replace, give instruction, put them back in . INDIRECTLY: Through competition as often as possible. Losers pay or winners gain

. IMPORTANT NOTES: . Know the players spirit – Positive vs. Negative tolerance . Be CLEAR, CONSISTENT and CONSICE with your instruction . CONNECT AND GET BUY IN . USE THEIR NAME . TELL THEM YOU BELIEVE IN THEM . BE HONEST WITH THEM . LOOK THEM IN THE EYE . AFFIRM – Build their confidence through honest affirmation

Goals and Objectives: . Facilitate a great football experience to ensure that we are not their last football coach . Clearly communicate coaching responsibilities and performance expectations . Confirm that everyone understands what is expected . Make training and continual learning a top priority . Regularly provide specific performance feedback . Make sure people know how they’re doing . Consistently recognize and reward positive performance . Hold people accountable for negative behavior and performance

Communication: . Coaching sets the pace to get the best out of others while giving the best of yourself. -- David Cottrell . Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple – that's creativity. -- Charles Mingus . Teach them patiently: Tell them, tell them what you told them, ask them what you told them, and then tell them again, don’t default to coaching effort, get buy in! . The style and tone of your communications are messages in and of themselves. ~Eric Harvey

Coaching Tips: . Things good coaches do: . Keep perspective . Coach with an enthusiastic attitude . Tell them that you believe in them . Coach with positive energy . Be patient, be organized . Balance discipline and fun . Coach every play . Talk to players on their level . Give only one correction at a time . Repetition pays off . Encourage parents to help out

. Things NOT to do: . Don’t lose perspective . Don’t let your assistants or your parents lose perspective . Don’t try to beat the other team but instead try to win every play . Don’t swear . Don’t coach the other team’s players . Don’t make fun of players . Don’t coach your own kid, don’t let your assistant coach his kid . Don’t give up on a kid . Don’t take a close call in your favor . Don’t touch a kid in anger or frustration . Don’t intimidate a kid by yelling at him; take a knee as speak at his level . Don’t take cell calls during practice or games

ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING

Practice Plan . The practice plan was designed as a 1 hour set plan for all Rec coaches. The second hour is to use at your discretion. . This plan is not to be deviated from and everyone will follow. If you choose not to follow this plan, you risk the possibility of not being a coach the following year. . Practice plan is located on the youth football league website under the coaches tab. Please download and have a copy with you at practice at all times. Preparation, tempo, results: . Preparation: . Always have a plan . Follow a master schedule for the sake of others including the 1 hour practice plan. . Tempo: . Coach on the run . Keep up a steady pace and minimize standing around . Quick transitions from one drill to another; run from station to station . Build on one technique to the next . Try not to over-coach. Correct 1 thing and then move on. . Challenge practice plan awareness to promote leadership . Results: . Start with the end in mind and communicate what success looks like . Drill technique, explain how the drill translates to on the field success . Challenge your team with their duties and how they won’t be the weak link . Celebrate when things come together; pass out something special

Practices: . Prior to the first game, each team is permitted a total of ten (10) practices with no more than three practices per week . A week is defined as Sunday through Saturday . Prior to the first game, practices may be held on Sundays after 1:00 pm . Sunday practices ARE allowed after the first game as long as you have 100% consensus of ALL parents. They must start at 1:00 pm or after. . There will be a two-hour time limit for all practices . After your first game, you are ONLY allowed 2 practices per week. . Locations of practices for each grade are determined by the league in consultation with the SPORTS office. Locations will be announced after teams are formed.

Rules: Please download the official rules from the youth football website. The board votes on some changes to the rules more frequently than the manual, therefore, the following sections should be treated as a guideline and not as the “official” rules. Please go to the coaches tab to download the official rules.

Offensive Alignment: The offensive alignment of the Fishers HSE youth football league will consist of a center, two guards, two tackles and two ends. The offensive line will be balanced with a maximum split of 2 feet unless the ends are split wide. The offensive ends may be split or tight with the line remaining balanced. The backfield is defined as behind and not outside the Offensive Tackles. Running backs must be a minimum of 1 yard off the line of scrimmage. There are to be no less than two backs in the backfield with the Quarterback counting as one of the backs. Therefore, you are allowed to have one running back in the backfield, but the formation must still remain balanced if outside the tackles (i.e. three eligible receivers on the same side of the football is not allowed.).

Defensive Alignment: The Fishers HSE youth football league will line up in a standard 5-2 or 5-3 defense. A 6-2 defense may be used for short yardage situations.

Standard 5-2 defense: The Defensive tackles adn nose guard must be in a 3 or 4 point stance. The DT will be head up over the Offensive Tackles and the Nose will be head up on the Center. The Defensive Ends must line head up over the TE. If the TE is split out wider than 3 yards, then the defensive end may line up inside the TE. The Linebackers must line head up on the offensive guards at a minimum of 3 yards off the line of scrimmage. Cornerbacks must line up outside the defensive end and be a minimum of 3 yards off the line of scrimmage. The two safeties must line up 6 yards off the line of scrimmage.

Standard 5-3 defense: Defensive tackles and nose guard must be in a 3 or 4 point stance. Nose guard must align head up over the center. Defensive tackles must align head up over the offensive tackle. Defensive ends must align head up on the tight end. If the ends are split more than 3 yards, the ends may play inside the offensive end. Linebackers must line up with the Middle LB directly behind the NT and the two outside LBs directly behind the Defensive Ends. All three LBs must be 3 yards off the ball. Cornerbacks must line up outside the defensive end and be 3 yards off the line of scrimmage. One safety must line up 6 yards off the line of scrimmage.

