Learning Collegiate American Football Defensive Routines

Low Ball Catching Techniques

Great plays are made through dedicated practice of the fundamentals. Execution on a football field starts with practice. Perfect and not so perfect scenarios should constantly run at football practice. Here are some great techniques in coaching and learning the low catch. First, keep your hands down low in a scooping or shovel position; you can even cross your pinkies. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Second, keep low to the ground as a reference your knees should be level with your elbows, and if this means that you are down on all fours better a complete and no extra yards than an incomplete pass. Once you have the football in your hands scoop it up and tuck it away. Use your hands and not your body. Keep your eyes right on the ball. And always see the ball through, meaning that you are watching it into the tuck.

Secrets to a good hand off

Handoff skills can secure yardage on the field and increase your overall success. The hand off can take place in many ways, but most if not all handoffs occur between the quarterback and the running back. A good hand off starts with the running back giving a target to the quarterback, this can be done in the running back keeping his arms flat against his body, one arm low and the other high creating an open square or target around the chest for the quarterback to slide the ball in. Once the quarterback has placed the ball in the pocket, or opening, the running back immediately clamps down on the ball protecting it and holding on to it. Now that the running back has the ball when he leaves the quarterback he should remain low to the ground in order to react quickly on the field.

Powerful Blocking Strategy: Double Teaming

Find a soft spot and push hard, that is what line strategies are all about. A great technique that will give you an advantage on the line is double team blocking. In essence you take two blockers or linemen and have them go after the same person. If you ever need to get a running back through or perform a great blitz, remember this technique. Here are some pointers for this strategy: First, players need to step together, and second lock hips. They form a wall that the opponent cannot break. Hit the shoulders hard and pin the opponent down as you drive them back. Also, this maneuver needs to happen quickly and efficiently.

Forcing the Fumble

In order to win football games you need to have possession of the football. 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. Start the drill slowly, and reward for a strong tackle that affectively tackles and makes an attack to dislodge the offensive players grip on the ball.