The High Toss Football Catch

High passes happen, and as a receiver you need to be ready for something unexpected. Because of the variety of passes that you might receive here are some basics to high pass catching: Make a diamond with their forefingers and thumbs. Never catch or try to catch a ball with your body, especially a high ball. Important Tip: never, ever, under any circumstances, for any reason, take your eyes off the ball; even after you have caught it watch the ball until you know that it is safely in your grips. Some receivers fear an oncoming tackle and want to check out the field as soon as possible, those receivers that follow the catch with their eyes are going to catch more and receive more playing time.

Drive Block

Simple drives are important for linemen to practice and perfect. The drive block is the most fundamental and should be practiced often. It is a simple yet effective way to move your opponent. It starts with the lineup, when you are facing your opponent notice which way they are aligned, if they are off to the right then you will drive them to the right if the play is occurring on the left side of the field. When executing this block start with your play side foot, meaning if the play is on the right side of you it will be your right foot. Move quickly and in a speed bursting motion, make solid contact with your opponent to drive them off in the direction that you want.

Staying Hydrated

Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Water should never be used as a motivational or reward type basis. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.

Running with the Ball: The Gauntlet Drill

Ball security has to be the most important aspect of a strong offensive team. This of course is even more important for wide receivers and running backs as they handle the ball more than most. One drill that has been used several times to improve ball security is called the gauntlet drill. This drill is set up with one ball carrier, there objective is to run through a group of opponents that try to knock the ball out. Each of the defenders can line up in any way making the ball carrier run any sort of patterns with the ball, the point is to pose a challenge to hold onto the ball. Run each of the gauntlet drills slow and then speed them up as each player gets better at effective ball security.