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Football

Fundamentals



Table of Contents

Page

Basic Fundamentals of Coaching Football................................................................3

Offensive Fundamentals

Offensive Line Fundamentals....................................................................................4

Offensive Line Drills.................................................................................................4Running Back Fundamentals.....................................................................................8

Running Back Drills..................................................................................................8

Receiver Fundamentals..............................................................................................10

Receiver Drills...........................................................................................................12Quarterback Fundamentals........................................................................................14

Quarterback Drills......................................................................................................15

Defensive Fundaments

Defensive Line Fundamentals....................................................................................17

Defensive Line Drills.................................................................................................18Linebacker Fundamentals..........................................................................................20

Linebacker Drills.......................................................................................................25

Defensive Back Fundamentals...................................................................................27

Defensive Back Drills................................................................................................30Tackling Drills...........................................................................................................33



Basic Fundamentals of Coaching Football

Understand the Game - It's imperative that your team understands the basic rules andtactics of the game of football. And that has to start at the top - YOU. Any indecision or

lack of knowledge you show will put doubt in your player’s mind.

Character - If you want your players to carry themselves with a high moral code, you

need to show them the way. You must show them what a true role model is. How do youdo this?

Start by being consistent. When you say you're going to do something, be sure you

follow through with it. Be sure your team always sees you under control no matter thesituation. Show your team that any situation can be handled by staying in control of your

emotions.

That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice any of your fire or intensity. It just meanshandling all the things that come up in practice and games without flying off the handle.

If the coach can't show character, how can the players be expected to?

Character is also shown when you can admit you're wrong when you make mistakes.Your team will develop much more respect for you if you apologize when you make

mistakes rather than trying to set yourself above the standards you expect of them. It'sOK when this happens. You're human and we all make mistakes. Just don't try to cover them up or hide from them. You'll be amazed what that'll mean to your players.

Communication – stay in contact with parents and players. Be sure the players know

what is expected and parents know what is going on in your program. Keep parents

informed of practice and game times. The more parents know through your communications with them the less individual questions will arise.

Make it Fun - Being able to enjoy the process is vital to a team's success. If practice is all

drudgery and no fun, you'll lose your players quickly. Strive to strike a balance betweenserious learning and a laugh or two.

Allow for a little humor when mistakes are made. When players want to laugh and get

loose once in awhile, take it as a sign that they're having fun, not that they're beingdisrespectful. Keep practices fun and keep all players involved in the process.

Be Positive - Nothing will kill your players more than a negative attitude. A positive

attitude will keep you above the competition.

Yes, bad things will happen. Your players will make mistakes at the absolute worst times.You'll make bad calls or decisions. Above all else, keep things in a positive light and

move on. The only things you can control are you attitude and your actions. Everything

else is outside of your control, so don't get negative when those things upset you.

Make sure your experience coaching football is an over-all positive one for both you and

your players.



Offensive Fundamentals

Offensive Line Fundamentals

o Stance – 3 Point

Base – Feet shoulder width apart.

Feet – Heal to toe Stagger – toes pointed up field.

Back – Keep your back flat Back

Head – Eyes up looking at defender

Little weight on your hand

o Steps – steps will vary depending on the play called. Proper steps are crucial to

gaining the advantage on the defender.

Inside Run Plays - Short, quick steps with toes pointing up field.

Outside Run Plays – Steps need to be angled to aiming point on the

defender.

o Run Blocking

Block with your eyes, hands, and feet.

Step with foot nearest your assigned man – use quick aggressive steps

Put your eyes in the chest (or appropriate location for the play called) of

your defender.

Shoot your hands into the defender – punch him.

Once contact is made, with your eyes and hands, lock in.

Keep your feet moving up field on contact

o Pass Blocking

On the snap get out of your stance quickly.

Get your shoulders up and hands ready in front of your chest.

Contact the defender by punching him with your hands.

Control the defender with your hands.

Keep your eyes focused on the defender to see his next move.

Move your feet side to side to keep yourself in front of the defender.

Offensive Line Drills

o Stance Drill

Position Drill– the objective of this drill will ensure the lineman aregetting in the proper stance using a progression of movements.

• Position 1 – Feet shoulder width apart with a heal toe stagger,

standing upright.

• Position 2 – Bend down and put your elbows on your knees.

• Position 3 – Put your hand on the ground with light weight. Make

sure your eyes are looking straight ahead.

o To start the drill, line your men up in straight lines. All

players can do this at one time. Review each of the above positions with all players. Then go through each Position.



Call Position 1, all players should have feet should width

apart with a heal to toe stagger. Next call “Position 2” all

lineman should do the next position. Be sure to check thatthey have the correct position. Then do the same for

position 3. Once they are all in a good stance say “Relax”

they all stand up and do it again. You can also add in firingoff on the snap count and then doing the drill again.

Steps and Base – the objective of this drill is to ensure that all lineman aretaking the proper steps and keeping a base.

• Set out 5 agility bags about 1 yard apart parallel to each other.

• Have the lineman line up on the ends of each bag according to the position they play.

• 1st time through – The linemen will straddle the bag and get in a

proper stance. On the snap count the lineman will fire off taking

short aggressive steps. Also keeping their feet on each side of the

bag.• Make sure the lineman keep their pad level low. (If you have

chutes you can do these drills under chutes also.)

• 2nd time through – The linemen will put their right foot on the back

left corner of the bag. On the snap count the linemen will step

over the back edge of the bag with their right foot placing it on theright side of the bag and continue running while straddling the bag

with short aggressive steps. (This simulates blocking a defensive

lineman on the linemen’s right shoulder.)

• 3rd time through – The linemen will put their left foot on the back

right corner of the bag. On the snap count the linemen will step

over the back edge of the bag with their left foot placing it on theleft side of the bag and continue running while straddling the bag

with short aggressive steps. (This simulates blocking a defensive

lineman on the linemen’s left shoulder.)

o Variations to Steps and Base – have the lineman take just

one step and then reset. This will give you the opportunityto check to make sure the first step is in the right place.

Once you have checked them all you can have them reset

and then take two steps. Then reset and fire off on the snapcount.

Fit Drill – The objective is to teach the straight ahead base block.• Align three or four defenders in the standing defensive position

with three or four offensive linemen in front of them. Have the

lineman fit into the defensive player (eyes in the chest, handslocked into the chest just above the eyes, knees bent and feet

wide). At the snap, have the linemen explode pressing their hands

and moving their feet through the defender, driving them off the

football.



• Coaching Points - Watch for good fit and follow-through during

this offensive line drill. Make sure players' backs are flat, butts aredown and their heads are up "seeing" the defender's jersey number.

