Football skills & drills

240 Pages·2012·16.122 MB·English

by  Tom Bass

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HUMAN KINETICS
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Bass, Tom.
Football skills & drills / Tom Bass. -- 2nd ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-7360-9076-6 (soft cover) -- ISBN 0-7360-9076-2 (soft cover)
1. Football--Training. 2. Football--Coaching. I. Title. II. Title:
Football skills and drills.
GV953.5B364 2012
796.332--dc23
2011052795
ISBN-10: 0-7360-9076-2 (print)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-9076-6 (print)
Copyright © 2012, 2004 by Tom Bass
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any
electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying,
and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission
of the publisher.
Acquisitions Editor: Justin Klug; Developmental Editor: Carla Zych; Assistant Editor: Claire Marty;
Copyeditor: Bob Replinger; Graphic Designer: Keri Evans; Graphic Artist: Julie L. Denzer; Cover
Designer: Keith Blomberg; Photographer (cover): Chris Graythen/Getty Images; Photographer (interior):
Neil Bernstein; Visual Production Assistant: Joyce Brumfield; Photo Production Manager: Jason Allen;
Art Manager: Kelly Hendren; Associate Art Manager: Alan L. Wilborn; Illustrations: © Human Kinetics;
Printer: Versa Press
We thank Rantoul High School in Rantoul, Illinois, for assistance in providing the location for the photo shoot
for this book.
Human Kinetics books are available at special discounts for bulk purchase. Special editions or book excerpts
can also be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Manager at Human Kinetics.
Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The paper in this book is certified under a sustainable forestry program.
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Website: www.HumanKinetics.com
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This book is dedicated to Michele, my wife and partner, who constantly
provides positive encouragement and insight for all my writings.
I cannot thank her enough.
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Acknowledgments ................................... vi
Introduction ........................................ vii
Key to Diagrams ..................................... x
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iv
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Drill Finder ........................................ 220
About the Author .................................. 229
v
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Aw ord of praise and admiration goes out to the thousands of junior
high and high school football coaches who every year give their time,
energy, and knowledge to help to shape teenage football players into
young adults. I hope this book provides them with information that
can enhance their present programs.
A number of very dedicated and organized people have contributed to the
preparation and completion of this new edition of the book. A special thanks
goes to each of them, starting with Carla Zych, my developmental editor, who
provided great insight, understanding, and motivation. It was great working
with her on this project. I would also like to thank Claire Marty, assistant editor,
and Neil Bernstein, photographer, who worked hard to make the book come
alive. A very special thanks also goes to Coach Shane Carter, head football
coach of the Rantoul High School Eagles, and all of his players, who contrib-
uted their time and energy to make the book the best it can be.
A special thanks to my daughter, Shana, who was always there when Dad
needed to discuss the usage and spelling of a word or the wording of a phrase
or concept. Her suggestions and ideas were greatly appreciated.
Finally, thanks to my good friend and fellow football coach, the late Harry
Johnston, for providing a sounding board for the endless discussion of all
things football and life.
vi
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Young athletes learning to play football within the rules, to the best of
their ability, and with great sportsmanship face a tremendous chal-
lenge. Football is a demanding game both physically and mentally.
It is a game in which desire, determination, and willingness to work
hard and to play as a member of a team are very important. Most of all, it is
a fun sport.
Although football is the ultimate team sport, on each play every player
is involved in an individual battle. Winning or losing this battle determines
the success or failure of each play. The challenge is to win as many of these
individual battles as possible. Even so, no single player is ever bigger than
the team. No individual player can succeed without the aid and contribu-
tions of his teammates.
Teamwork starts with the attitude teammates have toward each other.
Having fun by kidding around is one of the ways players deal with the pres-
sures of the game, but caring for teammates and giving them encourage-
ment is much more important than spending time joking around.
Teamwork also means treating everyone on the squad with respect, a
sign of true sportsmanship. A starting player who knows he will play in every
game may find it easier to put in the hours at practice. Each week, this player
sees the reward of his hard work and will feel that practice is worth the time
and effort. But what about the player who practices just as hard but rarely
gets in the game? When I played, these teammates were the ones I came to
admire the most. They were the players who ran the opponent’s plays and
defenses during practice. Their role was to make it possible for the team
to succeed. They practice hard and got banged up and bruised, but never
