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Youth football fundamental drillsBlockingBlocking is the cornerstone of a good offensive football team. Teams use blocking to move a defensive man out of an area where they want to run the football and to keep defenders from getting to the quarterback. All players including the quarterback may be used as a blocker at times. Drive BlockThe drive block is a one-on-one block used most often when a defender is lined up directly over an offensive lineman and must be moved in order for the play to succeed. Emphasize the following points to your players.
Pass Protection BlockThe pass protection block keeps the defender from getting to the quarterback before he can deliver the ball to a receiver. The initial move and setup technique is extremely important in pass blocking. The lineman must set up quickly, stepping with his inside foot first. The lineman pushes up into a two point stance with his down hand. The movement projects the offensive lineman into a position with his head up, eyes open, back straight, rear end down, hand and arms up, and feet positioned to move back or laterally in a split second. The lineman must position himself between the quarterback and the defensive pass rusher. He can do this by backing off the line of scrimmage quickly after the snap. Make sure that your linemen know that they should never get beat to their inside. The blockers must be patient when pass blocking, keeping the legs under him and always remain in a good blocking position. They are not the aggressors while pass blocking. Receiver Concentration:Works on getting the receiver to focus on the ball and watch it all the way
into the hands, even though they know they are going to get hit. Set-up, Find Receiver, and Fire:Improve the quarterbacks reaction upon setup, by: The quarterback takes a
quick drop and sets to deliver the football. Station three or four players
downfield, facing him in a horizontal line spread evenly across the field. Each
player has an assigned number. The coach calls out a number, the quarterback
must quickly set his feet in the direction of the designated player and throw
the football. Teach players how to receive a proper handoff and keep the head up to make
the proper read and cut. Turn:To force the receiver to get into a position to see the ball and concentrate
on catching it.
Passing and Receiving DrillsThe drills presented are not extensive, but are realistic in time required to practice. If what is presented is practiced diligently, constantly, without change, and correctly then you can expect your QBs to improve their techniques, especially in the area of the drop back, the set-up and the delivery of the ball. There are many drills that could be used that are not included here. Take a few drills at each workout period and work on these that best suit you and your QBs's abilities. These are good drills and accomplish much of what you want. Taking everything into consideration, drills are fine, but you still must practice most those things you will be doing in the actual game. Both knees drillThe purpose is to warm up the arm. At the same time, this drill teaches concentration on target and ball release. Pair off about 10 yards apart directly in line with each other, kneeling on both knees. Receiver holds both hands up, giving the QB a target. Don't throw hard. Simply concentrate on target. Check for correct arm movement, high release and follow through. Single knee drillThe purpose is to develop stronger arm and wrist snap. Put your knee on the throwing side on the ground. Place the ball on the ground. Gripping it with the throwing hand, lift the ball up with only one hand, cock it high with two hands, and throw to partner. Exaggerate follow through, pick up grass. Use the arm only. Switch the down knee for variation. Make sure arm movement is lead by elbow. Feet parallel drillThe purpose is to warm up the arm and, at the same time, teach concentration on target and passing technique. Pair off about 12 yards apart directly in line with each other. Increase the distance as you warm up. Don't exceed 20 yards and do not take a step with your foot. QB should not throw with power but only with correct arm technique. Opposite foot drillThe purpose of this drill is a warm up. It teaches how to throw off the wrong foot by simulating throwing off wrong foot while scrambling or sprinting out. The Right handed player puts his right foot forward in heel to toe. Point the toe in the direction of the pass. Rotate hips with the throw. If thrown correctly, weight will be forced forward on the ball of your right foot. QB should rotate shoulders and hips as much as possible to get them in a correct position to deliver the ball. Normal foot follow through drillThe purpose of this drill is to work on the complete throwing motion. It is the same as previous, except step with correct foot. The Right handed player steps with left foot. Point the toe in direction of pass. Throw and follow through. This motion assures tip of ball will be up for soft pass. Emphasize the follow-through until it becomes an automatic part of throwing motion. Circle tossThe purpose of this drill is to work on throwing on the run, like on a rollout pass. Run in circle playing catch and reverse the action. Release the ball quickly. As a variation, one man can stand still and the other run around him. Change direction and switch positions. The shoulders and hips should always be squared up to target on begin of throwing motion. |
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