Maintain Fit - Teach lineman to hold their blocks once contact is made.

• Align three or four defenders in the standing defensive positionwith three or four offensive linemen in front of them. Have the

lineman fit into the defensive player (eyes in the chest, hands

locked into the chest just above the eyes, knees bent and feetwide). At the snap, have the linemen explode pressing their hands

and moving their feet through the defender, driving them off the

football. Next, the coach signals the defender to move left or right,forcing the lineman to hold his block during the movement. The

lineman must stay locked on the defender until the coach signals

the end of the drill.

• Coaching Points - Emphasize the proper fit position and to keep

the lineman’s feet moving with the defender. Make sure thelineman is continually trying to drive the defender down field and

is not just hanging on.

Six-Point Sled Drill - Roll the Hips

• Offensive linemen line up on the 5 man sled for this football drill.

Get the first group of lineman positioned on all fours right up closeto the sled. At the whistle, have the players explode into the sled

with thumbs up and hips rolled. The lineman should hit their

stomachs and then get back up quickly.

• Coaching Points - Be sure your offensive lineman keep their heads

up and knees on the ground for proper hip roll.

Hip Roll Drill (from 3 point stance) - Develop the ability to roll the hipswith power.

• Offensive linemen line up on the 5 man sled for this football drill.

Get the first group of lineman positioned in a 3 point stance upclose to the sled. At the whistle, have the players explode into the

sled with thumbs up and hips rolled. Next have the lineman take

one step with right foot and do the same drill. Then the left foot.

• Coaching Points - Be sure your offensive lineman keep their headsup, sink their hips and roll forward with the correct hand

placement.

Oklahoma Drill – competition drill for the whole team.

• This is an excellent drill for your offensive linemen. Line up two

blockers and one running back against two defensive linemen anda linebacker. Have your blockers create a running lane to the left,

right or up the middle. The coach stands behind the defense

signaling which way to run the play.

• Coaching Points – can have several groups lined up ready to go.

Make sure all groups on the field are using proper technique.



•

o Picture of Oklahoma Drill

o Pass Blocking Drills

Set Drill – The objective is to teach the lineman to get out of their stancequick and get proper position.

• Have your lineman line up in 4 lines. On the snap of the ball they

must quickly get out of their stance and take a settle set. (Settle set

is dropping back about a yard and setting up in front of thedefender. You settle back to put your body in front of the defender

and see any moves he might make.• Coaching Points – watch that the lineman is getting upright quick

and keeping their knees bent. Also that their hands are at their

chest.

Mirror Drill – The objective is to teach the offensive line to move their feet to stay in front of a defender.

• Align two or three defenders in-between cones (can use anything)that are placed about 3 yards apart. Have offensive lineman line

up across from the defender. On the snap the defenders will run

side to side between the cones. The offensive line will snap up out

of their stance and “mirror” the defender. There is no contact.• Coaching Points – watch that the lineman are shuffling their feet

and not crossing them over. Also make sure that the lineman are

keeping their hands in the proper position.

• Next, on the whistle, have the defender rush the QB. The lineman

must make sure that they punch the defender, stopping his

momentum, and keep their body in front of the defender.



Running Back Fundamentals

o Stance

2 point – Feet shoulder width apart, slight bend in the knees and handsshould rest on your thigh pads.

3 point – Heal to toe Stagger – toes pointed up field, flat back and eyes uplooking at defender. Place your hand on the ground below your eyes, placing little weight on your hand. Rest your other forearm on your thigh

pad.

o Receiving a hand off

DO NOT LOOK AT THE QB! Keep your eyes focused on the locationyou are running the play. The elbow closest to the quarter back goes up

and your thumb should be pointing to the ground. Place the other hand

across the belt with your palm up. When you feel the ball touch your chest, close your hands together and take the football.

o Ball Tuck

4 point of pressure –

• Fingers on tip of the ball

• Forearm on the side of the ball

• Bicep on the back of the ball

• Chest on the side of the ball

Keep the ball high and tight to your body. The point of the ball should

split your 1st and 2nd finger.

Running Back Drills

o Strip Drill – the objective is to teach backs to protect the ball as well as stay

upright on contact.

Position two lines of players (about 5-6 men in each line) with a small

path in between. Have the running backs take handoff and then sprint into

the path between the players. The players should try and strip the back ashe moves by. As a variation, have the ball carriers hold a ball in each arm

during this running back football drill.

Coaching Points - Be sure your running backs keep a low center of gravity, shoulders down, knees up. With the 2-ball variation, your running

backs will have to concentrate even more on protection of the football asthey squeeze both into the body.

o Two-Line Bag Drill - the objective is to teach proper hand-off fundamentals.

Using six blocking bags, position them into two rows of three bags each.

Be sure the bags are one yard apart and that the two lines are about five

yards apart. Create two groups each consisting of a few running backs andone quarterback. Each group should be lined up single file behind the first

blocking bag.



Begin this running back football drill on the coach's signal. At the whistle,

each QB will handoff to the first running back in his line as the backscradle the football properly and run through the three blocking dummies.

After the backs break through the third bag in their line, the coach will

signal a direction for the backs to cut to. Have the running backs change

lines after each rep. Coaching Points - Make sure each back sets up in a correct stance and then

uses proper technique when receiving the hand-off. As they run through

the bags, be sure they lift their knees and hold onto the football securely.The cut at the end of the running back football drill should be sharp and

quick.

o Stumble Drill – Teach ball carriers how to keep their balance while falling as well

as keeping the ball secured.

Give each back a ball and have them position themselves at the 25 yard

line. At the whistle, instruct them to start running. Every 5 yards, the

running backs should place their palm to the ground as if stumbling. Asthey get up and regain balance, they should switch the ball to the other

arm. This happens every 5 yards until they reach the goal line, then repeat

the running back drill back to the 25.

Coaching Points - Make sure each running back switches the ball to the

opposite arm after each stumble. Teach proper technique for regaining

balance: bring the head up, the chest out and drive the knees forward for

power.

o Fit Drill – Teach the fundamentals of basic blocking.

Running backs form two groups. Each group lines up on a line of

scrimmage so there is a long line of "pairs" facing one another. One line of players are the running backs while the other line will be defenders. At the

coach's signal, the running backs move into the defenders and perform the

"fit" blocking position.

Fit position: Head up, butt down, flat back, and feet providing a wide base,

hands inside.

Coaching Points - Emphasize the correct fit position with each movementduring this running back drill.

o Maintain Contact - Teach backs to hold their blocks once contact is made.

Form two single file lines facing one another (one offense, one defense).