Standard 6-2 defense: Defensive guards and tackles must be in a 3 or 4 point stance. Defensive guards must align head up to the offensive guards.Defensive tackles must align head up to the offensive tackles. Defensive ends must align head up to the tight end. If the ends are split more than 3 yards, the defensive ends may play inside the offensive end. Linebackers must line up head up to the offensive 8

guards and be deeper than the heels of the defensive down lineman. Cornerbacks must line up outside the defensive end and be 3 yards off the line of scrimmage at all times. Safeties must line up 3 yards deeper than the linebackers.

Special Teams: As with any football game that is played, special teams will become a vital role in the outcome of the game. The Fishers HSE youth tackle football league allows kickoffs, Kickoff Returns, punts and field goals at the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade levels. Fig. 3,42 and 5 show the alignment for each. It is important that each coach teaches the proper running lanes in both kickoffs and punts. Please refer to the rules section for the grade specific rules for each special team. Coaching Points: Kick-Off Team 1. RUN FULL SPEED, speed beats blocks! 2. Run straight ahead for the first 8 to 10 yards then converge on the ball. 3. Keep your head on a swivel, figure out who is trying to block you 4. Stay in your lane; do not run way out to avoid the block. Run right at the guy supposed to block you to freeze him, then at the last second cut one way or the other. Duck your shoulder to run through the block. 5. The two gunners go straight to the football (middle player on both sides of kicker). 6. The left five on the coverage team should aim to make the tackle with their inside or right shoulder. 7. The right five on the coverage team should aim to make the tackle with their inside or left shoulder. 8. The outside two players have contain, squeeze down from the outside. Do not go past the ball carrier and do not stay too far behind the rest of the group either. 9. Gang Tackle!

Kick-Off Return 1. Watch for onside kicks. 2. Review front five blocking assignments. 3. The second row sets the wedge on the inside guy closest to the ball. 4. The second row should make sure the ball goes beyond them, set the wedge and then they block the first opposite color jersey. 5. Deep backs, call it, field the ball, the other player makes sure he fields it. 6. The other deep back then hits the first guy down field in an opposite color jersey. 7. The player that has the ball heads straight up field, make one cut and go. DO NOT dance around or go sideways, go North/South. 8. Make a big plays

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

NEW FOR ALL COACHES! Beginning January 2013, S.P.O.R.T.S. is requiring all head and assistant coaches to complete Concussion Training either through their sport’s coaches meeting (when it is offered) or through the CDC Online Concussion Course link below which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The training course needs to be completed before the first practice. After completion of the online course, please email your completion certificate to [email protected], fax to 845-5687 or drop off at the S.P.O.R.T.S. office. Training will need to be completed every three years.

Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html

THE FACTS ON CONCUSSIONS: A concussion is a brain injury. All concussions are serious. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness. Concussions can occur in any sport.

Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? Concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull. This sudden movement of the brain can cause stretching and tearing of brain cells, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION? To help spot a concussion, you should watch for and ask others to report the following two things: 1. A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. 2. Any concussion signs or symptoms, such as a change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Signs and symptoms of concussion generally show up soon after the injury. But the full effect of the injury may not be noticeable at first. For example, in the first few minutes the athlete might be slightly confused or appear a little bit dazed, but an hour later he or she can’t recall coming to the practice or game. You should repeatedly check for signs of concussion and also tell parents what to watch out for at home. Any worsening of concussion signs or symptoms indicates a medical emergency.

Dehydration and youth sports: Curb the risk

If you're sweltering in the stands at a youth sporting event, imagine what it's like for the athletes. Learn who's at risk of dehydration — and how to prevent it.

By Mayo Clinic staff Children don't adapt as well as adults do to exercise in hot, humid weather. They produce more heat, sweat less and may be less likely to drink enough fluids during exercise — all of which increase the risk of dehydration. In turn, dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. But you don't need to worry from the sidelines. Understand how heat-related problems happen and know how to prevent them.

Who's at risk Any child who exercises in the heat may be at risk of dehydration. The concern is often greatest for young athletes who participate in football, soccer, cross-country and other sports that start in late summer. Your child may be particularly vulnerable to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses during summer workouts if he or she:

 Rarely exercises  Is overweight or obese  Has had a recent illness that caused vomiting or diarrhea  Has had a previous heat-related illness

Football players face special risks in the heat when exercising hard while wearing full protective gear.

Acclimating to the heat Heat-related problems are most likely within the first few days of practice. That's why it's best to take it easy at first, gradually increasing the amount of activity — and the amount of protective equipment — as the days pass. Young athletes may need up to two weeks to safely acclimate to the heat. During hot and humid conditions, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages coaches to:

 Reduce the intensity of physical activity lasting more than 15 minutes  Require young athletes to drink plenty of fluids before practice and during regular beverage breaks — even if they aren't thirsty  Limit clothing to a single layer of light-colored, lightweight material

Know when to slow down — or call it quits Sometimes it's simply too hot and muggy to go full throttle on the field. To determine when heat and humidity make strenuous exercise risky for young athletes, your child's coach may monitor the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) — the standard index of temperature and humidity combined. If the WBGT is too high, outdoor athletic activities may need to be limited or canceled.

