Conditioning: Quick step crossing

Conditioning in football is meant to help you react quickly on the field moving in a variety of directions. The point to this drill is having players practice quick directional changes on the field. Start out by placing the player on any crossing lined area on the field, anything like a small for square area. 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. Changes can be made so that the player will only use one foot and then the other while they run the drill.

Dehydration is an enemy to football success

Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Every player should have a water bottle close so that they can take quick water breaks or at least a swallow here and there. Water should never be used as a motivational or reward type basis. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.

Strip Tackling

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. Practice dislodging the football on the field in pairs of players. The point is to have the defensive player throw the fist into the football causing the offensive player to fumble the football. This drill is most effective if you start it slow focusing on the motions needed to be effective, and then speed up over time.

Proper Catching Leads to Great Ball Security

When a receiver catches the ball they need to immediately put it into a secure ball carrying position. There are three steps of a great catch: First, place your hands in front of you with your palms open and thumbs out forming an open triangle for the football. Second, follow the ball through with your eyes. Third, tuck the ball away security, keeping your eyes on the ball, so that it is in a high tight position. Bad habits can form easily as many receivers look away mid catch to scan the field for defenders. This error leads to incomplete passes or worse, a fumble. To prevent this, have two receivers throw to each other and as they catch it have them slow down the motion so that they pause at each catch, follow through and tuck.