On the coach's signal, the offensive player blocks the defender using thefit position form. The coach signals the defender to move left or right,

forcing the running back to hold his block during the movement. The back

must stay locked on the defender until the coach signals the end of therunning back drill.

Coaching Points - Emphasize the proper fit position and to keep the

running back's feet moving with the defender.

o Mirror Drill – Teach proper pass blocking to running backs.

http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/running-back-drills-2.html

http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/running-back-drills-2.html



Position 2 cones on the line of scrimmage about five yards apart. Put a

running back and defender on the line facing one another. They should beapproximately two yards apart.

On coach's whistle, the defender shuffles back & forth between the cones

while the RB breaks down and "mirrors" his movements (running back

keeps chugging his legs). The coach should signal again after about 5seconds. At that point the defender tries to burst past the RB while the RB

steps up, pass blocks him and maintains contact.

Coaching Points - The running back needs to keep his knees bent duringentire running back drill for a proper low position. Be sure the RB doesn't

cross his feet during the initial shuffling "mirror" drill. Slide, step, slide,

etc.



Receiver Fundamentals

o Stance

Outside foot back (this helps us keep our shoulders square to the line of scrimmage)

“Z” in the knees – You want a slight bend in the knees so that on take off you can immediately start moving forward.

The receiver should have a slight forward lean, bending at his waist.

(Chest over knees, knees over toes.)

Hands should be out front, elbows bent, ready to run.

o Starts/Release

NO FALSE STEPS! When the receiver starts his routes all steps should

be gaining ground. If he false steps you need to change his stance so that

he eliminates that false step.

Release – there are a couple of different releases that can be utilized to get

off of the line quickly. When running an inside route be sure to releaseinside. When running an outside route release outside.

• Rip Release- take a hard step to either the inside or outside of the

defender (depending on route) and throw your arm, nearest the

defender, upward to shed the defender off of you. It is the samemove defensive lineman use. You have to continue to move down

field during the move.

• One step fake – take a hard step to the opposite side you want torelease and then step back hard to the correct side. As you come

back across use the rip move if the defender has gotten his hands

on you.

o Catching

Eyes – The receiver should follow the ball with their eyes all the way to

the tuck.

Hands – You should form a diamond with your hands. Your 1st fingers

and thumbs should touch to form a “Pocket” for the football. Be sure to

keep your eyes on the football all the way through the catch to the tuck.

We want to watch the point of the ball and grab the fat of the ball. Thismeans we want the point to fit into the diamond we formed with our hands

and then we grab the fat (middle) of the football. Immediately bring the

football to your body, and tuck it, to avoid the defender knocking it out.

o Ball Tuck

4 point of pressure –

• Fingers on tip of the ball

• Forearm on the side of the ball

• Bicep on the back of the ball

• Chest on the side of the ball

Keep the ball high and tight to your body. The point of the ball should

split your 1st and 2nd finger.



o Blocking – a very important part of being a good receiver is being able to block.

Sprint off the football just like you are running a GO route.

When the defender stops and sees that it is a run play you have to stop geta base and continue to work toward your defender under control.

When you get close enough punch the defender with your hands and lock in.

Keep your feet moving the whole time and stay locked into the defender.

As you are locked into the defender move your knees to his knees. This

will help you stay upright and not lean on the defender.

Make sure you position yourself to keep your butt to the football.

o Routes – routes will vary depending on the offensive scheme. But the

fundamentals are always the same.

Explode off the line of scrimmage. You have to always run as hard as possible, so the defensive back always believes the ball is coming to you.

When making a cut do not get on your heals. Keep your weight forwardand on the balls of your feet. Be sure that your shoulders are over your

toes, then as you get into the cut you lower your shoulders, and plant the

foot away from the direction you are going. Explode out of the cut and get

to the assigned spot.

Receiver Drills

o Tuck-It-In Drill - Teach to catch with the hands and then tuck the football in to

secure it.

For this wide receiver drill, align your receivers in a single-file line. Have

the quarterback or coach throw to the first receiver in line. The receiver

should look the pass in, catch the ball with the thumbs in, then tuck the ball away. After the catch, the receiver runs to the end of the line and the

next receiver runs their route.

Coaching Points - Be sure to throw a variety of passes (low, high, etc) so

receivers can practice catching different types of balls. Also make sure thereceiver watches the football all the way to the tuck.

o "Get the Head Around" Drill - Teach receivers to get the head around and locate

the ball quickly.

Position the wide receivers in a single file at one of the yard lines with

their backs to the quarterback. The quarterback stands about 12-15 yards behind the line of receivers. The QB passes to the first receiver in line andyells "Ball!". On that signal, the receiver turns himself around completely,

locates the football and makes the catch.

Coaching Points - Be sure your wide receivers get themselves turned all

the way around and are facing the ball during this wide receiver drill.Emphasize the need to get their hands up and in good position to make the

catch.

o Release Drill - Teach receivers to release off the line properly.



Align each receiver across from a defender. Go through different route

releases. Teach receivers how to react properly to the defender's positioning and technique.

Coaching Points - Pay close attention to each receiver's release technique.

Also make sure that no one is taking false steps.

o Cut Drill - Teach wide receivers to make their route cuts decisively and finish

each route. Helps develop hand/eye coordination.

After deciding which route to run, place a cone where the cut should be

made and position your receiver about 3-4 steps from the cone. Thereceiver starts to quickly run in place with hands pumping (as if running

the route). At the QB's signal, receiver finishes the last 3-4 steps, makes

the cut at the cone and catches the football. After the catch, the receiver should tuck the ball and head up field.

Coaching Points – Make sure the receiver is sinking their hips, keeping

their shoulders over their toes and planting their outside foot. Teach

receivers to snap their heads around quickly to better locate the ball. Besure they have their hands in proper position to make the catch cleanly.

Once they get this part of the route down, you can run the entire route out

of your offensive sets.

o Mirror Drill - Teach receivers to block defensive backs.

Position 2 cones about five yards apart. Put a receiver and defender on the

line facing one another. They should be approximately two yards apart.

On coach's whistle, the defender shuffles back & forth between the coneswhile the receiver breaks down and "mirrors" his movements. The coach

should signal again after about 5 seconds. At that point the defender tries

to burst past the receiver while the receiver steps up, pass blocks him andmaintains contact.

Coaching Points - Teach your wide receivers to keep good body balance

so they can stay positioned in front of the defender. Their feet shouldn'tcross. Don't turn the hips.

o Stalk Block - Teach receivers to block defensive backs.

Have one line of receivers and one defender out front. The receiver sprints off the line with the look of a deep route, to get the DB

backpedaling. On the coach’s signal, the DB is looking at the coach while

back peddling; he stops and makes a move forward. The receiver needs to

slow down and keep his feet moving and make contact for the block.

