The Stronghold: Avoiding Fumbles with the Ball Security Drill
The Ball Security Drill is a cornerstone exercise for developing ironclad ball security in running backs. It goes beyond simply holding the ball tightly; it trains them to protect the ball from unexpected angles, maintain balance while falling, and leverage their body for extra yardage even in precarious situations.
Purpose
- Sharpen Ball Carrying Technique: This drill focuses on reinforcing proper ball carrying form. Running backs learn to keep the ball high and tight to their chest, with their elbows tucked in to create a secure pocket. This position minimizes the risk of fumbles when they encounter contact.
- Develop Multi-Angle Awareness: The drill challenges running backs to maintain ball security even when approached from behind or unusual angles. This simulates the unpredictable nature of game situations where defenders might attempt strip fumbles from various directions.
- Enhance Balance and Fall Protection: The drill incorporates stepping over bags and sprinting after the drill sequence. This trains running backs to maintain good balance while moving and teaches them how to use their arms and body positioning to absorb impact and protect the ball even when falling to the ground.
- Maximize Yardage After Contact: By ingraining the habit of keeping their legs churning even during falls, the drill encourages running backs to fight for extra yards after contact. This can be the difference between a short gain and a crucial first down.
Description
Drill Setup
- Have the running backs assume a single-arm bear crawl position. The left hand should be placed firmly in the middle of the top of one agility bag, with their feet spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- In their right arm, the running backs should cradle the football properly. Their elbow should be tucked in close to their body, and the ball should be held high and tight against their chest, covering all the pressure points to prevent fumbling.
- Position one to three teammates or assistant coaches around the 3 bags and have them simulate a defender attempting to strip the ball from unexpected angles.
Drill Execution
- On command, the running back begins by stepping over the bags in a clockwise rotation. They should lead with their left foot, followed by their right foot, continuously moving over the bags, which are aligned as in the diagram. After two or three rounds).
- As the running back completes his final step and returns to the starting position, the running back transitions into a full sprint for 10 yards, simulating the continuation of the play after maintaining ball security during contact.
- Once the entire group finishes one round, have them switch hands and alternate the direction of movement (counter-clockwise).
Variations
- Multiple defenders: For an additional challenge and to emphasize ball security under pressure, incorporate three players positioned around the three openings of the agility bags. These players can attempt to “knock” the ball out from behind the running back as they move over the bags. However, stress that these players should not grab the ball, only punch at it or attempt one short rip.
- Use Balls attached to (rubber) bands: If available use balls at which a strong rubber band is attached to and have a player or assitant coach hold the band moving around with the player performing the drill, and giving the ball with the rubber band at unregular moments a quick but strong jerk.
Coaching Points
- Ball Security Focus: Reinforce the importance of proper ball carrying technique throughout the drill. Remind running backs to keep the ball high and tight, elbows tucked in, and all pressure points covered.
- Footwork and Balance: Emphasize the importance of maintaining good footwork and balance while stepping over the bags. This translates to better agility and control when navigating defenders in live game situations.
- Head Up, Eyes Open: While maintaining focus on ball security, remind running backs to keep their head up with some level of peripheral vision. This allows them to stay aware of their surroundings and potential threats.
- Fight for the Ball: Encourage running backs to fight for the ball when they feel contact. They can utilize their arm to shield the ball, tuck it closer to their body and curling their shoulder over the ball while maintaining momentum.
- Legs Churning: Stress the importance of keeping their legs churning even while falling or transitioning from the bags to the sprint. This can help them gain extra yards and potentially avoid a turnover.
Equipment
- Footballs (ideally up to one per running back)
- 3 large agility bags (or similar obstacles)
- eventually: Footballs attached to a strong rubber band
Originally Contributed 2008 by Coach Greg Mitchell, at the time Assitant Coach/Outside Linebackers at Urbana University, OH. The Urbana Blue Knights play in the MSFA (Mid-States Football Association, NAIA)
|
|
|
