Football Coaching Drills – Bat Down

Defenders need to be able to get position on a throw and knock the ball out of the way. This is one of the [tag]football coaching drills[/tag] used to reinforce this skill.

What you need – You will need to set up a tackling dummy at different areas of the field.   Defensive backs should be lined up at the various dummies.   The quarterback (or coach, if necessary), will throw the ball at the dummies.

How this drill works – The defensive back’s break to the ball will help them bat the ball down from the receiver, and that is what this [tag]football[/tag] [tag]drill[/tag] works on.   As the QB (or coach) drops back, he will survey the field and decide which dummy to throw the ball at.

The defensive backs need to read where the quarterback is going to throw and then make an adjustment to get into position to knock the ball away.   Once the ball is thrown, the defensive back must break towards the ball and attempt to knock it out of the way – without making contact with the dummy (pass interference).  

Result – Defensive backs will make a few more plays in the secondary.