Advancing Elementary American Football Habits}

Advancing Elementary American Football Habits

by

Wellington W

Running with the Ball: The Gauntlet Drill

Ball security has to be the most important aspect of a strong offensive team. 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.

Staying Hydrated

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Drinking plenty of water is all it takes to prevent dehydration, and thus should be an important part of football practices. Make sure that during the football practice players have their water bottles handy and are drinking often. Always remember that if you prevent, punish, or otherwise use water as a motivational tool it is very counterproductive, and there are many other motivating paths that you can take. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.

Constant motion drill to increase ball handling skills

Ball handling is one of the most vital skills that a player can have on the field, and this drills goal is to help players get a better feel and control for the football. Players will move the football from one hand to another hand around differing parts of their body. The drill is simple and starts by having the player pass the ball around their head, torso, arms, knees, and even between their feet from one hand to another in constant motion.

Coaches can mix up the drill by shouting out body parts that the players will have to start circling with the football; they can also reverse the direction that the ball is traveling by calling, reverse. Changing the direction of the football ensures that they dont form a habit, and that they remained focused on the ball and controlling the movement.

At the very end of the drill the players will do several simple drops. The player will drop the ball and quickly pick it up again. To further increase pickup skills have your players change up the hands that they are using so that both their strong and weak hands are developed.

The High Toss Football Catch

As a receiver, or any player that is going to catch a pass, you know that not all passes are going to go right to the chest. Because of the variety of passes that you might receive here are some basics to high pass catching: When you go to make the high catch extend your arms, but keep your hands close together with your hands coming together in a diamond formation. When you have your hands extended you are performing a proper catch, remember, and dont ever catch it with your body. Important to look the catch through and tuck it away.

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Advancing Elementary American Football Habits}