Sharpen Your Secondary: The Skelly Drills
The Skelly Drills are a cornerstone exercise for any defensive secondary looking to refine pass coverage techniques and communication. These drills allows players to work on various coverages against different route concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of zone responsibilities and building trust within the defensive unit.
Purpose
- Coverage Technique Refinement: Provides a controlled environment for defensive backs and safeties to refine their technique in executing different coverages, such as Man, Zone, or combination coverages.
- Route Recognition: Allows players to work on recognizing various route concepts (slants, curls, digs, etc.) and reacting accordingly within their assigned coverage zone.
- Communication and Trust: Emphasizes clear communication between defensive players, as they learn to rely on teammates covering different zones within the overall defensive scheme. This fosters trust and allows for a more cohesive secondary unit.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust quickly based on changing offensive formations and pre-snap movements is a crucial skill for any defense. The Skelly Drill can be used to challenge players to adapt their coverage assignments based on various offensive alignments (Skelly from Hash, Skelly into Boundary).
Description
Drill Setup
- Player Roles: Divide your defensive backs (DBs) and linebackers (LBs) into two groups. One group will simulate receivers and running backs (if included), while the other group represents the secondary (DBs and Safeties) in their coverage positions.
- Offensive Alignment: The coach instructs the designated receivers and running backs on their starting positions based on the desired offensive formation (spread, bunch, etc.).
- Defensive Alignment: The secondary players align in their designated positions according to the coverage called by the coach (Cover 2, Man coverage, etc.).
Drill Execution
- Coverage Call: The coach clearly communicates the coverage scheme for the drill repetition.
- Route Signals: The coach signals specific routes for half of the designated receivers (and running back, if applicable). These players run their assigned routes on command.
- Secondary Coverage: The corresponding half of the secondary players (DBs and Safeties) execute their coverage responsibilities based on the called scheme, defending the designated receivers and running backs.
- Switch and Repeat: The coach then signals routes for the remaining receivers, and the other half of the secondary steps up to defend them. All receivers run their routes, and the secondary players cover their assigned zones.
- Whole Team: After running the half team drill twice, run it with the whole team to see the entire secondary working together – especially, only with the entire secondary covering can you really see (and teach) how they handle crossing routes.
- Coverage Variation: The drill is repeated with different coverages called by the coach, allowing players to practice various defensive schemes.
- Passer Option: The drill can be run with or without a quarterback or designated passer throwing a football. Incorporating a passer in later progressions can introduce an element of game-like decision-making for the secondary.
Variations
- Skelly from Hash: In this variation, the football is placed on either hashmark. The offense lines up in a 3 x 1 formation with three receivers positioned on the “field” side of the formation (opposite the hash). The drill is then executed as described above.
- Skelly into Boundary: Similar to Skelly from Hash, the ball is placed on a hashmark. Here, the offense lines up in a 3 x 1 formation with three receivers positioned towards the sideline (boundary) on the same side as the hash. The drill then proceeds as described previously.
Progressions
- Gradual Speed Increase: Begin by running the drill at half speed during the initial teaching phase, allowing players to focus on proper technique and communication. Gradually increase the speed as players become more comfortable with the drill.
- Introducing Complexity: Once players have a grasp of the basic drill, incorporate pre-snap motions or shifts by the offense. This challenges the secondary to adjust their coverage assignments and communication quickly and effectively.
Coaching Points
- Emphasis on Speed: As the drill progresses, ensure all players, both offense and defense, are running their routes and coverages at the appropriate speed. This simulates game-like intensity and helps players develop the necessary conditioning for live situations.
- Clear Communication: Stress the importance of clear communication between defensive players, particularly when transitioning between covering different receivers. Precise communication allows for seamless adjustments and ensures a cohesive defensive unit.
- Zone Awareness: Reinforce the importance of zone awareness for each defensive player within the coverage scheme. Players should be aware of their specific zone responsibility and adjust their positioning based on the offensive alignment and route concepts.
- Reading Offensive Keys: As the drill progresses, encourage defensive players to read potential pre-snap offensive keys (splits, motions, etc.) to anticipate potential routes. This skill allows the secondary to react more quickly and efficiently to the developing play.
- Playing the Ball: For defensive backs in coverage, emphasize the importance of “playing the ball” throughout the route. This means staying square to the receiver, keeping their eyes focused on the quarterback and the ball, and using proper hand techniques to disrupt passes at the catch point.
- Fundamental Technique: Regardless of the coverage scheme, ensure all defensive players maintain proper fundamental technique throughout the drill. This includes proper backpedal technique, footwork drills, and maintaining good leverage against receivers.
- Competition: Foster a competitive environment within the drill, encouraging healthy competition between receivers and defensive backs. This can motivate players to push themselves and elevate their overall performance.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing situations is crucial for any successful defense. Reinforce the importance of remaining flexible and adjusting coverages or techniques based on the offensive formation, route concepts, or pre-snap adjustments.
Equipment
By incorporating these coaching points into your Skelly Drill execution, you can maximize its effectiveness in developing a well-coached and adaptable defensive secondary unit.
Skelly Drill
Skelly from Hash Drill
Skelly into Boundary Drill
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.
