Collegiate American Football Defensive Tips
Steps to effectively block driving
Simple drives are important for linemen to practice and perfect. The drive block is the most fundamental and should be practiced often. It is a simple yet effective way to move your opponent. It starts with the lineup, when you are facing your opponent notice which way they are aligned, if they are off to the right then you will drive them to the right if the play is occurring on the left side of the field. When executing this block start with your play side foot, meaning if the play is on the right side of you it will be your right foot. Move quickly and in a speed bursting motion, make solid contact with your opponent to drive them off in the direction that you want.
Dehydration is an enemy to football success
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.
Making a great hand off
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. We will explain this in a common scenario between a quarterback and a 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. 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.
Forcing the Fumble
The faster your defense is at getting the ball back into the offensives hands the more likely you are to win a game. Win your games by training your defense to use a strong tackle that strips the ball from the opponent. A great way to practice is have two players line up, one as the defense, the other with the football as the offense. 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. This drill is most effective if you start it slow focusing on the motions needed to be effective, and then speed up over time.
Simple drives are important for linemen to practice and perfect. The drive block is the most fundamental and should be practiced often. It is a simple yet effective way to move your opponent. It starts with the lineup, when you are facing your opponent notice which way they are aligned, if they are off to the right then you will drive them to the right if the play is occurring on the left side of the field. When executing this block start with your play side foot, meaning if the play is on the right side of you it will be your right foot. Move quickly and in a speed bursting motion, make solid contact with your opponent to drive them off in the direction that you want.
Dehydration is an enemy to football success
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.
Making a great hand off
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. We will explain this in a common scenario between a quarterback and a 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. 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.
Forcing the Fumble
The faster your defense is at getting the ball back into the offensives hands the more likely you are to win a game. Win your games by training your defense to use a strong tackle that strips the ball from the opponent. A great way to practice is have two players line up, one as the defense, the other with the football as the offense. 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. This drill is most effective if you start it slow focusing on the motions needed to be effective, and then speed up over time.
Source...