Perfect play drill

Purpose

Getting all defensive players to take correct pursuit angle on sweep plays and the like. Also good for conditioning.

Description

Put a ball in the middle of the field on the 40 yard line. Put a DB on each hashmark at about the 45 yardline. Line up a defense on the ball defending the nearer endzone call a lineup, coverage, and eventually a stunt or blitz. Then another player or a coach will pick up the ball and pitch it to one of the two DB's standing at the hashes, who then will run with the ball paralell to the LOS towards the sideline an then will turn upfield about 3-4 yards inside the sideline. All defensive players will pursue the ballcarrier, and touch him with both hands at his hips, without stopping him.

Coaching Points

Make sure the players execute their assignments before they start pursuing (i.e. the DL's should penetrate, execute a called stunt. LB's take their correct first steps, etc.). It is also important that the players really touch the ballcarrier's hip with both hands, otherwise they wouldn't be able to make a tackle if it were "live".