It's important to teach football players the right form to use on the football field. As players learn the skills needed to make plays on the field, coaches have to introduce contact as a regular part of practice. To make plays that are going to have an impact, players need to become accustomed to the hitting that takes place on every play.
Tackling Drill
In this drill, the running back lines up five yards behind the line of scrimmage, and the linebacker lines up 10 yards away from him. On the coach's whistle, the running back takes off with the ball, running a sweep to his right. His job is to get to the outside and then cut upfield and run by or through the linebacker. The linebacker must come up and bring the ball carrier down by leading with his inside shoulder. Require that running backs and linebackers participate in this drill.
Pad Drill
Receivers have to learn to hold on to the ball after making the catch. In this drill, they will have to show that they can concentrate on the ball, make the catch and avoid dropping the ball. Have the receiver take off from the line of scrimmage and then cut to the middle of the field after running 15 yards. At this point, the quarterback will throw him the ball. As he makes the catch, two defensive backs with hitting pads in their hands will "thud" the receiver with those pads. This will get the receiver used to the contact without putting him at risk to serious injury in practice. Have each receiver do this drill three times.
Three on Three Drill
Instruct two offensive linemen to line up on the line of scrimmage between two cones that are eight yards apart. Place two defensive linemen opposite these blockers. A running back is stationed five yards behind the line of scrimmage, and a linebacker is five yards behind the line of scrimmage. The coach will point his arm left or right. That's the direction the blockers must push the defensive linemen. The running back must take advantage of that blocking by running to the opposite side. He then must beat the linebacker with his speed or a quick move. Assign running backs, linebackers and linemen to participate in this drill.