Coaching Points - During this wide receiver drill, teach your players to

watch the defensive back's feet. Emphasize the need to get close to the DB

during the initial drive up field. Also, look for proper blocking form -hands inside, wide base, head up, butt down, feet moving.



Quarterback Fundamentals

o Taking the snap – The center-quarterback exchange must become automatic. The

first quarterback fundamental here is to practice the exchange over and over andover.

Hand placement – The throwing hand is the top hand. Place the hand highin the center’s crotch so the center can feel its position. Make sure thefingers are spread, relaxed and extended. Cup the bottom hand against the

top hand at an angle greater than 90° to avoid jamming the fingers.

Arms – Your arms should be bent slightly to give room for extension atthe snap. Avoid bending much at the waist by flexing your knees a bit.

The football should be delivered so that the laces are in the throwing hand,

ready to pass.

Receiving the ball – Ride the center as you receive the snap, then bring the ball in cleanly to the chest with both hands as you begin to drop back.

o Hand Off –

It’s the job of the quarterback to be sure the handoff is successful. Onceyou’ve put the football under the running backs inside elbow, don’t let go

until you feel the back take firm hold of it. Constant repetition is required

to develop the proper timing with your running back. Practice your spacing so you don’t run into the back or fail to reach him.

o Drop Back –

Steps – Make your first step out with the passing side foot, then crossover

with the opposite leg. Be sure to push deep after each step to get deep intothe pocket. Continue this until you reach your set-up area.

Ball Position – Make sure you hold the ball securely in front of your chest.

When you reach the set-up area then bring the ball up for the correctthrowing motion.

o Throwing

Grip: Each player will potentially have a different grip that works best for him.

• The hand should be as high on the top half of the football as

possible.

• The fingers should be as spread out as possible from index to

pinky.• The thumb and middle finger should form a perfect half-circle

around the ball. If either of these two fingers (the thumb or middle

finger) get higher or lower than the other, it will be difficult to

throw a consistent spiral.

• Fingers should be placed along the laces.

Throwing Motion / Delivery

• With the ball in a high position at the ear, it should be releasedwith a quick and high delivery.



• The initial movement should never be down, dropping or dipping

in a long, slow wind up motion. The elbow should rise up and the ball should naturally turn out with the palm facing the sideline.

• Rotate the hips and shoulders to bring the elbow and arm through.

The elbow should be as high as or higher than the ear.

• The shoulders should be leaning forward at the apex of the throwso the QB throws the ball downhill.

• The front foot should be planted on the ball not the heel and when

the ball is released, the chin should be over the knee which should be over the ball of the foot. (Coaching point: a stake could be

driven straight through the head, knee and foot.) If the QB over

strides, and plants on his heel, the shoulders will tend to be upwardand a lot of high passes will result. On a deep throw, the stride

should be slightly longer to get the shoulders slightly upward and

the ball up in the air.

• The ball should be released off of the index and middle fingers as

the hand turns down and the thumb rotates. The follow throughshould then naturally take the hand to the opposite hip to finish thethrow properly

o QB Drills

Grip Drill – Ball handling drill.

• With palm facing down, the quarterback grips the ball and movesthe ball up and down. With each motion, be sure they re-grip the

football. After at least 15 reps, repeat drill with the other hand.

Drop Drill – Ball handling drill.

• Extend arm from the body and hold ball with palm facing down.

Drop the ball and then re-grip instantly. Bring football back tostarting point and repeat at least 15 times. Repeat drill with

opposite hand. You can also do both hands at same time by using

two footballs.

Drop and Rotate Drill – Ball handling drill.

• Same as the Drop Drill except that as the ball is dropped, the

quarterback rotates his hand around the ball before re-gripping it.Perform at least 15 reps with each hand, then try with two hands at

the same time.

Spin Drill – Ball handling drill.

• With palm facing down, hold the ball at one end. With a flick of

the fingers, give the ball a full back spin so it lands on the back of the hand. With the back of the hand, flick the ball into a full front

spin and re-grip the ball with palm facing down again. Do at least

15 reps with each hand.

Basketball Drill – Ball handling drill.

http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/football-quarterback-drills.html






• Just like a basketball point guard, move the ball from hand to hand

behind the back and between the legs. Do at least 3 sets that last25-30 seconds each. Perform this football drill as fast as you can.

Knee Drill - To develop the proper wrist snap and release of the ball.

• Begin the football quarterback drill with the QB's on both knees.Align them about five yards apart. The first QB gets the proper

grip, lifts the football like he would when taking the snap and

passes the ball to his partner. Be sure the ball is brought up near the ear, the follow-through is straight at the receiver with palm

down. After ten reps back and forth, move the players five yards

further apart and continue football drill from there.

• Coaching Points - Check for proper grip with opposite hand

securing the ball. Be sure follow-through is correct and pay

attention to accuracy.

• Can also do the drill with only the throwing knee down.

Drop-Back Drill - Develop the three and five and step drop-backs.

• Quarterback starts in the pre-snap stance and on coach's whistle,

performs a three step drop. The ball should be a chest level during

the drop-back. On the third step, he should be set and ready for a

pass with the ball up ready to throw. Do the three step 5-10 times,then do the same thing with a five step drop-back.

• Coaching Points - Make sure your QB performs this drill with

adequate quickness and that at set-up, most of his body weight is positioned on the back foot. If you have a net (soccer net works

well) have the QB throw into the net (or to a partner) when they

reach their set up. Also, make sure the proper depth is reached. (3yards for 3 step and at least 5 yards for 5 step.)

• Very important - Be sure there are no false steps in the drop...

Boom, boom, boom, throw.

Circle Drill - Develop "throwing on the run" skills

• Standing about 10-15 yards apart, have two QB's run in a circle asthey pass the ball back and forth. On the coach's signal, they will

then reverse and repeat the drill in the opposite direction.

• Coaching Points - Be sure they get their shoulders square to the

target before throwing and utilize correct hip rotation.



Defensive Fundamentals Defensive Line Fundamentals

o Stance – 3 Point

Base – Feet at shoulder width. If a player has difficulty with lateral

movement have him adjust his stance so that it is slightly less that

shoulder width. Feet – Toes pointed up field with a toe to instep stagger.

Arm and Hand – The down hand should be placed on the ground under the

eye. Fingertips should be on the ground, not a fist. Weight should bedistributed so that the hand can be picked up with a slight lean. The off-

hand is to be placed alongside the off-leg in a cocked position, not resting

on the knee.

Back – Keep a flat back.

