BAFCA DrillBook

Hand Off Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To give players fast reps of receiving and generally handling a hand off.

People:

1) Control the tempo of the drill, slower is better. 2) Secure the ball with two hands, and roll the shoulders over as to be prepared for contact.

3) Ensure at all times EYES UP!Coaching Points:

Players make two lines facing each other, behind 2 cones, roughly 8 yards apart. P1 starts with the ball, and jogs towards the other line of players. If initially handing off to the right, the player presents the ball to P2 with his right hand and looks to push the ball into the stomach of P2 as a QB would to a RB. P2 takes the ball in the stomach, rolling his shoulders over on contact and securing the ball with both hands. P2 then jogs back toward the other line to repeat the drill.

Variations:

1) Swap side which you hand off the ball to.

P P P1 P2 P P

Self Review:Objective achieved?

What went well?

What went less well?

Action points:

Box Cut Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To give players fast reps of catching and making 90 degree cuts.

People:

1) Fast, accelerated feet on each cut, making clean 90 degree break.

2) Catch away from the body 3) Tuck ball away securely before releasingCoaching Points:

Four players align on the corners of the grid which is roughly 10 yards square. They step back so they don’t get in the way of the player running the drill.

On the QB’s cadence one of the player starts “running the box”, as he reaches half way between two cones the QB throws him a ball, the player catches the ball, tucks it away securely, but then drops it. By now he should have reached the first cone, where he accelerates his feet, breaks down and cuts 90 degrees toward the next cone. He works all around the grid, catching a ball at each mid point before finishing the drill at the cone he started at.

Each player on a cone who wasn’t in the drill helps get the balls back to the QB and the Coach who feeds the QB a ball for each throw (to save the QB trying to juggle 4 balls).

P

P

P

P

QC

1


What went well?


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Slalom Catch Drill Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To give players fast reps of catching and making tighter angled cuts.

People:

1) Fast, accelerated feet on each cut, making clean break.

2)Catch away from the body. 3)Tuck ball away securely before releasing.Coaching Points:

First player aligns on the first cone, aiming at the next in the slalom, on Q1’s cadence he aims at the first cone and when half way Q1 throws a ball. He must catch the ball, securely tuck and then drop the ball. On reaching the first cone, he accelerates his feet, and cuts towards the second cone. When he reaches half way Q2 throws a ball. This is repeated with each QB throwing alternating balls until he reaches the end. To ensure better quality of throws have the QB’s “back up” along the course as they go, so they throw shorter (and thus faster) passes.

Extra players and coaches MUST help cycle the balls back to the Qbs as fast as possible to get maximum reps.

X Q1

Q2


What went well?


Action points:

Ladder Recovery Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To increase foot speed and agility as well as increase ball security

People:

1) Eyes up when performing the agility portion of the drill

2) Secure ball firmly with both hands, shielding it as much as possible

3) Low shoulders, but EYES UP, when running through contact.

Coaching Points:

Player starts by facing an agility ladder on the floor, on Coaches cadence the player starts by running to the first square of the ladder, puts both feet in, then both back out (2 in 2 out), and repeats along the ladder. When he reaches the end, there is a ball on the floor, he must pick up the ball, securely tuck it with both hands, and then run through a tunnel of players who all try to attack and strip the ball.

P

P

P

P

P

P

X


What went well?


Action points:

Traffic Catch Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:To give players fast reps of catching in traffic

and having to adjust quickly to the ball on sight. Also develop good footwork and

agility.

People:

1) Good foot lift during form running.. 2) Focus on “training the eyes”, making sure WR is “looking the ball in”.

3) WR to secure the ball firmly after catch,

as if he was in traffic.

Coaching Points:

Players align on the first cone, facing a line of step over bags, the QB faces them side on. Between the QB and the bags needs to be 3 or 4 (or any number the coach wants) “physical barriers”, which can either be players standing still, or “free kick mannaquins”, to help block the vision of QB and WR.

On the QB’s cadence the first player runs through the bags, with correct form running. The WR always has his head turned towards the QB with hands presented to rceive a pass. The QB at his discretion throws the ball to the WR, trying to make it as easy or hard as he wants.

Variations:

1) More or less barriers, or tighter/wider alignments to make vision and “windows” smaller or larger.

P P P

= Step over bag

QB


What went well?


Action points:

Veer Get Off Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To get fast reps of correct slanting and Veer release, with drive block.

People:

1) Correct footwork, 1 power step then dip and rip, player to TOUCH GRASS

2) Low Shoulder/pads 3) Accelerate to the drive block and finish strong!

Coaching Points:

Player 1 aligns heads up from player 2 who is holding a blocking shield. On the Coaches cadence player one is to slant to the designated side with correct footwork. As he does so player 2 offers resistance with a blocking shield to the shoulder of P1, to ensure low shoulders and protected numbers.