Spotting dehydration and other heat-related problemsEven mild dehydration can affect your child's athletic performance and make him or her lethargic and irritable. Left untreated, dehydration increases the risk of other heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Encourage your child to pay attention to early signs and symptoms of dehydration, including:

 Dry or sticky mouth  Thirst  Headache  Dizziness  Cramps  Excessive fatigue

Remind your child that he or she is responsible for reporting these signs and symptoms to the coach right away. Don't let embarrassment keep your child on the field. If dehydration is detected early, fluids and rest may be all that's needed. If your child seems confused or loses consciousness, seek emergency care.

Prevention is key If your child plays sports in hot weather, encourage him or her to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after practices and games. Teach your child the signs and symptoms of dehydration, as well as the importance of speaking up if they occur. Involve your child's coach, too. Talk to the coach about adjusting the intensity of practice depending on the temperature and humidity on the field — and support the coach's decision to cancel games and practices when it's dangerously hot outside.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/SM00037

HELMET FITTING INSTRUCTIONS

http://usafootball.com/sites/default/files/Helmet%20Fitting.pdf

TEAM ADMINISTRATION

Team Administration can be broken down into several different aspects, from communication, to putting together a team practice plan to interacting with the parents and fans. In this section, we will focus on three (3) aspects of team administration: 1. Communication – team and parents 2. Organization 3. Assembling a coaching staff

Communication: Your ability to communicate effectively with your players, coaches, parents, officials and fans will go a long way into determining your success as a coach. It was once said, that the style and tone of your communications are messages in and of themselves. Effective communication has many forms, both verbal and non-verbal. In this section we will focus our communication skills with our players, our coaches and our parents.

Communication with your team: Perspective/Expectation: . As a coach, make sure you have the correct perspective on the game. These are young kids. For many of them, this will be their first experience with football. Remember, your goal should be that each one of your kids has a positive football experience and that they can’t wait to come back the following season. . Set the tone from day one. Have a team meeting to go over goals and objectives, as well as your expectations for your communication with them (when the coach talks, all eyes on him) and their communication with you (respect, yes sir, no sir). . Be Positive, encourage and be honest. Tell them what they did well, encourage them to continue to try and help to correct their performance at each phase of the drill, play etc in a positive manner. Speak to them on their level. If you are one on one with a player, take a knee and speak to them at eye level. It will be the little things that make the biggest difference.

Three (3) “C’s”of Effective Communication: . Clear – Organize your thoughts and understand your subject as completely as possible. Do not beat around the bush trying to make a point. In fact, the simpler, the better. . Concise - Don’t feel that you have to belabor a point in order to get it across. Many times you can say more with using fewer words. . Consistent – be consistent in your approach. If you are all over the board in your communication, your kids will have no idea what direction you want them to follow.

Non Verbal Communication: Just as important as the words we use are the actions that you portray. Non verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Your body language can speak louder than words to a player on your team. A pat on the back, a quick high five or a fist bump can speak volumes just as much as a stern look.

Communication with the Parents: A coach can really set the tone for the season with his interaction with the parents. A positive interaction with the parents will go a long way into making for a positive experience for you, your team and the league. As it is with any relationship, it will be important to set the tone early and to communicate with the parents often. Here are a couple of key points to put into practice.

Team Parent: The most important role as a coach is learning to delegate to others to help out when and where appropriate. The role of a team parent(s) will be critical to the flow and direction of the team. A team parent will be key, especially during the first three weeks of the season in helping with any fund raising that may take place, with the distribution of the uniforms, picture day and any other administrative tasks that need to be accomplished. Ask for a parent to volunteer to help you out as soon as you have your team assembled. It will go a long way towards making your life easier.

Communicating soon and often: Once your season begins, set up a parent meeting at your first practice. This should take about 10 mins and will allow you to set the tone for the season as well as your expectations. Attached is a copy of an outline for what a parent meeting might look like.

Parent Meeting Outline: . Introduce yourself, coaching staff and background . Explain goals of the team . Cover methods of communication (emails, etc.) as well as when communication should take place (outside of practice, 24 hours after a game, etc.) . Discuss conduct of players and coaches . Discuss conduct of parents . Review practice schedule and practice expectations . Cover any house -keeping items (equipment, uniforms, picture day) . Introduce Team parent . Discuss ways Parents can help with the team . Provide time for Q and A

Organization: Whether this is your first season of coaching or your 10th, you will find the more organized you are the better your experience will be. Many of the successful coaches in this league are masters of organization. Parents will be spending a ton of their time in bringing their kids to practice and to games. If they see someone that is unorganized their assumptions will be that either you don’t care about what you are doing or that you are in over your head. In this area, perception is reality.

Organizational Ideas: . Be to practice early – allow yourself plenty of time to set up the field for drills, stations and have all equipment lined out. Ask parents for their help in setting up the field, which is a great way to get them involved. . Print out your practice plan – have a copy of the practice plan and exactly what you will do and how much time each drill/station will take. Make sure to give a copy of your practice plan to each coach and ensure that they have a complete understanding of how you want each drill done. . Extra Equipment and Accessories: Have extra mouthpieces, helmet pads; chin straps and helmet clips (where applicable). Keep an extra whistle in your bag as well as your first aid kit and a copy of the rules. Bring these materials with you to all practices and games. You will be thankful you did. . Weekly update: Once a week, send out a note to the parents to let them know how things are going within the season. Make sure to keep things positive and up-beat. Don’t over communicate as many of the parents can get buried in e-mails. You want your messages to be timely and relevant. Your weekly update should include the upcoming practice schedule and game schedule as well as any other important info you wish to relay.

