Drills Manual
2011
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Table of Contents
Resources…………………………………………page 3
Drills by Position……………………………………………… page 3
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Receivers
Offensive Line
Defense
Defensive Line
Linebackers
Defensive backs
More Drills…………………………………...page 13
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Resources
Use the usafootball.com website as a drill resource.
Here is a list of books for those looking for additional coaching material.
Title
Author
Coaching Youth Football
John T. Reed
Coaching Youth Football Defense
John T. Reed
Gap-Air-Mirror Defense for Youth Football
John T. Reed
Football Drill Book
Doug Mallory
New Coach’s Guide to Youth Football Skill and Drills Tom Bass
Coaching Football Technical and Tactical Skills
American Sport Ed.
Program
Coaching Football for Dummies
National Alliance for Youth Sports
101 Special Team Drills
Paul McCord
Drills by Position
Offense
Quarterbacks
1. Knee Drill
Purpose: To develop proper throwing action: wrist snap, arm strength, and
quick release
Execution: The quarterbacks face each other kneeling on the right knee
(left knee if left handed passer) approximately 5 yards apart. When
kneeling, the first player lifts the ball as if taking a snap and executes the
proper throwing technique. The partner catches the ball and returns it,
also using proper throwing technique. After a significant number of reps,
move quarterbacks further apart- five yards for every ten reps.
Coaching Points: check for proper grip on the ball, make sure the offhand is in position to help secure the ball, check the players release,
check for follow through as well as accuracy.
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2. Hip Rotation Drill
Purpose: To develop proper release and follow-through technique
Execution: The quarterbacks stand 10 yards apart sideways with the point
of their shoulders facing each other. The first quarterback throws the ball,
making sure to rotate his hips and get his shoulder around. The second
quarterback catches the ball and returns the first player’s throw with the
proper technique.
Coaching Points: check for the proper grip, make sure the off-hand and
arm come forward during the throwing motion, check for proper hip
rotation, and check for proper release technique.
3. One Step and Throw Drill
Purpose: To develop proper delivery, release, and follow-through
technique
Execution: The quarterbacks stand 10 yards apart sideways with the point
of their shoulders facing each other. Their feet should be approximately
shoulder width apart with most of their weight on the back foot. The first
quarterback takes a short jab step in the direction of the pass and
executes proper release and follow through technique. The second
quarterback receives the ball and returns it to the first, using proper
technique.
Coaching Points: check for proper grip, make sure the qb has the proper
stance, the qb should take a short jab step in the direction of the pass,
check for proper release and follow through technique.
4. QB Drop Drill
Purpose: To develop proper mechanics in the three, five, and seven step
drops.
Execution: Align a quarterback with a football on a selected line of
scrimmage in a pre-snap position. The coach designates a play with a
three step drop. On the snap, the quarterback executes a three step drop
and sets to pass. Repeat the three step drop for five repetitions. The
coach then designates a play with a five step drop. The drill continues
until the quarterback has had five reps with the three step, five step, and
seven step drop.
Coaching Points: eliminate false steps, have proper foot placement and
weight transfer, the qb should grip the ball with both hands, the ball should
be elevated to chest level, make sure the qb is getting into the drop as
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quickly as possible, check to see that the majority of the qb’s weight is on
the back foot when he sets up.
5. Circle Drill
Purpose: To develop mechanics of passing a football on the run.
Execution: Align two qbs 10 yards apart with one qb holding a football.
On the coach’s command, the two qbs begin running clockwise in a circle,
passing the football. After a certain number of repetitions, the coach will
give a second command, and the qbs will change direction and begin to
run counter clockwise, passing the ball back and forth. The drill continues
until all paired qbs have had a significant number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: emphasis should be placed on proper hip rotation and
square shoulders, football should be secured by both hands, emphasize
qb leading the receiver while on the move.
Running backs
1. Gauntlet Drill
Purpose: To teach ball security and running with leverage.