Once the initial slant move is finished, P1 is to sprint through and execute a Drive Block on the bag being held by P3.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Finish on a form tackle, defeating a low block or another small area skill, rather than a block.

P1

P2

P3

= Blocking Shield


What went well?


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Combo Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To get fast reps of correct technique for Combo Blocks.

People:

1) P1 to VIOLENTLY ATTACK the DL, he must focus on driving him back.

2) P2 must have fast feet to get his butt to the gap.

3) P1 to finish fast and hard on the Drive Block, RUN to finish the drill.

Coaching Points:

P1 and P2 align against a DL lined up heads up over P2. On the Cadence (called by Coach, or P3) DL is to slant towards the gap between P1 and P2. P1 is to VIOLENTLY attach the DL, focussing on driving him back from where he came from. P2 is to execute a reach block and to secure the block. Once P1 feels the DL will no longer get into the gap, he is to get off the block and sprint through to P3 and execute a Drive Block on the bag he’s holding.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Vary the position of DL, and how hard/fast he slants.3) Finish on executing a low block.

P1P2

P3

DL

= Blocking Shield


What went well?


Action points:

DL Reaction Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To get fast reps of correct slant and reactions to various OL Blocks.

People:

1) Correct footwork, 1 power step then dip and rip, player to TOUCH GRASS

2) LOW pads. 3) Diagnose block correctly and demonstrate correct reaction.

Coaching Points:

= Blocking Shield

Player 1 aligns heads up from player 2. On the Coaches cadence which P1 DOESN’T KNOW. P1 is to slant to P3’s nearside hip. P2 is to give resistance against P1 to ensure low pads. P3 is to either Base Block AT him, Pull AWAY from him or Vertical Set for Pass. Where P1 is to react to each

1) P1 must use hands VIOLENTLY to attack the Base Block and to drive P3 back.2) P1 Is to chase the tail of 3 on Pull Away (box car him) with eyes in the backfield.3) P1 is to tranfer into pass rush moves and get vertical versus vertical pass set

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Finish on a form tackle, defeating a low block, recovering fumble, catch a pick or another small area skill run by coach or extra player aligned behind the OL3) DL to give more resistance and force

P1

P2 P3


What went well?


Action points:

War

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To encourage strength and aggression in 1 on 1 situations and to finish blocks.

People:

1) VIOLENT and fast get off. 2) Effort and aggression is everything in this drill.

3) All force must be straight line, penalties for turning, twisting or any sort of “block destruction” technique.

Coaching Points:

Player 1 aligns heads up from player 2. On the Coaches cadence which both players know, each players are to execute a Drive Block on the other trying to push them back past a predetermined line. After 4 seconds coach blows the drill dead and marks where the “new” LOS is, if it’s not past either line. Quickly another 2 players line up and the drill repeats. When one “team” pushes the opponent back over the line, that team gets 1 point, and drill starts again in the middle.

4) ALL players to circle the drill, shouting, encouraging and really getting behind their man.

P2P1


What went well?


Action points:

Gauntlet

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To get fast reps of pass rush/escape moves.

People:

1) SLOWER pace, ensure quality reps 2) Definite pause between 1, 2 and 3 to allow DL to be set in good position.

3) DL must demonstrate violent and aggressive hands even at slower “jogging” pace.

Coaching Points:

Player 1, 2 and 3 aligns in a row, roughly 5 yards between each other. On a movement key, the DL takes off and approaches P1. When he reaches him, P1 is to give a pass protection look, at which point DL is to execute a Pass Rush move. Once he passes P1, he is to squeeze in behind him, whilst facing P2 at all times. Once he’s ready (quickest time possible) he then repeats the drill against P2 and then P3.

Coach is to either dictate sides and escape moves, or allow the DL to decide as he sees fit.

DLP1P2P3


What went well?


Action points:

Cut Block Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To get fast reps of correct technique for de-feating a low block.

People:

1) Correct hand and footwork. Violent punch to shoulder with near hand, and off hand steering helmet away. Feet are to be kicked back out of the way and a lower body position maintained.

2) Eyes on Coach in the backfieldCoaching Points:

Players 2, 3, 4 and 5 are aligned on all fours, sitting back on their heels, with toes tucked under, facing forwards (facing P1). P1 aligns heads up from player 2 roughly 1.5 yards apart. On the Coaches cadence P1 is to approach P2, and when close enough P2 is to fire out and try and low block P1. P1 is to use correct technique with hands and feet and to defeat the low block. P1 then backs up, composes himself and repeats Vs 3 and 4. When P1 defeats the low block of P5 he is to accelerate through to P6 and perform a form tackle.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Finish on a recovering fumble, catch a pick or another small area skill run by coach or extra player aligned behind the OL.

P2 P3 P4 P5

P6

P1


What went well?