Assembling a Coaching Staff: Coaching is one of the greatest experiences that you can be involved with in your son’s life. But, you can’t do it all alone and for the sake of your sanity, it will be important to enlist the help of others. As a head coach, the coaching staff that you put together will be your responsibility as you will be held accountable for their actions during practice and during games. It is important that you enlist assistant coaches that understand your goals and expectations and who can work together and bring unique strengths to your staff. Avoid the trap of coaches who only mirror the strengths you bring to the team. The coaches on your staff must all take a similar approach to coaching, interaction with the players and parents and interactions with one another. You should meet with your coaching staff on a regular basis (before or after practice) to discuss what’s working, what’s not and how you will all work to get better.

ADDITIONAL DRILLS BEYOND PRACTICE PLAN

Quarterback and Receiver Drills: . Long Toss---start quarterbacks 10 yards apart and have them throw 3 throws from each spot going back to 30 yards apart . Knee Drill---opposite knee down on the ground with ball on the ground. Bring the ball up above the ear with point of ball straight back, hold it and throw snapping the hand down to the opposite pinkie toe.

Coaching points: point of ball should be straight back, bent back, follow through down to opposite pinky toe

. Feet parallel---stand with feet shoulder width apart. Start ball out in front and bring it up like knee drill but don’t pause at the top. Snapping off the throw should have QB fall forward

Coaching points: point of ball straight back, non shoulder to target, throwing hand to opposite hip, should be falling forward when finished

. Bounce to throw---QB starts opposite his set up with feet slightly chopping. When receiver claps first time the QB gets in to the throwing position and on the second clap, the QB should step and throw. Feet should never stop with the chopping.

Coaching points: shoulder should be to target, point of ball straight back, follow through, and natural stride. DON’T OVERSTRIDE WHEN STEPPING

. Mini drop---start with ball in throwing pocket and take a mini three step drop. Shoulder to target, two hands on the ball, step and throw. Snap off the ball. . Roll out---QB should start under center with a receiver five yards downfield in the flat. QB should mock the snap get ball to stomach, fake a handoff and roll out throwing the man in the flat. On rollout, QB should get chin to opposite shoulder and continue downhill at the target while snapping off the throw. The QB should be throwing off his opposite foot and continuing at the receiver even after he has thrown the ball. Do Not Allow the QB to stop and throw.

Coaching points: non-throwing shoulder should be to target, following through on delivery and run through target (wr)

. Ball Drills---each WR has a ball about 10 seconds each: . around the back . around each leg . figure eight . robber drill

Focus the Wide Receivers on eye contact with the ball and getting use to the feel of the ball.

. Catching drills---every catch tuck the ball away . WR on back on the ground and thrower above (clock drill) . Throw 3-5 throws over the head, out to the right, under the belt out to the left and right at the person . Hands out in front, shoulders off the ground, under the belt pinkies together, above the waist first fingers together forming a triangle, right at you same as above the waist . stand up 5 yards apart and do the same thing as on ground . one handed catch---one line to the right/left of you. The wide receivers will run out from you throw the ball at different trajectories making each wide receiver catch it with one hand . then make them catch it in the bucket with hands and elbows together . Mirror dodge/score drill . Michigan drill

Running Backs: *Backs must be physical and fearless. *Ball security is the number one responsibility and priority. *Must run with a forward lean (chin over toes). *Feet should never stop. *Yards after contact is a must. *Run through arm tackles, make people miss, and finish runs. *Backs must be able to pass block, run block, run routes, and catch the ball.

Run Blocking (Drive): *Dip: lower hips, bend knees, flat back, head up, feet never stop *Cock: 1st step 4” power step, arms & fists cocked simult. w/1st step. *Tuck: accelerate through defender, 4” 2nd step. *Punch: punch occurs simult. w/2nd step, hit w/triangle, thumbs up. *Speed feet: feet kept wide, short choppy steps.

Fit/Punch: This drill only involves the hands. Partner up the backs and have the back already in the dip, cock, tuck position. On command, the back will punch using proper technique. It should be a short, powerful punch. Fit/Explode: This drill involves the hands and feet. Partner up the backs and have the back already in the dip position. On command, the back will go through the cock, tuck and punch phase of blocking. Again, the steps should be short and the punch powerful. Fit & Drive: Start the back in the fit position with his partner. Hands should be on partner’s chest with his facemask on partners breastplate. Knees bent, flat back. On command, the back should “duckwalk” his partner until the whistle. Finish the block. Attack Block: Separate the partners 3-5 yards apart. The back will now get in a 3 point stance and attack the defender putting it all together. Drive the defender until the whistle and always finish the block by bench pressing the defender away and stay low. Attack block w/movement: Partners are 5 yards apart. The defender will come downhill at a 45 degree angle at coach’s decision. The back will start in a 3 point stance and on command will attack the defender and react to the direction of the defender. Use same techniques and make sure to keep head in front. Tough man: Put two backs in a 3 point stance facing each other with a one yard distance between them. On command, the two backs are trying to drive the other one and gain control of the other one. Backs are fighting for inside hand position and the toughest, strongest man will win.

Pass Blocking: *Go meet the defender – don’t wait. (meet as close to LOS as possible) *Keep feet moving (buzzing) & stay low *Punch and recoil-don’t lunge or get top heavy *Always stay between the defender and the QB. *Mirror dodge with the defender

Mirror dodge: with and without hands. Partner up the backs and have one guy be the back and the other be the defender. This drill involves staying low with feet buzzing. The defender moves laterally back and forth several times. The back should be mirroring his movement and maintain proper technique. First time through the back only uses his feet (hands behind back) and second time through the back can now use his feet and hands. Pass block/fit position: Position the back next to the defender in a good fit position (knees bent, hands on defenders chest, etc) On command, the defender will attempt to get around the back using quick moves trying to get to the QB (coach). The back should keep feet buzzing and use proper technique described in the coaching points above. The back should keep the defender away from the QB for approx. 4 seconds.