Execution: Place four to six men holding dummies approximately one yard
apart, staggered. On the cadence, the running back runs through the
gauntlet while coach hands off the ball. The running back receives the
hand off and explodes up-field through the gauntlet. The bag holders hit
the ball carrier, trying to knock the ball loose and or knock the ball carrier
off stride. The drill should be conducted with the running backs receiving
handoffs from both right and left position. The drill continues until all of the
running backs receive a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: make sure the ball carrier takes the handoff properly
and secures the ball, make sure the running back keeps his shoulders
down and his butt low for leverage, the players should explode through the
bags maintaining a good high knee lift and keeping feet moving, the
player’s goal should be to protect the football and stay the course.
2. Pitch Drill
Purpose: To teach proper fundamentals in receiving a pitched football.
Execution: The drill is set up with two running backs standing on the
sideline at a five yard interval. The running back with the ball jogs in place
ready to pitch the ball. The other running back begins running down his
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respective yard line working to get into a proper pitch phase (shoulders
turned to the other back). The running back with the ball takes off and
executes the pitch. As the other running back receives the pitch, he
begins to jog while the other running back works to get into pitch phase.
The drill continues all the way across the field, the players then turn
around and come back the same way. The drill should be conducted so
that both running backs work the right and left handed pitch. Repeat a
pre-determined amount of time.
Coaching Points: the running backs should be instructed to look the ball in
and secure the football before eyes go upfield, players should practice
catching the pitch with two hands.
3. Ball Switch Drill
Purpose: To teach ball security in open field running.
Execution: Align six cones staggered, five yards apart. The running backs
line up in a single file behind the first cone holding footballs. On the
coach’s command, the first running back weaves through the cones
making 45 degree cuts. As the running back approaches the cones, he
must switch the ball to the outside arm to protect himself from a would be
tackler. The drill should be taught at half speed and gradually increased as
the running backs get a feel for the techniques. The drill should be
conducted in both directions.
Coaching Points: the outside arm should reach over the top of the
football, both hands are used to guide the football to the outside armpit,
the ball should be kept close to the body during the switch, the inside arm
should be used to protect the ball carrier against on coming tackler, stress
ball security.
4. Sideline Drill
Purpose: To teach ball security and balance while running down the
sideline.
Execution: Align three bag holders five yards apart, three yards from the
sideline. The coach and running backs align on a selected line of
scrimmage on the top of the numbers. On the snap, the coach turns and
tosses the football to the running back. The ball carrier accelerates to the
sideline and works up field between the sideline and the bags. The
running back must switch the ball to the outside arm and deliver a blow
the defender with his inside arm. This drill should be conducted in both
directions. The drill continues until all running backs receive a sufficient
number of repetitions.
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Coaching Points: make sure the running back has the ball secured in
outside arm at all times, coach the running back to be the aggressor, he
should not let the defender knock him out of bounds.
5. Stumble Drill
Purpose: To teach ball security and balance
Execution: Line up the running backs with footballs on the goal line. On
the coach’s command, running backs begin running. At every five yard
interval, the ball carrier must reach down and place the palm of his off
hand on the yard line, causing him to stumble. A variation would be for
the running back to touch the ground on the yard line and rotate around in
a circle and come up running towards the next line. The ball carrier
regains his balance, switches the ball to the opposite arm and executes
the stumble technique until he reaches the 25 yard line. After all running
backs reach the 25 yard line, they should turn around and execute drill
back to the goal line.
Coaching Points: players must place the palm of their hand on the
designated line, ball carriers should be instructed to raise their head up
and stick their chest out as they drive their legs to regain balance, make
sure the ball switch technique is executed properly.
Receivers
1. Turnaround Drill
Purpose: To teach receivers to get their head and eyes around to the ball.
Execution: The receivers align in a single file line on a selected line of
scrimmage with their backs to the qb. The qb will stand approximately 1012 yards from the intended receiver. The qb throws the ball to the
receiver and gives a “ball” call. The receiver then turns completely around,
picks up the flight of the ball and makes the reception. The drill should be
conducted so that the receivers practice right and left shoulder turns.