Head – The head must be up in order to see across the line and not down,

looking at the ground.

o Get Off - The Get Off is similar to a sprinter exploding out of the blocks at a track

meet and consists of a solid, balanced stance and excellent footwork. As the

defensive lineman explodes out of his stance to execute his first step it is critical

that he keep his head up, his hips down and maintain a low pad level.

o Hands - As the defensive lineman is coming out of his stance and

making that first step his hands must come up hard and strike the blocker with both hands at the designated striking points (Gap technique or head up). Coaching

Point: In order to maintain a low pad level, the eyes must be below the hands, the

head must be up and the hips down.

o Striking –

Gap – The D Lineman has one hand striking the blocker at the center of

the chest plate and the other hand (the gap hand) striking the blocker onthe gap side shoulder pad.

Head Up - The D Lineman has both hands striking the blocker in the chest

plate.

o Disengagement – These skills include the Rip, Shuck, and Club. For advanced D

Lineman they may use the Swim and Spin. Once the defensive lineman hascontrolled his gap and deciphered where the play is headed, he can use these tools

to free himself up to make a play.

Rip – The D Lineman will use his hands to pull the blocker to his side andthen step around. While stepping around the defender will drop his

shoulder and swing his arm upward to clear off the blockers hands. Shuck - The shuck is a basic grab and throw technique. The D Lineman

uses his hands to pull or push the defender out of his way.

Club – On the snap of the ball the D Lineman will swing his arm into the

shoulder of the blocker, knocking him off balance. Then use the rip moveto get past the blocker.

Spin - A spin move is set up by rushing the outside shoulder of the blocker

and then when he commits to the rush, spinning hard to the inside.



Swim – Similar to the rip move but when stepping around the blocker the

D Lineman brings his arm over the blocker and down across to clean himoff.

Defensive Line Drills

o Initial Step Drill (Ball) - Teach your defensive line an explosive first step at thesnap of the ball without going offsides.

Align 2-3 defensive linemen on the line in their stances. The coach holds

the football in front of the lineman and barks out the offensive cadence,

trying to get the linemen to jump. At the snap, have the defenders explodeout of their stances 4-5 yards up the field, then have the next group get set

for their turn.

Coaching Details - Make sure your defensive linemen have good

fundamentals in their stances and when they take that initial step off theline. Break any offsides habits during this football defensive line drill.

o Initial Step Drill (Man) - Teach defensive linemen to react off the offensive line's

movement. Divide defensive linemen into pairs (one will be offense, one defense) and

have the first pair line up on a line of scrimmage. The coach barks the

signal and the offensive player explodes out into the defender when ready.

The defensive player must react on the movement. Repeat drill with thenext pair and so on.

Coaching Points - Make sure your defensive linemen have good

fundamentals in their stances and when they take that initial step off the

line. Emphasize the need to react off the man, not the cadence and proper hand use.

o Six-Point Sled Drill - Roll the Hips

Defensive linemen line up single-file in front of a one-man sled (can also

use a 5 man sled) for this football lineman drill. Get the first lineman positioned on all fours right up close to the sled. At the whistle, have the

player explode into the sled with thumbs up and hips rolled. The defender

then rolls sideways out of the way so the next defensive lineman can getinto position.

Coaching Points - Be sure your defensive lineman keep their heads up and

knees on the ground for proper hip roll.

o Hip Roll Drill (from 3 point stance) - Develop the ability to roll the hips with

power.

Defensive linemen line up single-file in front of a one-man sled. Get the

first lineman positioned in a 3 point stance up close to the sled. At thewhistle, have the player explode into the sled with thumbs up and hips

rolled.

Coaching Points - Be sure your defensive lineman keep their heads up,

sink their hips and roll forward with the correct hand placement. Can alsoadd one or two steps into the drill.

o Explosion Drill - Teach explosion out of the stance.

Line up the defensive linemen in a single-file in front of the sled with the

first player in his stance about a yard away. On the coach's signal, thedefender must explode into the sled pad and drive the sled up with short,

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choppy steps. On the coach's next signal, the player drops the sled and rips

through the sled and sprints past the sled. The coach then signals which

way for the lineman to sprint lateral in either direction.

Coaching Points - Check stances and take-off technique. Emphasize the

need for proper hip roll as the defensive linemen lift the sled on contact.

Watch hand placement fundamentals.



Line Backer Fundamentals

o Stance

Feet – Shoulder width apart.

Knees – Bend you knees to be in an athletic breakdown stance.

Hands – Elbows with a slight bend and hands in front ready for contact.

Eyes – Eyes will look through the D Line into the backfield.

o Gapology - Every defense is set up or designed to control each gap. The specific

assignment of gaps simply comes down to a base defense that a team will choose

to line up in. Linebackers have the gaps that the defensive lineman are not in.

o Weak Side vs. Strong Side: The strong side of an offensive formation is the side

where the Tight End is aligned. In the graphic below the Tight End is aligned on

the right side of the formation. It also shows the best way to label gaps. A

through D starting from the center out.

o

Here is an example of a 4-3 defense assignments.

• Weak side C Gap – Weak side Defensive End

Weak side B Gap – WILL Linebacker Weak side A Gap – Weak side Defensive Tackle

Strong side A Gap – MIKE Linebacker

Strong side B Gap – Strong side Defensive TackleStrong side C Gap – Strong side SAMStrong side D Gap – Strong side Defensive End

o Reads - An effective linebacker must learn how to quickly decipher what the

offense is trying to do.

o Run Reads - The first element of a Linebacker read is a read step. A read step is

an aggressive step toward the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball that gets

players moving and prevents them from being flat footed. As the read step is



being taken, the linebackers are gaining their vision and making their initial read

on the offensive linemen.

As soon as the linebacker’s foot hits the ground on his read step he will

know if the play is a pass or a run. It may seem difficult to accomplish a

read this quickly but what the linebacker is looking for is a pass block. It

takes an offensive lineman the same amount of time to step back into a pass blocking position as it does for the linebacker to take his read step. In

effect what the linebacker is doing is eliminating the pass block first. This

may seem contradictory because the main focus of a linebacker is to stopthe run, but by quickly eliminating the pass block he can then instantly

focus on his next read.

o Finding the Window – As the linebackers have made their initial read and have

eliminated the pass block and deciphered a run play, they must immediately be

focused on the running backs and the quarterback.

What linebackers must understand is that the offense is pouring all of their

energy into creating a window for their running back to pass through. Thelinebackers must find this window, while keeping track of the ball, and

attack it to make the stop. The ability to watch the ball and find the

window takes practice. One thing that will help them learn to read a play alittle quicker is the knowledge that there are only three ways the ball will

flow: weak side, strong side, or up the middle. The flow of the offensive

will be to one of these three areas

* If a SAM or a WILL see a play moving away from them to the oppositeside they must develop a discipline to look for a reverse action play such

as a bootleg or reverse. If they develop the habit of just saying the words

“Cutback, Bootleg and Reverse” as they see the action move away from

them it will help them always be aware of this type of play.

o An effective linebacker crew must learn how to work as a unit by funneling the

play to a teammate when necessary (Force Play) and covering a teammate’s backside by cutting off running lanes (Angle of Attack).

