The Turn Drill: Enhancing Defensive Back Ball-Hawking Skills
The Turn Drill is designed to improve a defensive back’s ability to quickly change direction, locate the football, and make plays on the ball. This drill emphasizes hip fluidity, reaction time, and ball-tracking skills.
Purpose
- Hip Mobility: Develops explosive hip rotation and the ability to change direction rapidly.
- Ball Location: Enhances the defensive back’s ability to locate the football after turning and making a play on the ball.
- Reaction Time: Improves reaction time to the quarterback’s throwing motion and the flight of the ball.
Description
Drill Setup
- Defensive backs line up facing away from the coach or passer, approximately 6-8 yards away.
Drill Execution
- Starting Position: Defensive backs assume a ready stance, facing away from the passer.
- Sprint and Turn: On the coach’s command, defensive backs sprint backward while looking over their shoulder.
- Pass and Reaction: The coach throws a pass over the defensive back’s opposite shoulder. The defensive back quickly turns by swiveling his head around looking over the shoulder where the ball is thrown and (re-)locates the football, making a play on the ball.
- Ball Security: After securing the ball, defensive backs practice securing the football and protecting it from potential fumbles.
- Turn and Return: After having the ball secured the defensive back breaks, turns around and returns the ball to the coach sprinting.
Coaching Points
- Head Movement: Encourage defensive backs to keep their head up and use their peripheral vision to track the ball.
- Footwork: Promote quick, controlled footwork to maintain balance and change direction efficiently.
- Ball Location: Stress the importance of accurately locating the football after turning.
- Interception Technique: Reinforce proper hand placement and ball security when making a play on the ball.
Equipment
By mastering the Turn Drill, defensive backs will develop the athleticism, reaction time, and ball skills necessary to create turnovers and make impactful plays.
