Developing Football Skills

Len, one of my readers,   came up with some great suggestions for [tag]developing football skills[/tag].   Keep ”˜em coming!

From Len”¦
I have coached [tag]football[/tag] at all levels many times.
One [tag]drill[/tag] has stood the test of time, year after year regardless of the age group.   I call it “2 on 2” and it is performed as one of 4 [tag]defensive[/tag] workstations that go on concurrently for a 4 min period.   Then a rotation occurs and each group rotate to the next station.

Here is the drill:
Objective: To evaluate and reinforce the fundamentals required to play:
Offensive line, Defensive line, Linebacker,Running back

Set-up:
4 cones to right and left of center representing 3 hole and 5 hole, 4 hole & 6 hole
O lineman takes his stance as a right or left guard
D lineman takes his stance head up or shaded to the O lineman
Linebacker takes his stance as an inside backer directly behind D lineman
Running back takes his stance directly behind O lineman

Coach Position & Actions:
A [tag]coach[/tag] stands directly behind the [tag]linebacker[/tag] and gives a non-verbal hand signal representing snap count (1, 2, 3) and direction of the run.
Both the [tag]running back[/tag] and the O lineman are looking at this signal but NOT the 2 defensive players. Coach then calls out cadence and the action begins

Action:
O lineman employs punch-push, single or double shoulder or cut and crab block on the defensive lineman [tag]blocking[/tag] him in the correct direction indicated for the running back by the hand signal from the coach.

D lineman employs any combat skill to defeat the block and to come under control to make and deliver the tackle.

Linebacker employs his skill at reading the block of the O lineman, scrapping up, filling the hole and making the perfect tackle.

Running back (with ball) runs between the cones (never around them) and in a straight line.

If runner scores he high-fives his O lineman and Defense runs 20 yard sprint
If tackle is made by linebacker or D lineman, they high-five and Offense runs 20 yard sprint.

Rotate your group of players through all four positions.
This is an excellent [tag]team-building[/tag] and skill building drill.