The Deflection Drill: Mastering Pass Breakups
The Deflection Drill is designed to refine a defensive back’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and create pass breakups. This drill emphasizes hand placement, timing, and physicality at the catch point.
Purpose
- Pass Deflection Technique: Develops proper hand placement and striking technique for deflecting passes.
- Ball Location: Enhances the defensive back’s ability to locate the football and time their disruption.
- Tackling Preparation: Reinforces the importance of being prepared to make a tackle if the pass deflection attempt is unsuccessful.
Description
Drill Setup
- A heavy stand-up dummy or pop-up dummy is positioned approximately 3 yards from the sideline.
- Defensive backs line up 4-5 yards to the side and 1-2 yards in front of the dummy, facing the passer.
- A coach or designated passer stands at the hashmarks at the same yardline as the defensive backs.
Drill Execution
- Backpedal and Break: On coach’s command the defensive back starts backpedaling.
- Pass Placement: The coach or passer throws a pass at the dummy, simulating a pass to a receiver.
- Deflection Attempt: The defensive back reacts to the passer initiating his throw by performing a plant step and sprinting towards the dummy to disrupt the pass by striking it with their near hand, using a “clubbing” motion.
- Tackling Preparation: If the pass deflection is unsuccessful, the defensive back is prepared to make the tackle on the dummy with his far shoulder and arm.
Coaching Points
- Hand Placement: Emphasize proper hand placement, targeting the football with a downward striking motion.
- Timing: Stress the importance of timing the deflection attempt to disrupt the pass at its highest point, but not hit the dummy before the ball has arrived.
- Footwork: Encourage quick, controlled footwork to maintain balance and position.
- Tackling Preparation: Remind defensive backs to be prepared to make a tackle with their far shoulder and arm if the deflection attempt is unsuccessful.
- Physicality: Foster a mentality of aggression and physicality when attempting to disrupt the pass.
Equipment
- Heavy stand-up dummy or pop-up dummy
- Footballs
By mastering the Deflection Drill, defensive backs will develop the skills and instincts necessary to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers.
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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