Pass block/normal alignment: Position the back in a normal alignment (5 yds away from LOS). This time the back will have to attack the defender and try to meet him as close to LOS as possible and pass pro for approx. 4 seconds. Have the defender wait one second before rushing the QB (coach). Blitz reads: Have two defenders this time (DE and LB). The back now must attack defenders inside out. The back will attack LOS focusing on LB. If LB does not come, the back will shuffle outside to pass pro DE. The coach should mix it up as to who he blitzes. If DE comes, then must wait one second.

RB drills/footwork: Ball Security: Have backs get in lines of 3 and spread out. All backs need a football. Backs should have 4 points of pressure on the football at all times. (bicep, ribcage, forearm, and eagle claw) Squeeze the football and don’t swing it when you run. The phrase for holding the football is “high and tight.” The point of the football should be up near neck. On command, the coach will have backs chop feet while holding the football properly. Do this holding the ball in both hands. After a couple times, now have the backs switch the ball back and forth. Backs switch the ball over the top and the ball should never leave contact with the body.

Line drills: This is a series of moves the backs will make that should be used to help avoid/run through defenders. Keep the backs in there lines of 3. You will need 15 yds and cones set up every 5 yds. The backs will perform the moves every 5 yds. The six moves are placing hand down, spinning with hand down, hit and spin standing up, lift drill, studder step, and power cuts. See diagram below

Handoff Drill: This drill teaches/reinforces the backs the proper way to take a handoff. When taking a handoff, the inside arm is up at the clavicle and the other arm is at the naval. Backs should have eyes forward looking at the defense and don’t reach for the ball. The QB will place the ball in the large pocket. See diagram below

Cones/Bag Drill: This is a footwork drill in which the backs can improve quickness and footwork. Put out 5 or 6 cones or bags evenly spaced. The backs (with football in hand and holding it properly), will go through a series of footwork drills. Ex: high knees with one foot in each hole, high knees with two feet in each hole, slide/jump cut in between each hole, fast feet between each hole, lateral shuffle, etc. You can also put a defender at the end of the cones/bags and have the backs work on lift or spin. See diagram below

Rope Maze: This is another footwork drill that can improve quickness and footwork. The backs (with football in hand and holding it properly), will go through a series of footwork drills. Ex: every hole, every other hole, crossover, diagonal hop, shuffle, lateral plant, etc.

Combo Drill: This is a footwork drill that incorporates lateral cone hops (quick feet), jump cut, and sprint cut. The back will do lateral cone hops keeping shoulders square, then will sprint to the middle of the bag and jump cut, then accelerate to full speed towards cone, and finally sprint cut when the back reaches the cone. See diagram below

Figure 8: This is a footwork drill that involves quick feet, changing direction, acceleration, and ball handling. Set up 4 cones evenly spaced in about a 5 yd area. The back will run a figure 8 and switch the ball halfway through the drill. Set up 2 stations of this and have two backs race against each other. This drill will show which back has the best feet. Do this in both directions. See the diagram below

Purdue Drill: This is a footwork drill that involves quick feet, changing direction, acceleration, and ball handling. Set up 4 cones evenly spaced in about a 5 yd area. The back will 1.shuffle, touch the top of each cone and switch ball, 2. shuffle back and touch the top of each cone, 3. sprint, square cut around cone, switch ball, 4. spin with hand down around cone, 5. sprint, square cut around cone and score. Backs should do this in both directions. See diagram below

Blaster: This drill teaches the backs how to run through arm tackles, keep pad level down, head up, bull neck, ball security (cover with two hands) and accelerate through defenders. The blaster is a piece of equipment that is on the practice field. The backs start from a distance of approximately 5 yds away with a ball in their hands. The coach stands on the opposite side of the blaster facing the backs. When the backs come through the blaster using the proper technique, the coach should step to one side or the other. The back will cut opposite from the direction that the coach steps. See diagram below.

Blast Drill: This drill teaches the backs how to run through arm tackles, keep pad level down, head up, bull neck, ball security (cover with two hands) and accelerate through defenders. You will need two bag holders and a line of backs with footballs in their hands. The backs are 5 yds from the two bag holders (which are standing shoulder to shoulder holding their bags). The bag holders are trying to prevent the ball carrier from splitting them. The back, using proper technique, will try to split the two defenders. If he is unable to split them, he will spin tightly and quickly to the side of least resistance and then accelerate for 5 more yards. See diagram below

Receiving Drills: Perfect Catch: The backs will start in a line behind one another. The coach will start 5-10 yds in front of them. The back will run about ¾ speed straight down the line and catch the ball from the coach using proper catching techniques (use hands, look the ball all the way in, catch and tuck it away, etc). The coach can throw a good ball the first time through, high ball next, low ball next, bad ball, etc. Just mix things up. See diagram below

Holler Ball: The backs are 10 yds away from the coach. The first back will come out and turn their back to the coach. On command, the coach will say “set” and the back starts chopping his feet, the coach says “go” and the back will quickly turn around, focus on the ball, and catch the ball using proper technique. The coach should throw the ball right after saying “go.” This drill works on reacting to the ball and making the catch. See diagram below.

Over the shoulder: The backs will be in a line right next to the coach. With backs running about ¾ speed, the coach will throw the ball over the right shoulder, then left shoulder, and then right over their head. Again, the backs will need to concentrate and focus on the ball all the way in. This teaches the backs how to look over the correct shoulder and catching the ball from different angles. See diagram below.

