Reinforce Ball Security: The “Grab Ball Drill” for Tenacious Wide Receivers
The “Grab Ball Drill” injects a competitive element into your wide receiver (WR) training regimen while emphasizing a critical skill: ball security. This drill simulates game situations where WRs must protect the ball after a catch while navigating potential contact from defenders. By incorporating variations and emphasizing key coaching points, the “Grab Ball Drill” equips WRs with the essential techniques to hold onto the ball and keep drives alive.
Purpose
Develop Ball Security: The primary focus of this drill is to reinforce the importance of ball security. WRs practice cradling the ball securely against their body and protecting it with their arms and forearms as they run through the gauntlet.
Enhance Body Control: The drill integrates running with ball security, requiring WRs to maintain good body control and maneuver through the gauntlet without exposing the ball or losing their balance.
Competitive Spirit: The competitive nature of the drill, with players attempting to dislodge the ball, motivates WRs to focus on securing the catch and protecting the ball with determination.
Description
Player Formation:
Line up two groups of WRs facing each other, creating a parallel gauntlet approximately two yards wide.
An additional WR will stand at one end of the gauntlet, ready to receive the ball.
Initiate the Drill: On the coach’s command “GO,” the coach throws the ball to the WR waiting at the end of the gauntlet.
Catch and Secure: The WR receiving the ball must catch it with proper technique, emphasizing cradling the ball tightly against their chest.
Run the Gauntlet: Following the catch, the WR with the ball sprints through the gauntlet formed by the two lines of WRs.
Protect the Ball: As the WR runs through the gauntlet, players on both sides attempt to “grab” the ball but must avoid any illegal contact or tackling. The WR with the ball must use proper body control and arm extension to protect the ball and prevent it from being stripped away.
Coaching Points
Two-Hand Squeeze: Emphasize the importance of the WR using a two-hand squeeze to cradle the ball securely against their chest. This “high and tight” hold minimizes the target area for defenders trying to strip the ball.
Elbows In: Instruct WRs to keep their elbows tucked in close to their body throughout the drill. This protects the ball further and creates a smaller profile for defenders to target.
Aggressive Ball Protection: Encourage WRs to run with a determined and aggressive mindset, protecting the ball as if it were in a game situation. They should anticipate potential contact and adjust their body positioning accordingly.
Proper Footwork: Remind WRs to maintain good footwork and balance as they run through the gauntlet. This allows them to maneuver effectively and avoid getting tripped or losing control of the ball.
Equipment
Footballs
The “Grab Ball Drill” is a valuable addition to any WR training program. By incorporating this drill and its variations, WRs develop the essential ball security techniques and competitive spirit necessary to become reliable threats on the field.
