Up downs is an excellent conditioning drill that will improve reaction time and endurance. This drill consists of having players run in place as fast and as hard as they can. At the coaches signal the players will drop to the ground and do a push up, and then quickly get back up and start running again. Because this drill can be very taxing, it is important to increase the time spent at this slowly over time as the player’s strength increases.
Low Ball Catching Techniques
Great plays are made through dedicated practice of the fundamentals. Making the plays means that you have practiced the “non-optimal” situation and know how to react to them. One situation that most offensive players will face is the low catch. One not so perfect scenario is a low passed catch. First, keep your hands down low in a scooping or shovel position; you can even cross your pinkies. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Locking your pinkies prevents the football from falling through your hands. Second, bend your knees and get low. Remember, the cardinal rule of catching is to use your hands and not your body. Keep your eyes right on the ball. And always see the ball through, meaning that you are watching it into the tuck.
Water on and off the field
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Every player should have a water bottle close so that they can take quick water breaks or at least a swallow here and there. Always remember that if you prevent, punish, or otherwise use water as a motivational tool it is very counterproductive, and there are many other motivating paths that you can take. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.
Around the world: Improved Ball Handling
Without a solid foundation of ball handling players will be easy prey to a solid defensive team. This drill is meant to help players control and develop their ball handling skills. Players will move the football from one hand to another hand around differing parts of their body. The drill is simple and starts by having the player pass the ball around their head, torso, arms, knees, and even between their feet from one hand to another in constant motion.
Coaches can mix up the drill by shouting out body parts that the players will have to start circling with the football; they can also reverse the direction that the ball is traveling by calling, “reverse”. Changing the direction of the football ensures that they don’t form a habit, and that they remained focused on the ball and controlling the movement.
At the very end of the drill the players will do several simple drops. The player will drop the ball and quickly pick it up again. It will also help to change the hand that the player’s uses to pick up the ball to ensure both hands are learning this technique.