Top of the Route: This receiving drill, the backs will start at the top or end of the route. This allows the backs to get more repetitions at catching because the back does not have to run the entire route. Whether running flat routes, swing routes, option routes, etc, the back will start at the end of the route. The coach again will say, “set” and the back chops his feet and “go” and the back will flip their head around and finish the route while catching the ball. The back should catch the ball, tuck it away, and run north/south up the field.

Complete Route: In this drill, the back would run the entire route from his position in the backfield. Whether running flat routes, swing routes, option routes, etc, the back would run the complete route from start to finish. Again, the back should catch the ball, tuck it away, and run north/south up the field.

O-Line Drills: FIT DRILL PROGRESSION: (start with bags) 1. Fit 2. Fit and Walk 3. Fit and Drive 4. Mule a. Coaching points- Head up, Bite heart out, Hands inside (squeeze elbows), wide base (wedge steps) b. SOONER – WIDER-QUICKER

REACH BLOCK PROGRESSION (INSIDE HAND) 1. Reach and Run – Quick bucket step and run- move around cone and don’t hit w/ trail foot)

Fit to Fit Bags (Hips and Hands)

2. Double Reach Drill (High Intensity!.) a. Face mask to face mask –down the line on the whistle 3. Backside – a. Cut (reach) b. Back Block (reach) c. Flipper – reach (veer/base Tuff)

DOUBLE TEAM 1. Fit –n- drive (Walk) a. hands and hips b. Fire to fit i. Emphasize 4 hands on DLineman-MOVEMENT BEFORE COMBO OFF! ii. Fire to flipper –reach down- outside man flipper- man to 2nd level c. Full speed Double team

H.I. TEAM BLOCKING/TACKLING DRILLS 3 to Make 10

X BALL C X CARRIE R X

Make a 10 yard box -you will have 3 OL and 3 DL the coach will give run direction and snap count from behind DL so they can’t see it – the offense has 3 downs to make 10 yards. Make it game like, should be full speed – use whistle to stop drill mark the ball and go to for 3 plays. All –one on one blocking. You can do this with all positions

4 on 4 Blocking drill

coach X

X BALL

CARRIE X R

This drill is to work on Reach Block again set up looks like 3 to make 10 but now 4 on 4. coach will give direction and snap count. The runner picks up ball and must run down the sideline –sweep like play keep cones wide so you have some room (diagram above is too tight) – we go 3 downs per group and don’t move the ball like we do on 3 to make 10. Aim for the outside number and run!!!

ADDITIONAL DRILLS 1. Tackling for O-Line a. 1 man sled (great for hip roll and leg drive) b. Angle tackle c. Oklahoma/score (get off the ground fast and speed feet High Intensity) d. Triple Butt (utilize tires good contact and leg drive) 2. Team period (emphasize blocking) a. Reach drill (toss play) i. Get hat on hat and block full offense vs. defense working on Reach technique only – set your defense look up and run reach right and left out of the formations you want ii. Don’t go long 5 min! start a period with this for tempo 3. 11 on 11 pass a. 7 on 7 but full line and full defense. b. All passing game good for QB’s and everyone to work just passing game with a full defense. Control what you want to see –I.e. blitz, coverage c. Again 7 min period and move on d. Good time for offense to run TRAP and DRAW(defense usually running up field and get good success) 4. Conditioning – Team a. Team 40’s 3 groups – give time to meet 21 sec. give them some rest time but it should be while the other groups are running – we don’t do a lot b. Perfect plays (5 yards then run 35) i. Up to 3 groups running plays – one after the other ii. Emphasize long count

c. Sideline to hash –Team (Big guys, Backers, WR.. split them up by position) d. Sideline to 2nd hash e. Cross fields f. Gassers (across field and back) *Make conditioning count – compete, set a time, give them a number and keep it short – we stop conditioning weekly 2 DAYS before games because we want fresh legs on game day.

DB Fundamentals & Drills: *In the secondary, things are always tough. Therefore, we want “tough guys” playing these positions.

*DB’s have to be able to tackle, play the man in their zone, and play the ball.

*Everyday in practice should include footwork, tackling, & ball/reaction drills.

*Our theme as DB’s is “Read, React, and Attack!” React to what you read and then go attack, don’t guess.

Stance: We want a narrow base, toe to instep relationship. Corners with outside foot up & foot slightly pointed in (pigeon toed). Safeties can play with a more parallel stance and ripper play with inside foot up in cover 3. All DB’s should have a bend in their knees (comfortable athletic position) with hands in a relaxed position hanging in front.

Footwork: DB’s must be able to backpedal, break on a ball, turn & run. Retreat drill: This drill allows you to teach the fundamentals of backpedaling. 1st make sure they are in the proper stance. Push off of the front foot to begin the retreat. DB should –keep their feet under them and close to the ground at all times in order to react quickly out of the retreat. –stay low the entire retreat. –keep your chin over your toes and hammer your arms. Retreat for 10 yards and focus on proper technique and smoothness, rather than on speed.

Shuffle drill: This drill works on feet, reaction, and attacking. The DB’s will break on 4 different routes- hitch, out, post/flag, & vertical. Have the first 3 or 4 db’s step out 5 yds. They will 1st all get in the proper stance. The coach will then have them backpedal until he breaks them on whatever route is determined. Don’t throw a ball. You will get more reps. Mix up the distance you have them backpedal between 5-12 yards. You don’t have to do all of the routes each time you do this drill. Hitch-plant and break straight downhill to the coach, Out-plant w/outside foot and break downhill at 45 degrees towards the LOS, post/flag-pop the hips & throw the elbow (the elbow on the side you are breaking to) and break backward at 45 degrees-explode for three hard steps, vertical-pop the hips & throw the elbow and attack directly behind you in a straight line and attack for 3 hard steps.

