Advancing Professional American Football Defensive Suggestions

Conditioning: Five dot jump

Conditioning drills are effective in training and helping athletes be strong and reactive. For this reason, coaches like this drill for its focus on speed and accuracy. The drill set up is a mat or place on the field with 5 dots about a foot away from each other forming an X shape, exactly in the same shape as you would see diamonds arranged on a number five card in a poker deck.

The player will start by placing a foot on the back two dots and then jumps together to the middle dot and then out separating his legs to the outer dots, much like you would see in hop scotch. Next proceed around the dots one at a time jumping with one leg only, and then change to the other leg. The next step is jumping on all five dots with both feet together. The end step is similar to the first jumping jack step except that this time the player will turn 180 degrees after jumping on the two dots. Remember that speed and accuracy are important on this drill so coaches should start players off slow and then proceed to full speed constantly watching accuracy.

Dehydration is an enemy to football success

Drinking plenty of water is all it takes to prevent dehydration, and thus should be an important part of football practices. Every player should have a water bottle close so that they can take quick water breaks or at least a swallow here and there. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.

Some fundamentals of ball security

A team that prevents fumbles is a team that wins. Nothing is worse for your offensive team then turning it over carelessly to the other team in a fumble. A great way to teach tight ball security is with four points. The first point is the claw, meaning that your fingers are wrapped over the tip of the football. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. Third, pull the football in close to your bicep to protect it from opponents jabs and attempts to make you fumble. 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.

Catching the ball low

Execution on a football field starts with practice. One situation that happens a lot in a game is catching the low passes. Here are some great techniques in coaching and learning the low catch. Here are some basics to a great low catch. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Locking your pinkies prevents the football from falling through your hands. Once you have the football in your hands scoop it up and tuck it away. Remember, the cardinal rule of catching is to use your hands and not your body. Never use your body to catch a football. Catch it first and then worry about running it.