Coaching Points: the drill teaches receivers to snap their heads around as
they are coming out of their routes, the drill helps develop hand eye
coordination and quick reflexes, make sure receivers turn completely
around as they hear the “ball” call, make sure receiver executes proper
ball receiving techniques.
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2. Sideline Drill
Purpose: To teach receivers proper skills and fundamentals involved in
catching a football near the sidelines.
Execution: Wide receivers will align in a single file line approximately five
yards from the sideline. The passer stands 10-12 yards away from the
receiver. On command, the receiver will run to the sideline simulating the
out route while the qb throws the ball. The receiver makes the catch with
two hands while keeping both feet in bounds. The drill should be
conducted from both the right and the left sides. The drill concludes after
all receivers have had a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: make sure the receiver executes proper receiving
techniques, the receiver must have control of the ball before he worries
about his feet, the receiver should over exaggerate the tapping of both
feet each time he makes a reception.
3. Over the Shoulder Catch
Purpose: To teach proper techniques and fundamentals involved in
catching the football over the shoulder.
Execution: Divide receivers into two groups. Align the first group on the
right hash mark. On the qb’s cadence, the receiver executes a take-off
route. The qb takes a short drop and throws the ball over the outside
shoulder of the receiver. The receiver makes the reception following the
ball all the way into his hands. After the receiver executes the drill, he
switches lines. The drill should continue until all receivers have had a
sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: the drill should be taught at ½ to ¾ speed, coach the
receiver to position his body so that he will make the reception with his
hands, emphasize to the receiver that he must follow the ball all the way
into his hands as he makes an over the shoulder catch.
4. Blur Drill
Purpose: To teach receivers to concentrate on the football while having
their vision obstructed.
Execution: Divide receivers into two groups on the sideline two yards
apart. The coach stands approximately 8 to 10 yards away on the top of
the numbers. The group in front is designated as the defender and the
group in the back is designated as the receivers. On the coach’s
command, the defender and receiver run parallel to each other. The
defender harasses the receiver and obstructs his vision. The coach
throws the football through the defender to the receiver; the defender
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should not try to deflect the ball. The drill should be conducted in both
directions and until all receivers have had a sufficient number of
repetitions.
Coaching Points: make sure the receiver concentrates solely on the
football and not the defender, make sure the receiver executes proper
receiving techniques.
5. Crossing Drill
Purpose: To teach receivers to concentrate on the football while having
their vision obstructed.
Execution: Divide receivers into two groups facing each other on a
selected line of scrimmage. One receiver will run across the field behind
the defensive man crossing from the opposite direction. The qb or coach
will throw the ball to a point where the two players are about to cross.
Instruct the defender to wave his arms and try to distract the receiver. The
drill should be conducted in both directions and until all receivers have had
a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: make sure the receiver concentrates solely on the
football and not the defender, instruct the lines to stay on the selected line
of scrimmage and not to drift, make sure the receiver executes proper
receiving techniques.
Offensive Line
1. Five-man Drive
Purpose: To develop get-off and drive block
Equipment: Five-man Sled
Execution: On the starting count, will execute a block and drive the sled;
all lineman will attack the same side of the sled pads. On the coach’s
command, players sprint out laterally. As soon as one unit leaves the drill,
the other steps in from behind.
Coaching Points: Stress quickness, check alignments and stance, vary
snap count, block both left and right directions, and check to see that
proper blocking technique is executed.
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2. Five-man Reach
Purpose: To teach explosion and drive using the reach block technique.
Equipment: Five-man Sled
Execution: Use the same set up as the five-man drive except when
aligning on the sled, offset to the left or right of the pad depending on the
direction of the reach block. On the starting count, the players execute the
reach block and drive the sled. On the coach’s next command, the
linemen sprint out laterally (all in the same direction). As soon as the first
unit leaves the sled, the second unit steps into the drill.
