Ideas on Coaching Football – Conditioning is KEY

Conditioning Tip #1:
It’s not just enough to have your players run during practices (or during conditioning), but they need to be doing wind sprints throughout practices.

The interval cycle of running at 100% for 30 seconds followed by a short rest period of 15-25 seconds, followed by more 100% running not only increases endurance, but actually increases strength and speed!

I know a lot of coaches like those long runs at a moderate pace, but these short, but intense, bursts take LESS time and are MORE effective.

Conditioning Tip #2:
Another solid tip I like is placing a football on top of a tackling dummy during tackling practice.

When the ball hits the ground, the players will yell “ball”.   The tackler must then get up and dive onto the ball.

This drill teaches them great awareness that the play is not always over after the tackle is made, and reinforces the notion of getting that ball back in your teams’ hands (be it offense or defense).