The Dive Layout Drill: Mastering the Play on the Ball
The Dive Layout Drill is designed to develop a defensive back’s ability to aggressively pursue and secure the football, even when it is out of reach. This drill emphasizes speed, explosiveness, and body control in making diving interceptions.
Purpose
- Ball-Hawking Instincts: Develops the mentality and aggression to aggressively pursue and secure loose balls.
- Explosiveness: Enhances the defensive back’s ability to accelerate and drive towards the ball.
- Body Control: Improves body control and coordination for diving interceptions.
- Ball Security: Reinforces the importance of securing the ball after making a diving interception.
Description
Drill Setup
- Pair defensive backs together.
- Each pair lines up approximately 5 yards apart, facing a coach or designated passer.
Drill Execution
- Sprint and Plant: On the coach’s command, both defensive backs sprint laterally, planting their outside foot to initiate a change of direction.
- Ball Placement: The coach or designated passer throws the ball in front of the defensive backs, encouraging them to dive for the interception.
- Diving and Securing: Defensive backs dive to intercept the ball, focusing on securing it with both hands and protecting it upon landing.
Coaching Points
- Explosiveness: Emphasize a powerful and explosive drive towards the ball, aiming to cover as much ground as possible.
- Body Control: Encourage defensive backs to maintain control of their bodies during the dive, aiming for a smooth landing. They should avoid landing on their elbows, as it is very unlikely that they will be able to maintain control of the ball if they hit the ground hard with their elbows.
- Hand Placement: Emphasize proper hand placement to secure the ball, using the hands to cradle the football.
- Follow-Through: Encourage defensive backs to follow through with the catch, pulling the ball into their body to protect it.
Equipment
By mastering the Dive Layout Drill, defensive backs will develop the physicality, instincts, and ball-hawking skills necessary to create game-changing turnovers.
