Tip Drill

Setup:

Four players and a football is all we need here.

Purpose:

Teaching players how to stay focused on the football after it has been tipped up into the air.

Execution:

With the four players in line about an arm’s length apart, the coach will toss the football up to the first player in line. The first player will tip it up in the air and keep moving forward, volleyball setting it so that when the player behind him runs to the front of the line, the ball is coming back down again. The first three players will continue this until the fourth, who will instead catch the ball. Make sure to run the drill through four times, so that each player gets a chance to be the one catching the football.

Coaching Tips:

Your defense should have what’s called a turnover call. This is so that when one player on the defense forces a turnover, he can let the rest of the defense know what’s happened. This drill is the perfect time to start getting players used to making that call, so whatever word you decide on, have the fourth player in this drill yell it immediately after making the catch.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

• Encourage them to watch the ball into their hands, focusing on hand-eye coordination. This will help them better track the ball, especially when it’s in the air.
• Teach them to adjust their position as the ball travels. Young players should learn to move their feet and position their body optimally to make a successful tip or catch.
• Stress the importance of soft hands when tipping the ball. Younger players often benefit from understanding how to gently tip the ball upwards without too much force, making it easier for the next player.

Tips for Older Athletes:

• Instruct them on timing their jumps. Older players should practice timing their leap so that they make contact with the ball at the highest point they can reach.
• Focus on communication skills. Encourage players to call out when they are about to tip the ball or are in position to catch, enhancing teamwork and coordination.
• Introduce drills that require them to tip the ball in different directions. This will challenge older athletes to adjust their approach and technique based on the ball’s trajectory, simulating game-like scenarios.