Protecting the football as you run
You cant run with the football until you have learned some basic ball security measures. There is nothing worse than almost getting a first down or even a touchdown and fumbling the ball, for this reason there is a great need for ball security. There are four points to protecting the football. The first point is the claw, meaning that your fingers are wrapped over the tip of the football. The second point is your forearm wrapped around the ball and shielding it from the defense. Third point is to have the ball held tight against the bicep to prevent defenders from punching up through from behind. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. Run a couple of drills were the ball carrier runs through a pack of defenders to practice. In this way you can practice great defensive moves to force a fumble, and also focus on offensive ball protection.
Forcing the Fumble
There is a golden rule in football defense, get the ball to the offensive team as quickly as possible. Forcing a fumble is one of the quickest ways that you can turn the tides and retain possession of the football. This drill practices with two players. Have the defender move up on the offensive player, trust his arms back and then forward with his fists clenched. As the offender runs ahead of the defender, have the defender bring his clenched hands up quickly, and forcefully, as he aims his hand at offenders football. This drill is most effective if you start it slow focusing on the motions needed to be effective, and then speed up over time.
Strength and conditioning: Up Downs
Out of all of the football conditioning drills up downs is one of the most popular. Players will start this drill by running in place as fast as they can, keeping their knees high as possible. Then at random a coach will yell, down or blow a whistle at which the players must dive to the ground do a push up and then jump back into running in place. As up downs require endurance and strength, players are encouraged to start in slow short burst and work up to longer and more intense sessions.
Making and effective Angle Tackle
Because not every tackle is direct and head on, it is necessary to set up an angle tackling situations during practice. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. It is great to take this in slow steps to show the defender in a fluid motion how to the quickest angle to take towards the ball carrier, plant his cleats squarely in the middle of the ball carrier, and to always remember safety and effectiveness by placing the head in front of the offensive player. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.
You cant run with the football until you have learned some basic ball security measures. There is nothing worse than almost getting a first down or even a touchdown and fumbling the ball, for this reason there is a great need for ball security. There are four points to protecting the football. The first point is the claw, meaning that your fingers are wrapped over the tip of the football. The second point is your forearm wrapped around the ball and shielding it from the defense. Third point is to have the ball held tight against the bicep to prevent defenders from punching up through from behind. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. Run a couple of drills were the ball carrier runs through a pack of defenders to practice. In this way you can practice great defensive moves to force a fumble, and also focus on offensive ball protection.
Forcing the Fumble
There is a golden rule in football defense, get the ball to the offensive team as quickly as possible. Forcing a fumble is one of the quickest ways that you can turn the tides and retain possession of the football. This drill practices with two players. Have the defender move up on the offensive player, trust his arms back and then forward with his fists clenched. As the offender runs ahead of the defender, have the defender bring his clenched hands up quickly, and forcefully, as he aims his hand at offenders football. This drill is most effective if you start it slow focusing on the motions needed to be effective, and then speed up over time.
Strength and conditioning: Up Downs
Out of all of the football conditioning drills up downs is one of the most popular. Players will start this drill by running in place as fast as they can, keeping their knees high as possible. Then at random a coach will yell, down or blow a whistle at which the players must dive to the ground do a push up and then jump back into running in place. As up downs require endurance and strength, players are encouraged to start in slow short burst and work up to longer and more intense sessions.
Making and effective Angle Tackle
Because not every tackle is direct and head on, it is necessary to set up an angle tackling situations during practice. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. It is great to take this in slow steps to show the defender in a fluid motion how to the quickest angle to take towards the ball carrier, plant his cleats squarely in the middle of the ball carrier, and to always remember safety and effectiveness by placing the head in front of the offensive player. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.
SHARE
