Up Downs Conditioning Drill

Up downs is an excellent conditioning drill that will improve reaction time and endurance. 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. This drill is an excellent workout and should be worked in slowly at first and then increased in intensity and length over time.

Conditioning: Five dot jump

Strength and reaction time is what makes a great football athlete. This drills intention is to help quickness and accuracy on the field which will reduce errors and increase the chances of great plays. In order to execute the drill you will need a place with five dots, either marked on the grass or on a mat, forming an x shape much like the dots for the number five side of dice.

This drill begins with the player starting on two of the outer dots and jumps feet together to the middle dot and then out again to the edge dots separating their feet. Next the player will jump touching each dot with on leg only, and then switch using the other leg. After this, the player will touch all of the dots with both feet together. The last step is the same as the first hop scotch method but this time when the player reaches the other side they will turn around 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.

Basics to football hand offs

Whether you are a quarterback, running back, or a player that at anytime will receive a hand off you need to realize the basics of a great hand off. The hand off can take place in many ways, but most if not all handoffs occur between the quarterback and the running back. A running back at the start of a hand off should give the quarterback a target by opening up his arms that are in front of his chest enough to allow about one and a half footballs in. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back runs off with the football it is important to stay low to increase agility and speed.

Line of scrimmage tactics

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. It is basically putting two linemen on one. 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. This forms an impenetrable line in the middle and as each lineman is on the edge of the opponent it will be very difficult to go around. Hit the shoulders hard and pin the opponent down as you drive them back. Work it fast and work it hard