Force Play – Force play is simply forcing the ball inside when the offenseis attempting to run the ball outside of the tackles. When a WILL or SAM

is being blocked by an offensive lineman or a lead blocker and he cannot

escape the block in time to make the tackle, he must then work to force the

play to the inside where the strength of the defense is. In order to force the

play inside, the linebacker must attack the outside shoulder of the blocker.Good footwork and an understanding of the half-man concept will help a

linebacker with force play. The half-man concept is simply attacking or controlling 1/2 of the blocker. As he is attacking 1/2 of the blocker he

must at the same time strike and grab the blocker with his hands to gain

control of the blocker. The aiming point for the inside hand is the center of the chest plate and the aiming point for the outside hand is the outside

shoulder of the blocker. The linebacker must then press (push him like a

bench press) the blocker to keep him at arms length in order to maintainleverage and maneuverability. The linebacker must always keep the

blocker at arms length, stay parallel to the line of scrimmage and attack



the outside half of the half-man.

*Lead blockers (Between the Tackles) – When a linebacker sees a lead blocker coming to an inside window between the tackles, he must attack

him before he gets to the hole and deliver a neutralizing blow. In order to

neutralize the lead blocker the linebacker must strike the blocker with bothhands directly on the chest plate, grab him by the jersey, press him, and

force the running back to take a side. The linebacker must strike the

blocker squarely and not take a side and create a hole.

Angle of Attack - As mentioned above a linebacker crew must develop the

ability to work together to be effective. There are three basic first levelattack angles that linebackers utilize. Attack , Angle, and cutback.

Example 1 – If the window appears within the SAM gap range the SAM

then Attacks, the MIKE Angles, and the WILL Cutback. The WILL must

run parallel to the line of scrimmage and come behind the MIKE to cover the backside of his MIKE. The SAM is either trying to blow up the play in

the window or force the play over to his MIKE. If the ball gets by theMIKE the WILL is there to shut the door and cut off any avenue of

escape.

o

o The following two pictures show the flow for plays going into the middle and

week side.



o

o

Angle of Attack (Sweeps) - When pursuing a sweep or a run around an

end, linebackers must learn how to work as a unit and take proper angles

in order to shut down an outside running lane. The play side backer becomes force and tries to keep his outside arm free and force the running

back inside or make the play if he goes to the outside so his angle needs to

take him to the ball carrier’s or lead blockers outside shoulder. The Mikeneeds to find the window and run to it and make the play if the RB cuts

back inside of the OLB. The backside backer is checking for a reverse

action play first (bootleg, cutback or reverse) and then beginning to pursueflat to a downfield angle after he ensures that no cutback against the grainwill take place.

o Pass Reads – The pass read is no different that the run read as previously

described. The linebackers are looking for a pass block from the offensive

lineman within their gap range as they are making their read step. When a pass block is recognized the linebackers must quickly drop into their pass coverage

zone or cover the receiver that they are responsible for.



Zone Coverage – Each linebacker is responsible for a specific area of thefield in zone coverage.

Example of Linebacker Pass Coverage Areas

o

Re-routing – As long as the ball is not in the air defenders are allowed toknock receivers off course and disrupt their patterns. Providing that the

defender doesn’t grab the receiver and the ball is not in the air this

technique is within the rules. When linebackers see receivers runningroutes within their zone they must make every effort to re-route them to

prevent them from running their patterns effectively.

o Defeating Run Blocks - Linebackers must always try to avoid being engaged by a

blocker.

Rip Move - allows a linebacker to quickly get around a blocker and avoid

engagement. The keys to an effective rip are to stay low, quickly stepthrough while bringing the inside shoulder down and then punching

upward . If engagement is inevitable linebackers rely on the following

techniques and fundamentals to defeat blocks.

Pad Level - Good blockers will try to keep their pad level lower than the

player they are blocking in order to develop a leverage advantage. Goodlinebackers on the other hand know this, and must counter this by keeping

their own pad level low and neutralize the leverage of the blocker.

Keep Blocker at Arm’s Length (Press) - While maintaining a low pad

level, linebackers must grab the blocker’s jersey at chest level, keep the blocker at arms length by using their arms to press them, and not let the

blocker get up into them.

Attack Outside Shoulder - While at arms length a linebacker must then

maneuver to attack the outside shoulder (half-man) of the blocker whilekeeping his own outside shoulder free.

Disengage - Once a linebacker is engaged and has out-positioned the

blocker and has him under control, he can then either rip through the blocker or legally grab, throw, shove, push and do whatever he has to do



to get off of the blocker and either force the ball to a teammate, blow up

the play, or make the tackle.

o Defeating Pass Blocks – When linebackers blitz the quarterback they must rely on

another set of tools to defeat pass blocks. These techniques are the same

techniques that defensive linemen use to combat pass blocks.

Shuck - The shuck is a basic grab and throw technique where a defensive

lineman uses the blocker’s weight against him. The defender executes this

technique by pulling the blocker violently towards him and then to theground and then using a rip or swim to get around him.

Club - The club is used to keep the blockers hands off of the defender. The

defender executes the club by bringing a forearm down across the arms of the blocker.

Spin - A spin move is set up by rushing the outside shoulder of the blocker and then when he commits to the rush, spinning hard to the inside. On a

pass rush it is important to spin only when the defender gets as deep as the

QB-never deeper.

Linebacker Drills

o Agility Drill - Teach good feet agility and to keep the shoulders square.

Align five dummies on a line. Place a cone about 5 yards away on either side of the dummies. Line up your linebackers in single-file at one of the

cones. On the coach's first signal, the first player in line sets up in a good

hitting position. On the 2nd signal, the linebacker leads with his right foot

as he shuffles over the dummies. At the last bag, the player turns and runs past the 2nd cone. After each player goes through the bags, have them

repeat the football linebacker drill in the other direction.

Coaching Points - Make sure each linebacker has the shoulders square,head up and is in a proper hitting position. Be sure they shuffle their feet

without crossing over. Can also have them follow your hands and tell

them to go back and forth before finishing out the opposite side.

o "Read" Drill - Develop foot agility and the ability to read the flow of the ball.

