Increasing College Sports Habits

Constant motion drill to increase ball handling skills

This drill is used to increase players ball handling skills on the field. Players will move the football from one hand to another hand around differing parts of their body. The drill starts by having players hold the football above their head and start to pass it around their head, moving to the chest, under the arms, around the waist, knees, and completing with passing it through the legs.

In this drill the coaches responsibility is to observe the smoothness of the drill, and to also shout commands of body positions to move the ball around, and also to reverse the direction of the football. The reverse option is an important command as it will keep the players on their toes and focuses on concentration and ball handling.

When the coach calls and end to the drill the players will drop the ball several times (at least 7). For example, the player drops the ball and retrieves it quickly. They also should rotate which hand they are using to pick it up so that you can increase ball handling with both.

Receivers: Ball Security Drill

To insure a proper catch, a receiver must secure the football into a proper carrying position. The points of a proper catch are: First, opening up your hands with an open triangle. Second, keep your eyes on the ball through the entire catch. Third, secure the ball tight and high against your ribs, forearm, and biceps. The problem is that receivers have a tenancy to start looking down the field before they have the ball properly secured. This error leads to incomplete passes or worse, a fumble. To overcome this habit set up a simple drill where two players pass the ball to each other stopping at each critical step: the catch, the follow through, and the tuck.

Powerful Blocking Strategy: Double Teaming

Football is all about strategy and fining, or making weak spots in your opponent. One such strategy or technique is the use of double teaming on the line of scrimmage. This play is simple, double up and push through. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. The basics are simple for this technique: First, both players will need to step together, and put their hips together. They form a wall that the opponent cannot break. The double team should focus on the shoulders, and arm pits of the opponent to control dominance. Also, this maneuver needs to happen quickly and efficiently.

Staying Hydrated

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. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.