Coaching Points: stress quickness, check alignments and stances, vary
the snap count, work both sides of the reach block, and make sure the
lineman are hitting correctly at point of contact and driving the sled in a
straight line.
3. Five-man Seat Roll
Purpose: To teach explosion and agility.
Equipment: Five-man Sled
Execution: Position lineman on the left side of the sled in a single file line.
The first lineman steps up and gets into a three-point stance. On the
coach’s command, the first lineman will explode into the pad with his
inside shoulder, recover using a seat roll, and then move to the next pad
in the direction of the drill. The next lineman on the line will quickly get
into a three-point stance in front of the first pad. The coach will give a
command and both lineman will explode into the pads, recover with a seat
roll, and move to the next pad in the direction of the drill as the next
lineman on line gets into a three-point stance. The drill continues until the
last lineman has reached the far end of the sled.
Coaching Points: stress correct hitting techniques, stress explosion and
immediate recovery, and drill should be conducted in both directions.
4. Punch Drill
Purpose: To teach the correct method of delivering a blow when pass
blocking.
Execution: Pair up offensive linemen on a selected line of scrimmage.
The blocker aligns in a three-point stance with the defender in a challenge
position. On the coach’s command, the blocker sets up in the proper pass
protecting position. From the set position, the blocker will punch the
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defender using proper technique. The drill should be conducted so that all
linemen receive sufficient number or repetitions.
Coaching Points: check stance and stress a quick and proper set, the
punch should be made with the butt of the hands to the inside framework
of the defender’s body, make sure contact is made at the base of the
defender’s body, make sure contact is made at the base of the defender’s
body, make sure the lineman is not lunging and that only the hands and
arms should move out (not the body), and linemen should work for a
lockout position with the head up, butt down, and feet in good balanced
stance.
5. Finish Drill
Purpose: To teach an awareness of where to take the defender in
accordance with the passing point.
Execution: Pair up offensive linemen on a selected line of scrimmage.
Align a stand up dummy in the backfield representing the qb’s drop. The
defensive man aligns over offensive lineman. On the coach’s command,
the blocker sets up, punches and maintains proper body control against
the defender’s rush. The blocker must now know where the passing point
is in order to finish the block.
Coaching Points: make sure the lineman executes proper pass protection
techniques, and that the blocker keeps the defender from the stand up
dummy until the whistle blows.
Defense
Defensive Line
1. Shed Drill
Purpose: To teach defensive lineman proper fundamentals in using the
hands to defeat blockers.
Execution: Divide defensive lineman into two groups and align them on a
selected line of scrimmage facing each other. Designate one line as
offense and the other line as defense. On the coach’s cadence, the
offensive player attempts to drive his helmet past the defenders’ left side
and knock him off the line of scrimmage. The defender reacts to the block
by shuffling to his left and driving his hands into the opponent’s numbers.
After the defender works to a lockout position, he should escape the
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blocker. The drill should be conducted in both directions and until all
defenders have had a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: check for proper stances, make sure the defenders
attack with leverage and proper hand placement, make sure defenders
move feet quickly to keep proper body positioning, and the defenders
should work to a lockout position before shedding the block (by extending
arms like a bench press).
2. Defeating Double Team
Purpose: To teach defensive lineman proper fundamentals in defeating
blocking schemes.
Execution: Line up the defensive lineman and two offensive linemen on
the line of scrimmage. The coach dictates the blocking scheme. The drill
should be conducted against a variety of blocking schemes and until all
defenders have had a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: the drill should be conducted against a variety of
blocking schemes, for example: double team, reach, cut off, pull, and
pass set; and make sure the defender executes proper technique against
a designated block.
3. Contain Drill
Purpose: To teach proper position and technique to keep contain
responsibilities.
Execution: This drill is run with three players: two blockers and a running
back. Align the two blockers behind one another facing the defender.
The third player is positioned as a running back and stacked inside
against the two blockers. The defender aligns himself head up over the
first blocker. On the coach’s command, the first blocker attempts to hook
the defender. The running back tries to get the ball outside the defender.