Align 2-3 dummies about a yard apart and at a 45°. Then align 2-3 more

dummies the same way so you create a "V" shape. The coach stands

between the bags while the linebackers are positioned in a single-file lineat the point of the "V". On the coach's 1st signal, the first player gets in

good hitting position. On the 2nd signal, the coach points either right or

left and the player hits the 2-3 dummies in that direction. After the lastdummy, the linebacker should get back into hitting position again to finish

the football linebacker drill.

Coaching Points - Keep your linebackers low in proper hitting positionwith shoulders square, head up. Be sure they shuffle their feet without

crossing over.



o Stay In the Box Drill - Teach linebackers to stay their ground and to deliver a

blow after only one step.

Use 4 cones to make a 2 yard square with the linebacker inside the square.

Position 2-3 lineman about 3 yards outside the square. On the signal, thelinemen try to block the linebacker out of the box. Keep the linemen

coming quickly one after the other. Coaching Points- Make sure the linebacker is in good low position with

the head up and delivers a good strong blow to each lineman during this

football linebacker drill.

o Step in the Hole Drill - Teach linebackers to flow to the football and then fill the

hole for the tackle.

Align about 6 dummies in a line about a yard or yard and a half from one

another. A linebacker lines up on one side and a running back faces himon the other side. Have the back run down the line, then come forward into

one of the gaps. The linebacker must mirror the back down the line, then

fill the hole and make the tackle when the back makes his move. Coaching Points - Be sure the linebacker stays low and makes a quick

move into the hole with power to make the tackle. Can also have a lead

blocker on this drill with a second linebacker. Make sure they use correct

techniques to defeat the block and make the tackle.

o Attack the Lead Backer – Teach linebackers to attach the lead backer with proper

technique.

Line up the linebackers in two lines facing each other. One line will bethe Lead Backer and other will be the linebacker. Have the lead backer try

and block the linebacker. The linebacker should step up and press the lead

backer out of the way. Coaching Points – Make sure the linebacker is using his hand and pressing

the lead backer out of the way.

http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/football-linebacker-drills.html





Defensive Back Fundamentals

o Cornerbacks – typically have one of the more difficult assignments in football

covering fast, clever receivers in the passing game as well as being disciplined intheir run stopping roles.

o Stance

Feet – Little less then shoulder width apart, outside foot slightly further back then inside foot.

Knees – Bend you knees to be in an athletic breakdown stance.

Hands – Elbows with a slight bend and hands in front ready for contact.

Eyes – Eyes reading the receiver.

o Pass Defense

Alignment – With any basic defensive alignment corners will line up over

the receiver to their side of the field, 5 to 7 yards from the line of scrimmage and 1 yard to the inside of the receiver. This can change

slightly depending on coverage.

Read Steps and Play Recognition –The process of reading an offense starts

with a defensive backs read steps. As the cornerbacks are watching the ball and the snap occurs the cornerbacks initiate their read steps with two

quick shuffle steps away from the line of scrimmage. As the read steps are

being taken, the first read that a corner must make is on the offensivelineman that is closest to him. The cornerback is looking for the offensive

lineman to step back into a pass blocking position.

Pass Recognition – As soon as a pass block is deciphered from the nearestoffensive lineman, the cornerback must then immediately begin his

backpedal and get his eyes back to the receiver, (*the cornerback must

focus on the belt buckle of the receiver in order to prevent being taken in by a fake).

• Footwork – An important detail in playing Defensive back is todevelop disciplined footwork that includes a weaving technique

that allows a cornerback to maintain leverage and knowing how to

effectively break out of a backpedal to achieve a dominant positionon either a crossing route or a vertical route. (*Leverage is

positional advantage that either allows a cornerback to control a

receiver or limit his routes)

o Example of Leverage – When a corner is aligned 5 yards

from the line of scrimmage and 1 yard to the inside of the

receiver, he has inside leverage and is taking away the

inside routes and forcing the routes to go outside. In order to maintain his leverage he must maintain his inside

position. If on the other hand he wanted to force the routes



inside he would align to the outside, forcing the routes to

the inside.

• Breaking out of a Backpedal – When a vertical route is recognized,

a cornerback must rotate his hips 180 degrees with no intermediate

steps, continue with the route, and gain the dominant position.

o When a cornerback recognizes that a receiver is breaking

off his vertical route and stepping into a crossing route, he

must immediately plant one foot and drive with the other toward the receiver. As the drive step is being taken the

cornerback must then focus on gaining the dominant

position to either knock the ball away or intercept the pass.

• Dominant Position - The dominant position is a technique that pass

defenders use to out-position receivers in order to knock the ball

down, disrupt the timing of a receiver or even intercept the ball.

o On a vertical route, a defender gains the dominant position

by keeping his outside shoulder just in front of the inside

shoulder of the receiver, make contact by bringing the

outside arm across the body of the receiver, and thenleaning the receiver to the outside. If a receiver gets by, or

has steps on a cornerback, the cornerback must focus on

catching up to the receiver first, and not look for the balluntil he has achieved the dominant position.

o On a crossing route, a defender gains the dominant position by focusing on the topside shoulder of the receiver. Thedefender keeps his ball-side shoulder in front of, and on top

of the topside shoulder of the receiver. By being in this

position, the cornerback maintains a window to the ball and

is in position to break on the ball or rake the arms of thereceiver as the ball arrives.

• Rake and Rap up – Upon arrival of the ball on a pass play, if the

cornerback cannot make the interception, he must then bring his

inside arm down and rake across the receiver’s arms to knock the

ball away. As one arm is raking, the cornerback must rap up thereceiver with his other arm delivering a blow to the receiver.

Run Recognition – When cornerbacks are taking their initial read stepsand looking at the nearest offensive lineman, they are looking for the same

thing every time, a pass block. When the pass block is eliminated, the

cornerbacks can then fulfill their run defense assignments. (* If a receiver

continues on a route and does not engage the cornerback with a block, thereceiver must maintain his discipline and stay with the receiver in the

event of play action).



• Run Responsibilities – The main responsibility of a cornerback on

run plays is to never allow a play to get outside of them. Their jobis to turn the play inside where the strength of the defense is. The

key to keeping the play inside is to control the outside shoulder

(*Half-Man) of the blocker while keeping his own outside arm free

in case the runner tries to get to the outside.

o *The half-man concept is simply attacking or controlling

1/2 of the blocker. The cornerback attacks the outside half

of the defender using his hands to control the blocker.

o Safeties – Safeties have different overall pass defense responsibilities than

cornerbacks, but they share the same pass defense fundamentals described above

that include read steps, footwork, leverage and dominant position. As with

linebackers, safeties are expected to be aggressive and hard hitting run stoppers,and they utilize the same run defense fundamentals of stance, read steps, defeating

blocks and tackling.