2 Turn: This drill works on hips, feet, not drifting out of your zone, turning and running or planting and breaking downhill. Try to do this drill on lines to ensure the db is not drifting during the drill. Get 2 or 3 db’s out first. The coach will start them in a backpedal for 5-10 yds. The coach will then point them in a direction to pop their hips. The db will use a crossover step to do this and continue looking back at the coach. The coach will then point them in the other direction to pop their hips so the db will now be facing the opposite direction. The db should still be on that line and always have their eyes on the coach. Finally the coach will either have them plant and break downhill or pop his head and body all the way around and explode for 3 hard steps.

3 Touch: This drill works on good backpedaling and breaking on the ball. Have a line of db’s with the 1st guy out. He will backpedal for 5 yds and then break downhill at 45 degrees to the next cone, and then do the same again on the next two cones. The next guy in line should go after the db in front of him breaks at 45 degrees for the 1st time. Each db should be saying “pass” on the backpedal and “ball” on the break. This just emphasizes the importance of communication. Each db goes twice, there and back. The next time each db will now pop their hips and run (instead of backpedal) for 5 yds and then plant and break. This works on the crossover

running that a db needs to do when his cushion is broken by the receiver. Again, go there and back. The db’s should -keep their feet under them at all times, -plant on their outside foot on the break, -explode downhill, and -use arms.

Ball/Reaction Drills: Now a ball will be used so the db can still work on footwork, reacting, breaking on a ball, and now finishing the drill with a “bingo.”

Hard Ball: There will be a line of db’s in front of the coach about 10-15 yds away. 1st db will start in a good stance and the coach will start him backpedaling. The coach will then have the db break straight downhill towards him and the coach will throw the ball. Next time, coach will have the db do the same thing but this time break downhill 45 degrees pushing off of their outside foot. Do this on both sides. Next time the coach will have the player backpedal and then pop his hips and attack the ball at 45 degrees back. Do this on both sides. The db -should always attack the ball at its highest point, -look the ball all the way in, and -explode towards the end zone after they catch it yelling “bingo” to let everyone know to block for them.

Weave drill: This drill works on hips, covering your zone, & crossover step. The first db’s out (usually 3 of them) will begin with a good stance. The coach will then send them in a short backpedal. The coach will push the ball in the direction that he wants the group to open to. The group will pop their hips open at 45 degrees with a crossover step covering ground. The coach will turn the same group two more times and then throw a ball in which the db is to break on the ball attacking it at its highest point and yell “bingo” after the pick. Go through this part of the drill twice for all groups. Then, the third time through you will have the dbs use a centerfield turn on the third turn. This is the quickest way to recover back across your zone. Make sure the db -throws the elbow in the direction he wants to open, -keep eyes on the qb the whole time, and -cover the field in depth and width.

Range drill: This is good for cover 2 safeties but is also good for cover 4 corners. This drill teaches how to play two guys in your zone and to stay deeper than the deepest in your zone. This drill is set up with 3 lines of dbs and the coach is the qb. The middle line of db’s are the ones working this technique and the outside lines are the receivers. One db from the middle line comes out and starts in a good stance about 5-7 yds from the coach. The receivers run vertical routes and the coach will throw to one of the two receivers as the db must react and make a play on the ball. The db must backpedal maintaining his cushion. Once one receiver breaks his cushion, the db should pop his hips and open to him (get out of your backpedal and run). Keep your eyes on the qb and stay in the middle of the two receivers. If you drift to one side, the qb will have an open throw to the other receiver. Read the qb and react and make a play on the ball. If you have opened to one receiver and the qb opens and throws to the other receiver, use the centerfield turn.

Beat Deep: This drill works on turning the hips and catching up to a man that has beat you. Pair up the dbs with one being on offense and one on defense. They will switch the next time through. The defensive man is put in a situation that he will get beat quickly because both players are on the LOS facing each other heel to heel. The offense runs a vertical route and the db must turn his hips towards the offense and sprint to catch up. The db should never look back until he is close enough to get into his hip pocket. You must catch up to the man before you ever worry about the ball. Once close enough, attack the receiver’s hands when the receiver puts out their hands and try to get a knock down. Try to punch the ball loose or strip down on the ball.

Tackling: DB’s should tackle everyday. They must be physical and be BIG HITTERS!! The terms we use are DIP (sink your hips), COCK (bring arms back), TUCK (roll hips), PUNCH (shoot the hands), and SPEED FEET

Form Tackle: This is a good drill to work on the fundamentals of tackling. You will work 3 different angles: straight at the defense, 45 degrees to the right and then to the left. This is a ½ speed drill to really work on the proper tackling technique and everyone stays up, no one goes to the ground. The proper technique for the db is

–hit chest to chest, -hit on the rise, -slide head to the ball, -use arms to club and wrap up the man, -hands should grab jersey, -keep feet moving on contact.