The defender defeats both blockers and executes an angel tackle on the
ball carrier. The drill should be conducted in both directions and until all
defenders have received a sufficient number of repetitions.
Coaching Points: instruct the defensive end to defeat the blockers one at
a time, the defensive end must keep his outside leg and arm free at all
times, and the defensive end should attack upfield and execute an angle
tackle on the ball carrier.
4. Rapid Fire
5. Inside Pass Rush
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Linebackers
Defensive Backs
More Drills
Ohio State Wide Receivers Manual
Ohio State Wide
Receiver Manual (Coach Hazell).PDF
Tight End Notes & Drills- Wayzata High School
Tight End Notes &
Drills.PDF
Football Tips & Drills- eteamz.com- Linebacker Drills
http://www.eteamz.com/football/instruction/tips/category.cfm/Linebackers
Frank Glazier- MEGA Clinics- Offense and Defense Drills
http://www.megaclinic.com/megasite/drills/index.php?db_name=drills
American Football Coaches Association
http://www.afca.com/
Page 13 of 16
Drills from Jim Kovach
Gauntlet Drill
Form two lines facing each other forming a tunnel.
Have a player run through the tunnel with a football.
Players forming the tunnel try to strip the ball from the runner.
XXXXXX
O (Runner)
XXXXXX
Fumble Drill 1
Have two players lay on their backs with heads pointing to each other.
Blow whistle and have players jump up and go for the ball.
A variation this would be once one player gets the ball the other tackles the ball
runner.
X
B(Ball)
X
C(Coach)
Fumble Drill 2
Form two lines and the first person in each line gets into a 3 point stance. A
coach stands between the lines and throws a ball long, short, or medium then
yells go so that the players race to the ball.
X
X
X
X
C
X
X
X
X
Box Drill
Set up a one yard by one yard square with cones.
Have a D Lineman line up behind one set of cones, an O Lineman facing the D
Line and lining up behind the other cones.
Line up a running back behind the O Line, blow whistle to start the back running
through the box. The D Line has to tackle the back inside the box.
Variation…Instead of D Line, lineup a linebacker two yards behind the Box and
have them shed the O Line and tackle the back inside the box.
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RB
OL
P
P
P
P
DL
LB
Reaction Tackling Drill
Set up dummies on ground to represent four or so holes. Number the holes.
Have the linebacker set up at proper distance.
Coach stands behind backer and tell the runner which whole to go through. Blow
whistle to start runner. Backer to tackle runner in hole.
RB
D
D
D
D
D
LB
C
Skate Drill
Similar to Reaction Drill but have Back start at one end or the other.
LB has to skate over dummies and tackle runner at the other end.
Repeat on other side once everybody has gone through.
Tackling Dummy Drill
From two lines.
Have a coach stand next to and hold up a tackling dummies about five yards
from lines.
Blow whistle and have players race to dummies, hit/wrap and drive dummy for
another five yards.
Olympics
Players divide teams (coaches to equalize if needed) into two.
Set up several stations for players (ie. Pick up ball, run around cones, drive
tackling dummy, bear crawl, etc.).
Teams to race, first team to finish wins.
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Two on two passing drills
Form teams of two.
Each team will play defense and offense.
Coach to be QB.
Defense is to stop pass. If they do they get a point. If Offense catches pass they
get a point. First team to Two points wins.
Eliminate the team that loses. Keep going until winner.
Note: For all team competitions and one on one drills/competitions I rewarded
the winner(s) a candy bar.
For the Olympics, the winning team received DQ gift Certificates and the losers
received candy bars.
Bulldog Mentality Drills- Jason Freed
0307_001.pdf
0306_001.pdf
Defensive Drills- Jason Freed
0309_001.pdf
More Drills:
Blocking
Football Drills.ppt
Drill O-line vs
D-line.pdf
Drill O_Line
Inside_Trap (2).pdf
Tackling
Drill
Angle_Tackle.pdf
Drill
Butt_Tackling.pdf
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