Alignment – The safety alignment will depend on the overall coverage

scheme of the defense. As a general rule of thumb for a basic defensive

alignment, the Strong Safety aligns on the strong side, 10-12 yards from

the line of scrimmage on the outside shade of the Tight End. The FreeSafety aligns on the weak side, 10-12 yards from the line of scrimmage on

the outside shade of his Defensive End.

o Pass Responsibilities (Man Coverage) – In the basic 4-3 defensive alignment the

Strong Safety’s primary pass defense responsibility would be the Tight End. As

the SS deciphers a pass play from his read step, he would then immediately focuson the TE, and then using good footwork, he would maintain leverage, achievedominant position and be positioned to make a play on the ball. The Strong

Safety’s secondary responsibility would be a running back working his way out of

the backfield to the strong side. The Free Safety on the other side is more

concerned with the run but his primary pass responsibility would be a running back working his way out of the backfield to the weak side.

Pass Responsibilities (Zone Coverage) – When Safeties are in a zone

coverage scheme, their primary concern is to not let a receiver get behind

them.

o Run Recognition – When Safeties are taking their initial read step and looking at

the nearest offensive lineman, they are looking for the same thing every time, a

pass block When the pass block is eliminated, the safeties can then fulfill their run

defense assignments

Run Responsibilities – When coaches are looking for a likely candidate to

play safety, their first question is “Can he run the alley?” The alley is the

stretch of field from the tackle to the sideline. The primary responsibilityfor a Safety is to run the alley and hit like a dog. Unlike linebackers,



safeties are difficult to block and are usually unblocked which allows them

to run downhill and make big hits.

Defeating Blocks (See linebacker section for defeating blocks)

Defensive Back Drills

o Backpedal Drill - Teach DB's the proper fundamentals of the backpedal.

Align your defensive backs into two, single-file lines at the sideline.

Coach stands between the two lines and on his signal, the first player ineach line backpedals out to the hashmarks. Continue with the next one in

line until each defensive back has a sufficient number of reps.

Coaching Points - Keep your DB's low, bent at the waist, shoulders over

the thighs with their weight distributed evenly over the balls of the feet. Besure the players' eyes are locked on yours as they backpedal in a straight

line (use the yard lines to keep them straight).

o Backpedal & React to Ball Drill - Teach players to backpedal, then react to where

the ball is thrown.

Start this defensive back drill the same as Backpedal Drill. This time, as

the DB's get to the hashmark, the coach points either to the right or left.The backs must break from their backpedal in the direction the coach

points.

Coaching Points - Same as defensive back Backpedal Drill. Concentrate

on getting your players to make a fast break in the correct direction. As avariation, you can have your DB's react to where you look and then throw

the football to one of them.

o Hip Drill - Develop flexibility in the hips.

Align your defensive backs into two, single-file lines at the sideline. Onthe coach's signal, the first DB in each line begins backpedaling. When the

coach points, the players open up and run in that direction at an angle.

Then the coach points in the other direction, the DB's pivot, open their hips in the new direction and run. On the next signal, the defensive backs

break and move to the back of the line.

Coaching Points - During this defensive back drill, be sure your DB's staylow when changing directions and drive the near elbow to open up the

hips. Don't allow the players to drift when turning and running. Emphasize

correct stance, start and backpedaling fundamentals.

o Pictures of more defensive back drills



Tackling 101

o Breakdown Position - When teaching how to perform a tackle, you must begin by

teaching good football position which is a position of leverage, mobility and power. The feet should be shoulder width apart with the toes pointed straight

ahead. The player should dip his body to lower his hips into the power positionwith knees bent and weight of the body forward on the front of the feet like performing a three-quarter squat lift. The chest should remain over the knees

while the knees remain over the toes. The eyes are focused forward and on the

target with the hands relaxed hanging outside the knees.

Focus – Aiming Point - The eyes of the tackler must be focused on the ball

carrier.

Approach - The approach is closing the distance between you and the ball

carrier as quickly as possible while maintaining both good football

position and focus mentioned above. It is important to keep your shoulderssquare to the aiming point and the feet moving as well as knowing where

your help is.

The Tackle - While maintaining the breakdown position and focus, just

before contact, bring the hands forward and up in a quick and powerful

motion causing the hips to come forward with force. As the hands come

forward, contact is made with the tackler’s shoulder pad to the ball carrier.The head is up and focused on the ball carrier.

Wrap - The arms and hands should shoot through and up, grabbing cloth

or anything they can to keep hold of the ball carrier.

Finish - When evaluating a tackle, check for the hands shooting through.They should wrap around the ball carrier and the hands should be above

the elbows. The eyes should be looking at the ball carrier. The feet

continue to drive through the tackle while the ball carrier is brought to theground.

• These key words can be used for each part of this tackling progression:

• Dip – Dip the hips into the power position and keep your head upwhile focusing on the target.

• Strike - Strike the ball carrier at the aiming point while shooting

the hands.

• Wrap – Shoot the hands and raise the eyes while fingers grabanything to keep a hold of the ball carrier.

• Drive – Don’t stop your feet but drive through the opponent. Lift

the ball carrier slightly to keep you on your feet and your feetmoving, to prevent dives and misses and to break the ball carrier’s

balance and contact with the ground.



Tackling Drills

o 1. Hit and Lift – good drill to be used at the beginning of the year.

Line up defenders into two lines across from each other 4 yards apart.

Coach gives a command to the tackler following the progression(dip=players dip: strike=players strike etc.)

Coaching Points - check and evaluate each part of the progression to make

sure proper form is used for each step.

o Angle tackling drills – drill to insure proper aiming point and angle.

Have a ball carrier and tackler 4 yards apart. Have the rest of the groupfill in behind those two. Place a cone at a 45 degree angle from the ball

carrier about 10 yards away. The ball carrier aims for cone, as he starts

moving toward the cone the defender mirror steps then attacks the ballcarrier. The aiming point is the far hip.

Coaching Points – Make sure the defender is getting his head across the ball carriers body to the aiming point and following each part of the progression. Change up by having ball carrier spin on contact.

o Open Field Tackling

Have a ball carrier and defender 10 yards apart. Place two cones about 10yards apart between the two players. On the coaches command the ball

carrier attempts to run past the defender.

Coaching Points – Be sure the defenders close distance to ball carrier andnot waits on him. Also make sure the tackler comes to balance and keeps

his eyes on the ball carrier when making the tackle.

Variations – can also do the drill along the sideline. Emphasize the

importance of using the sideline to your advantage when performing thisdrill.

Internet Reference:

http://www.coachyourkids.com/

http://www.football-plays-and-drills.com/

36082276 football fundamentals

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