complained even though they knew they probably would never get a chance
to play in the game. Their contribution and reward was to see the starters
improve and their team have a chance to win. This group of players repre-
sents teamwork at its best.
Coaches need to remember that players need to know that you care
about them as individuals before they will start caring about the team. It is
important for coaches to take the time to encourage the players who rarely
get to play in the game. These are the players who make it possible for the
team to be prepared.
A word of encouragement and appreciation from the coach can mean a
lot to someone who rarely gets to play. It is very important to let these play-
ers know how much their teamwork helps the team to win. Teach by giving
praise for effort as well as performance.
Learning to come together with other players and to work as a team
toward a common goal is one of the most important lessons players will
take away from the game.
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viii
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(cid:51)ra(cid:70)ti(cid:70)i(cid:81)(cid:74) to I(cid:80)(cid:83)ro(cid:89)e
The battles on the field are decided by how players play the game. Under-
standing and performing the necessary skills and techniques is essential to
winning each battle on the field. Mastering these small techniques will greatly
increase the level of performance.
In addition, the more a coach and player learn about what their opponent is
trying to do, the easier it becomes to defeat his actions. Watching video from
a previous game or even seeing an opponent play live, if possible, can help
players and coaches gain this knowledge. The more a team sees an opponent
and can chart and diagram their offensive and defensive scheme, the better
the team can anticipate what the opponent will do and plan successfully to
stop them.
Every day in practice coaches will be challenged to help players improve.
Coaches should emphasize that the players must do their part by listening
carefully and then trying to correctly do what is asked. Players must concen-
trate and work hard if they want to get better and help the team to be suc-
cessful.
During practice, players should watch the more experienced players, listen
when the coach corrects what the more experienced players are doing, and
remember how it should be done. When they get their chance, less experi-
enced players can recall the instruction given to other players and try to do
the skill the correct way. Every minute of practice time needs to be used for
learning, even by players who are not involved in the drill.
All players must work on staying strong and in good condition through-
out the year. Each player should be physically prepared to play as hard in the
fourth quarter as in the first. Players can give themselves this edge by making
certain they do extra work when it is needed.
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The techniques in this book are explained and illustrated so that the player
can work on his own as well as with a coach. Players in every position should
practice getting into their stances and working on their starts away from the
field.
Some techniques require another person to observe and assist in their
practice. This other person can be a teammate who plays the same position.
In this way, players can help each other raise the level of their performances
and become better players.
When first learning a technique, players should work on their footwork
against air. Once they perfect the movement, they can execute the technique
at half speed versus a bag and then with a player from the same position.
Finally, they can practice the technique against an opponent from the oppo-
site side of the ball at full speed. Early in the season, when conditioning is one
of the major goals, players should practice without pads. This is an excellent
time for players to learn and practice footwork drills that do not involve con-
tact as well as to learn assignments.
IN(cid:55)R(cid:50)D(cid:56)(cid:38)(cid:55)I(cid:50)N ix
Competition and contact are two major distractions in learning good tech-
nique. Coaches should teach each technique without these two elements at
first and then slowly introduce them into the drill.
This book includes technique instruction and drills to help any player
improve at any position. Detailed illustrations and photo sequences enhance
the text and improve understanding and retention. The first chapter covers
five fundamental skills needed by every player—tackling, catching the ball,
running with the ball, recovering a fumble, and generating power by rolling the
hips. The following chapters discuss each position in detail, with complete skill
instruction, technique photos, and diagrams where appropriate. The book
concludes with vital information on the unique positions in special-teams play.
My goal is to help you become the very best football coach or player. My
priority is to provide the best skills and drills that I have learned throughout
my 30 years of coaching. Good luck as you work your way toward becoming a
success both on and off the field.
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QB Quarterback
HB Halfback
FB Fullback
TB Tailback
CN Center
RB Running back
TE Tight end
WR Wide receiver
LT/RT Left, right tackle
LG/RG Left, right guard
OG Offensive guard
OT Offensive tackle
OL Offensive lineman
NT Nose tackle
K Kicker
P Punter
LDE/RDE Left, right defensive end
LDT/RDT Left, right defensive tackle
DE Defensive end
DB Defensive back
LB Linebacker
ILB Inside linebacker
OLB Outside linebacker
SS Strong safety
FS Free safety
CB Cornerback
BC Ballcarrier
TK Tackler
C Coach
Running path
Blocking path
Ball path
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