Foster Turnover Opportunities: The Intercept and Return Team Drill
The Intercept and Return Team Drill is a dynamic exercise designed to hone both interception skills within the defensive secondary and effective blocking techniques for a successful return. This drill emphasizes the importance of transitioning seamlessly from coverage to pursuit and blocking upon securing an interception.
Purpose
- Interception Technique: Develops the defensive backs’ ability to recognize and react to catchable passes, ultimately leading to more interceptions.
- Post-Interception Transition: Refines the secondary’s ability to transition from coverage responsibilities to pursuit and blocking after an interception is made.
- Team Blocking: Enhances teamwork and communication within the defensive unit as players work together to block for the ball carrier and secure a return touchdown.
- Return Awareness: Improves the ball carrier’s awareness of potential blockers and their ability to utilize them effectively during a return.
Description
Drill Setup
- Drill Location: Set up the drill near the endzone, i.e. the 5-yard line of the practice field. Ball in the middle between the Hashes.
- Stand-up Dummy Placement: Arrange the 11 stand-up dummies in the following formation:
- First Line (LOS): Place three dummies on each side of the field, directly on the line of scrimmage (LOS). The outermost dummy should be positioned approximately five yards from the sideline, the innermost dummy about five yards outside the hashmark, and the middle dummy situated directly between these two.
- Second Line (Backfield): Position another three dummies five to six yards into the offensive backfield. One dummy should be placed directly behind the football (where the quarterback would stand), with the remaining two dummies positioned slightly outside the innermost dummies from the first line.
- Third Line (Downfield): Set up the final two dummies approximately 20 yards downfield, positioned slightly inside the location of the middle dummy from the first line.
- Offensive Alignment: Line up four receivers in a standard 2 x 2 formation. A quarterback or designated passer should be positioned on the football (or in shotgun formation) directly behind the stand-up dummy mimicking the center.
Drill Execution
- Coverage Call and Alignment: The coach clearly communicates the defensive coverage scheme (Cover 2, Man coverage, etc.). The defensive players align accordingly, initially disregarding the stand-up dummies.
- Route Signals and Coverage: The coach signals specific routes for all four receivers. The receivers run their assigned routes, and the defensive secondary players execute their coverage responsibilities.
- Interception Simulation: The coach then signals the intended direction of the interception. The quarterback or designated passer throws a deep and interceptable pass in that direction.
- Intercept and Transition: A defensive player intercepts the pass. The defensive back closest to the interception point immediately identifies the nearest stand-up dummy and aggressively blocks it by driving forward and making contact.
- Team Blocking: All defensive players, including those far away from the interception, must now transition from coverage to blocking. They identify their designated stand-up dummy and move towards it and simulate to block it.
- Return and Celebration: The ball carrier sprints downfield, utilizing the created blocking lanes established by his teammates. Encourage the entire defensive unit to run alongside the ball carrier (after they executed their block) all the way into the endzone for a touchdown celebration.
- Drill Repetition: After the touchdown celebration, the players reset the stand-up dummies and repeat the drill with a new coverage scheme or interception scenario.
Variations
- Replace Stand-up Dummies: If stand-up dummies are unavailable, substitute them with additional players who hold hand shields to simulate blockers.
Coaching Points
- Straight Line Pursuit: Emphasize the importance for defensive players to run in a straight line towards their assigned stand-up dummy after the interception. This ensures they get in front of the ball carrier quickly and effectively establish a block.
- Ball Carrier Awareness: Instruct the ball carrier to be aware of their blockers’ positions and utilize them during the return. They may need to adjust their running path slightly to stay behind the blocks and maximize their effectiveness.
- Controlled Speed: While the ball carrier should aim for a speedy return, they may need to slightly adjust their pace initially to allow their teammates time to transition from coverage and establish their blocks.
- Teamwork and Celebration: Stress the importance of everyone participating in the drill, regardless of their role in the interception. Encourage a sense of teamwork and celebrate the accomplishment of a successful interception and return together as a defensive unit.
Equipment
- 11 Stand-up dummies (or additional players with hand shields)
- Footballs
By incorporating the Intercept and Return Team Drill into your defensive practice routine, you’ll cultivate a more opportunistic and cohesive secondary unit:
- Increased Interceptions: Sharpens the secondary’s awareness and ability to capitalize on interception opportunities during live games.
- Seamless Transition: Refines the crucial transition from coverage to pursuit and blocking after an interception, allowing for quicker reactions and potential return opportunities.
- Enhanced Blocking: Improves teamwork and communication within the defense as players work together to create effective blocking lanes for the ball carrier.
- Return Awareness: Develops the ball carrier’s awareness of potential blockers and their ability to utilize them effectively during a return, maximizing the chance for a successful touchdown.
- Boosted Morale: The excitement of a simulated interception and return touchdown fosters a positive and competitive environment within the defensive unit.
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.
