The Tip Drill: Developing Ball-Hawking Instincts
The Tip Drill is designed to enhance a defensive back’s ability to react to tipped passes, track the ball in the air, and secure interceptions. This drill emphasizes anticipation, ball-tracking skills, and playmaking instincts.
Purpose
- Ball-Hawking Instincts: Develops the ability to react quickly to tipped passes and create interception opportunities.
- Ball Tracking: Enhances the defensive back’s ability to locate and track the ball in the air.
- Interception Technique: Refines the technique for securing interceptions, including hand placement and body positioning.
Description
Drill Setup
- Defensive backs line up at the sideline at any given yardline.
- A coach or player, acting as the passer, stands at the hashmarks at the same yardline
- On player stands also on that yardline at about the height of the bottom of the numbers, acting as the “tipper”
Drill Execution
- Start: On command the interceptor starts running towards the tipper.
- Tipping the Ball: The passer throws a pass over the head of the “tipper”.
- Tipping Action: The “tipper” attempts to deflect the ball upward, creating a tipped pass opportunity. He should skimm it, not a volleyball “set”.
- Interception: The defensive back (the “interceptor”) reacts to the tipped ball, tracking its flight and attempting to secure an interception.
Variation
Running Tipper: Instead of a stationary “tipper”, have the “tipper” run about 2-3 yards in front of the “interceptor” to add some uncertainty.
- Pair defensive backs together.
- One defensive back assumes the role of the “tipper”, while the other acts as the “interceptor”.
- The “interceptor” stands about 2-3 yards behind the “tipper”.
- On command both start running towards the passer.
Running Tipper angled approach: Instead of running directly at the passer, the tipper and interceptor run at a 30°-45° angle to the coach. This adds a dynamic element to the drill and creates different angles for the ball to bounce off the hands of the tipper.
Coaching Points
- Timing and Anticipation: Emphasize the importance of anticipating the tipped pass and reacting quickly.
- Ball Tracking: Encourage defensive backs to use their peripheral vision to track the ball’s flight and adjust their body position accordingly.
- Interception Technique: Reinforce proper hand placement and ball security when making interceptions.
- Communication: Encourage verbal communication between the “tipper” and the “interceptor” to provide feedback and improve performance.
- Playmaking Mentality: Foster a mentality of aggression and opportunism when competing for tipped passes.
Equipment
- Football(s)
By mastering the Tip Drill, defensive backs will develop the instincts, technique, and focus necessary to create turnovers and impact the outcome of games.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Leon Criner (✝️ Nov. 14, 2014), at the time Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator and Jimmy Sims, at the time Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education / Head Football Coach at Los Angeles Valley College – The Los Angeles Valley College Monarchs played then in the Western States Conference, now in the SCFA, Southern California Football Association.
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