Purpose
This Linebacker Deflection Drill works on four phases to catch a deflected pass for an interception:
- The quick break on the ball,
- The proper angle of the break,
- Focussing on the ball, and
- Catching the deflection.
Description
- Put 2 cones about 10 yards apart on a line, and a “receiver” over each cone.
- The Linebacker lines up right between the cones.
- The coach or a passer lines up about 12 yards in front of the linebacker.
- Upon command the linebacker starts backpedaling and the coach or passer steps towards one of the “receivers” and throws (a slow pass) over the head of that “receiver” who will deflect the pass.
- The linebacker reads the passers step (and commitment) to the receiver and breaks towards that receiver, catches the deflection and sprints with the ball past the coach/passer.
modification: when introducing the drill put the linebacker in a more stationary position just chopping his feet…
Coaching Points
- good backpedal
- plant foot for the break – no false steps
- sprint to the receiver
- keep eyes on the ball
- sprint past the coach
Equipment
- Ball(s)
- 2 cones