Conditioning Drill: Up Downs
The popular conditioning drill known as up downs is a very effective way to increase cardiovascular activity and endurance. This drill consists of having players run in place as fast and as hard as they can. 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: The five dot drill
Strength and reaction time is what makes a great football athlete. The intent of this drill is to increase accuracy, timing, and speed. 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. The second phase is having the player touch each of the dots with only one foot, and then switch to the other foot. Then continue around the dots with both legs together. The end step is similar to the first jumping jack step except that this time the player will turn 180 degrees after jumping on the two dots. Because this drill is intended for accuracy and speed, it is recommended that players start out slow and deliberate and then speed up to their maximum time.
Catching the ball high
Because not all throws are perfect you will need to practice making catches that are high or low. Here are some simple steps when making a high catch: The first and most important is that you extend your arms and keep your hands together in a diamond type shape to catch that football. Never catch or try to catch a ball with your body, especially a high ball. Important to look the catch through and tuck it away. If you are taking your eyes off for any reason you will lose focus and have a greater chance to miss the pass, or worse, fumble the football.
Angle tackling
The reason for angle tackles is simple, cover the shortest area to get to the tackle, but there is still a great need to practice this technique. This can be done by having a player run with the ball on a straight line with the defender at any angle. As the defender he will need to adjust his body to cover the shortest distance towards the ball carrier, and make the stop by placing his foot squarely in front, and remembers for safety to put his head in front of the ball carrier. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.
The popular conditioning drill known as up downs is a very effective way to increase cardiovascular activity and endurance. This drill consists of having players run in place as fast and as hard as they can. 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: The five dot drill
Strength and reaction time is what makes a great football athlete. The intent of this drill is to increase accuracy, timing, and speed. 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. The second phase is having the player touch each of the dots with only one foot, and then switch to the other foot. Then continue around the dots with both legs together. The end step is similar to the first jumping jack step except that this time the player will turn 180 degrees after jumping on the two dots. Because this drill is intended for accuracy and speed, it is recommended that players start out slow and deliberate and then speed up to their maximum time.
Catching the ball high
Because not all throws are perfect you will need to practice making catches that are high or low. Here are some simple steps when making a high catch: The first and most important is that you extend your arms and keep your hands together in a diamond type shape to catch that football. Never catch or try to catch a ball with your body, especially a high ball. Important to look the catch through and tuck it away. If you are taking your eyes off for any reason you will lose focus and have a greater chance to miss the pass, or worse, fumble the football.
Angle tackling
The reason for angle tackles is simple, cover the shortest area to get to the tackle, but there is still a great need to practice this technique. This can be done by having a player run with the ball on a straight line with the defender at any angle. As the defender he will need to adjust his body to cover the shortest distance towards the ball carrier, and make the stop by placing his foot squarely in front, and remembers for safety to put his head in front of the ball carrier. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.