Man Maker Drill: Developing Block Shedding and Tackling Skills
The Man Maker Drill is designed to simulate the challenges defensive backs face when engaged by multiple blockers. This drill emphasizes the importance of hand-fighting, block shedding, and tackling through contact.
Purpose
- Block Shedding: Develops the ability to defeat multiple blockers and maintain gap integrity.
- Hand Fighting: Enhances hand placement, leverage, and striking ability to shed blocks effectively.
- Tackling: Reinforces proper tackling technique while facing contact from multiple blockers.
Description
Drill Setup
- Ball Carrier: Place a ball carrier at the hash at any given yard-line, facing the sideline
- First Blocker: Place one blocker with a blocking shield about 6 yards in front of him and about 3 yards to the side.
- Second Blocker: Place a second blocker with a blocking shield about 3 yards in front of the ball carrier and about 2 yards to the same side.
- Defensive Back: Place one defensive back facing the first blocker about 2 yards in front of him.
Drill Execution
- Reach Block: On coach’s command the first blocker tries to reach block the defensive back.
- Beat the Reach Block: The defensive back uses his shed and rip technique to fend off the blocker and get past him.
- Cut Block: On the same coach’s command the second blocker runs parallel to the sideline in the same direction, and throws his blocking shield at the legs of the defensive back.
- Beat the Cut Block: The defensive back in pursuit of the ball carrier fends off the shield with his hand by violently pushing it down.
- Ball Carrier: The ball carrier also starts running parallel to the sideline in the same direction.
- Make the Tackle: After fending off the cut block, the defensive back continues his persuit of the ball carrier and performs a proper open field form tackle on the ball carrier.
Progression
- Increase Intensity: Gradually increase the speed and physicality of the drill to challenge the defensive backs.
Coaching Points
- Hand Placement and Leverage: Emphasize proper hand placement and the use of leverage to gain control of the blocks.
- Footwork and Balance: Encourage quick, explosive footwork and maintaining a low center of gravity.
- Pad Level: Strive to maintain a low pad level throughout the drill to maximize power and leverage.
- Striking Technique: Teach defensive backs to use their hands aggressively to strike and shed blockers.
- Tackling Fundamentals: Reinforce proper tackling technique, including wrapping up, driving through the tackle, and finishing.
- Eye Discipline: Emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on the ball carrier.
Equipment
- 2 Blocking Shields
- Footballs
- Cones (optional) for marking starting points
By mastering the Man Maker Drill, defensive backs will develop the physicality, technique, and mental toughness required to excel in defending the run.
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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