Tip drill and interceptions

Setup

1. Non-contact (air). Helmets on if the drill runs inside a padded practice.
2. Three defenders stand in a staggered column, 3 yards apart, facing the coach.
3. The coach stands 12 yards away with the balls. Mark a return lane to the sideline with two cones.

How it runs

1. The coach throws a firm ball over the front player's head.
2. The front player jumps, plays the ball at its highest point and tips it up and back, not down.
3. The second player catches the tip with the hands at the top, then shouts 'Oskie!' to signal an interception.
4. On the call, everyone turns. The interceptor tucks the ball and returns it to the sideline cone, with the others as escorts.
5. Rotate one place forward after each rep, so every player works every spot.

Coaching points

• Watch the ball off the coach's hand, not the player in front.
• Front player: two hands, fingers up, and push the ball upwards.
• Catch at the highest point, with the thumbs together and the elbows soft.
• Tuck it high and tight before running; an interception is not finished until it is secure.
• Escorts run in front of the interceptor. In a game they block from the front and above the waist; no blocks in the back.

Common mistakes

• Front player swatting the ball down to the ground.
• Second player waiting for the ball to come down to the chest.
• Running before the catch is secure.
• Escorts jogging after the 'Oskie' call.