Action points:

Machine Gun Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:To get fast reps of correct technique for

defeating various types of block at faster pace.

People:

Players 2 aligns in 3 point stance, with P1 lined up heads up. P3 aligns roughly 6 yards back and P4 another yard behind and approximately 6 yards wide. On Coaches Cadence, P2 fires out with a low block, which P1 attacks and defeats. P1 then starts reading off the angle of P3 who is setting up for another low block roughly 5 yards wide; P1 attacks and defeats the second low block, and then accelerates to P4 and performs form tackle.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Vary the block from P3, to violent base block or reach.3) Finish on a recovering fumble, catch a pick or another small area skill run by coach or extra player aligned behind the OL.

1) Correct hand and footwork. Violent punch to shoulder with near hand, and off hand steering helmet away. Feet are to be kicked back out of the way and a lower body position maintained.

2) Eyes UP in the backfield.Coaching Points:

P2

P3P4

P1

5yd

6yd


What went well?


Action points:

Eye Openers

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:To teach correct approach and mechanics

of tackling when working between the tackles.

People:

Two lines of players line up facing a row of step over bags. Player 2 starts the drill with a ball. On the coaches cadence P2 starts running, and when he wants to cuts 90 degree into a gap between two of the bags. P1 must take a read step first, then shuffle shadowing P2. When P2 cuts into a gate P1 must step up, attack the gap and execture a form tackle.

P1 must be trailing P2 slightly to ensure that P2 can’t cut back on him, the read step should help ensure this.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Vary the speed of the drill. 3) Allow fakes from P2

1) P1 MUST work “inside out”, ensuring he’s always working to the inside hip, ensure effective read step.

2) On seeing P2 step up into a gate, P1 must ATTACK as fast, and as violently as possible, getting head across the body.

3) Ensure tackles are waist up, and drive feet on contact to push P2 back.

Coaching Points:4) P2 must make clean, crisp and obvious cuts, punish any fakes or difficult reads.

P P P2

P P P P1


What went well?


Action points:

Sideline Tackle Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To teach correct approach and mechanics of tackling when working towards a sideline.

People:

Player 2 starts the drill with a ball. On the coaches cadence P2 starts running, trying to “turn the corner” and run up the sideline. P1 must close the distance as quickly as possible on P2, working from “inside out” aiming at his inside hip to ensure P2 can’t cut back inside. P1 must perform a form tackle as best as possible, and also look to turn his hips sqaure and drive P2 directly backwards if possible.

Variations:

1) Run drill both ways2) Allow P2 to cut back whenever he has the chance, to force P1 to work “inside out”.

3) Vary the area working in, and angles each player starts from.

1) P1 MUST work “inside out”, ensuring he’s always working to the inside hip.

2) Look to makesure P1 is actually running to where P2 IS, not just aiming for a point on the sideline, knowing P2 will be there.

Coaching Points:

P1 P2 P PPP


What went well?


Action points:

Fox and Hare Drill

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:

To develop speed and effort, and desire for contact.

People:

Two lines of players line up facing a row of Step Over Bags. R are the Backs, who on the Coaches cadence receive a handoff and form run over the bags. At the same time the Backer (B) shuffles or Alleys (depends on how fast he is) over the bags infront of him. When he reaches the end R is to run through the final gate. B should have been fast enough to make contact in the gate and perform a form tackle. If the Backer makes a tackle behind the gate (across the red line) then it’s a point for the D, if the RB breaks or evades the tackle, then it’s a point for the O.

Variations:

The key is to set the drill up relative to your players, you might have to widen the two lines, move the gate closer to the Backs or Backers to ensure parity, or even allow the Backers to run over the bags also.

1) Effort and aggression is everything in this drill, players must WANT to get there.

2) Players to shout, encouraging and really getting behind their man.

Coaching Points:

B B B

R R RC

8yd


What went well?


Action points:

WR WAR!

Coach: Venue: Date:

Time: Objective:To encourage strength and aggression in 1

on 1 situations and to finish blocks.

People:

Player 1 (WR) aligns at the end of a box, roughly 8 yards wide, and 12 yards long. P2 (DB) aligns at the opposite end. On the Coaches cadence which both players know, P2 is to attack into the box, simulating a DB breaking on a run play. P1 is a stalking WR, who must meet P2 in the Box and block him. P2 gets a point if he can cross P1’s initial line, in P1 can push P2 out of ANY other line, then he get’s a point.

3) ALL players to circle the drill, shouting, encouraging and really getting behind their man.

4) The Drill ends when one scores a point, AS LONG as that takes.

Coaching Points:1) Effort and aggression is everything in this drill.

2) P2 must look to attack fast, timid “run support” will be marked down as a fail.

P1 P1


What went well?


Action points:

Documents

BAFCA DrillBook