Conditioning: Cross jumping

Conditioning in football is meant to help you react quickly on the field moving in a variety of directions. This practice drill is intended to increase reaction speed and the ability to quickly change directions. The drill takes place in small four corner area that you can draw out or use the lines of the field. The drill starts by having a player stand in one area or box, and has them jump diagonally, laterally, frontwards, and backwards from one area to another. Some of the variations can be on legged; either right or left, or changing the order those players will perform the drill.

Ball handling Drill: Hot potato

This drill is used to increase players ball handling skills on the field. In this drill players will be constantly moving or passing the ball from one hand to the other. The drill starts with the head moving the ball in a circular motion from hand to hand, then proceeds to go under the arms, around the waist, then the knees, and finally through and in between the players 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. This change of motion will keep players from falling asleep, and ensure that you are developing handling skills and not just muscle memory.

When the coach calls and end to the drill the players will drop the ball several times (at least 7). This means that the player will drop the football and retrieve it again quickly. It will also help to change the hand that the players uses to pick up the ball to ensure both hands are learning this technique.

Running with the Ball: The Gauntlet Drill

Ball security, preventing fumbles and turnovers is perhaps the most important skill the offensive team can have. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers should work on this skill constantly. One drill that has been used several times to improve ball security is called the gauntlet drill. This drill is set up with one ball carrier, there objective is to run through a group of opponents that try to knock the ball out. A coach can set up short fast runs or longer relays with several obstacles and defenders prying at the ball. Make sure to take the drill slow at first, and to also have the ball carrier hold the ball in several differing positions.

Line of scrimmage tactics

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. In essence you take two blockers or linemen and have them go after the same person. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. 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