Sideline Tackle: This drill works on closing the gap between you and the ball carrier, using an inside out angle forcing the ball carrier to run laterally, and not allowing cutback. Start with the ball carrier and db facing each other from 10 yds. The ball carrier will start running straight at the db with the db closing the gap between him and the ball carrier. He will do this by staying low and buzzing feet under control. When they reach the cone that was set at 5 yds, the ball carrier can choose to cut right or left towards the cones that were placed there. The db -must react to his cut, -stay on the back hip so not to allow cutback, and -explode through the ball carrier. Next time through have the ball carrier cut the other direction. This drill can be run at ¾ speed

Open Field: This drill is an intense tackling drill that teaches the db to attack the ball carrier (don’t wait), take a side away from the ball carrier (pursuit or sideline), and realize that we are the last line of defense. Make a 10 by 10 box using cones on the goal line with the db and the ball carrier lying on their backs with the top of the helmets facing each other. On the “hit” command both guys pop up with the ball carrier trying to score past the goal line and the db trying to stop him. The db should –attack the ball carrier, -take a side away, and –make the play. The offense can make any move he wants in between the cones.

Getting off Blocks: DB’s must be able to get off of blocks to make tackles. They must attack the blocker and get the blocker off balance before making the play.

Mirror Dodge: This drill is good because it is a good offensive drill at the same time it is a good defensive drill. It teaches the db’s how to get inside hand position, punch the receiver to get them off balance, and then separate and shed by dip and rip or being more physical. It is good to use actual receivers to go against. Put two cones 5 yds apart and a third cone 5 yds behind right between the other two. The db will start on the third cone and the receiver will start in between the two cones. On the “hit” command, the db is trying to get past the two cones by using the techniques mentioned above and the receiver is trying to prevent that using his techniques. After the db has past the 2 cones he will then jog around back to his cone and they will go more times before they are finished. It is a good competitive, physical drill that works both sides of the ball.

Michigan drill: This drill is very similar to mirror dodge except now it is more game like because there is a ball carrier. Set up 4 cones in a box 10 yds wide and 5 yds deep. The db is aligned 5 yds off of the receiver and will take two backpedal steps before attacking the receiver. On the “hit” command, a coach will toss the ball to a back running an outside run towards the 4 cones. The receiver will attempt to stalk block the db. The db should again attack the receiver (after his 2 backpedal steps), get inside hand position, punch the receiver, separate and shed, and now finish the drill by fitting up on the ball carrier and speeding his feet. This again should be a highly competitive and physical drill.

Jams: If you are going to play cover 2, you must work with corners on getting their hands on the receivers and re-routing them.

Shotgun jams: This drill works on moving the feet and jamming the receiver. Line up 4 receivers in a vertical line. They can run any release (inside or outside) staying in the 10 by 10 box. The coach will send each receiver on his command, giving the db time to get ready for the next receiver. All 4 receivers will go before rotating in a new db. –The feet are the most important. They should always be moving. –Jam with both hands (thumbs up), -don’t overextend or lunge on a jam (short, quick punches), -keep feet under you at all times and don’t get too wide of a base, -keep shoulder square to the LOS, -stay under control. We just want to disrupt the receiver’s route and are not trying to knock down the receiver.

Run Rotations/Pass Drops: As a DB, before the snap on every play, you need to know if you are a run player or a pass player. If you are a run player, come up now on run. If you are a pass player, you must stay back until the ball crosses the LOS.

*Run rotations: In cover 2, 3, or 4 we will always have to 2 run players and 2 pass players. In cover 2- corners are run players and safeties are pass players. In cover 3-ripper and weak side corner are run players and strong side corner and free safety are pass players. In cover 4-safeties are run players and corners are pass players. The terms that we use for run at you is primary (aim 1 and 1 off OLB), contain (check #1 for HB pass, then turn ball carrier inside), force (work inside out to play ball carrier when he is forced to cutback), and backside (last line of defense). *Pass Drops: Cover 3 pass drops are corners and free safety are responsible for 1/3 of the field each. They should stay deeper than the deepest in their zone. Ripper has curl to flat. Cover 2 pass drops are that the safeties are responsible for ½ of the field each. They should stay deeper than the deepest in their half of the field. Corners Funnel/Jam #1 and read #2. They do this from 5 yds depth and are responsible for the flats. Cover 4 pass drops are that the corners have ½ of the field each and should stay deeper than the deepest in their zone. Safeties are responsible for the seam 1st, curl 2nd, and flat 3rd.

Combo Routes: You can do this 2 receivers against 1 DB or 2 on 2. Either way it is combination routes run by 2 receivers forcing the db’s to understand responsibilities for the different route combinations. Examples would be 2 verticals, slant-flat, wheel, smash route, etc. The coach would say the coverage to be in and the db’s would have to communicate the different route combo’s and be in the correct position to stop the play. As a coach, you can work this drill with no ball first just to get more reps. The key is understanding what coverage you are in and communicating the combo route to one another. This is a great game like drill.

Pre-Practice Drills: The pre-practice is a 10-minute period each day for warm up and to begin practice. I use two different pre-practice plans to keep things a little different each day. I alternate these plans every other day.

Day 1: Agilities (high knees, heel kicks, shuffle, and fast feet) Dirt drills (shuffle and ¼ eagles) Scoop and Score (coach rolls the ball on the ground and the player will scoop up the ball off to the side and go score). Convert turnovers into TD’s Hard Ball (break straight up)

Day 2: Agilities (high knees, heel kicks, shuffle, and fast feet) Dirt Drills (Seat rolls and belly slams) Strip Drill (DB’s need a partner and a ball. Offensive guy carries the ball loosely in outside arm and runs ½ speed. DB comes from behind and either punches the ball out or violently rips the ball out of the arm of the offense coming over the top) Hard Ball (break downhill at 45 degrees on both sides)