Drill library
American football drills
48 free American football drills, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier. Pick a skill or filter by age, level and squad size.
48 drills
Team plays & schemesPass coverage7-on-7 passingNon-contact 7-on-7: a QB and five eligible receivers against a full back seven, with a 4-second clock and two-hand touch.20 min · 14–24 players · U13+
TacklingRun defenceAngle tackling and pursuitA tackler takes an inside-out angle to thud a ball carrier towards the sideline while a second defender pursues to the ball.15 min · 4–12 players · U13+
Stance & startFitness & agilityAthletic stance and startsPlayers learn a balanced two-point stance and explode out of it with a short, quick first step.10 min · 4–20 players · U8+
Pass coverageFitness & agilityBackpedal and breakDefensive backs backpedal under control, then plant and break forward at 45 degrees to catch the coach's throw.12 min · 2–12 players · U9+
Ball carryingBall security gauntletBall carriers run a channel between two lines of players who rip and punch at the ball, keeping it covered with two hands.10 min · 7–14 players · U12+
Team plays & schemesBlockingBlitz pickup and hot routesThe protection picks up the most dangerous rushers, and when one comes free the QB throws hot to the receiver who sees it too.20 min · 14–22 players · U16+
CatchingBall carryingCatch through contact and tuckReceivers catch a crossing throw as a shield pads them, tuck the ball away from a second shield and turn upfield.12 min · 4–10 players · U13+
Kicking & special teamsCatchingCatching punts and kickoffsReturners learn to get under a high kick early, catch it at the chest and signal a fair catch.15 min · 3–12 players · U10+
CatchingCatching with the diamond and pocketPartners build soft hands: a diamond for high balls, pinkies together for low ones and a pocket over the shoulder.12 min · 2–20 players · U8+
Cool-downCool-down and reviewAn easy jog, walk and static stretches, then a short team review and a check on any knocks.10 min · 2–40 players · U10+
Pass coverageTeam plays & schemesCover 2 and Cover 3 zone dropsSeven defenders drop from the same two-high look to their Cover 2 or Cover 3 landmarks, then break on the coach's throw.15 min · 7–14 players · U14+
BlockingStance & startDrive block on bagsLinemen fire out of a three-point stance on ball movement, strike a held bag with their hands and drive it 5 yards.12 min · 4–12 players · U12+
Warm-upFitness & agilityDynamic warm-upA 10–12 minute moving warm-up in lines that raises the heart rate and readies the body for football.12 min · 2–40 players · U8+
Kicking & special teamsField goal and PAT operationSnapper, holder and kicker get the kick away in under 1.3 seconds while the line steps inside and seals the rush.15 min · 3–16 players · U13+
Takeaways & ball skillsFumble recovery: scoop or coverPlayers learn when to scoop a loose ball on the run and when to fall on it and cover it up.10 min · 2–14 players · U9+
Run defenceTeam plays & schemesGap control and run fitsEach defender owns one gap: the front fits against scout runs at walk-through pace, then at thud, so no gap is left empty.20 min · 14–26 players · U14+
Quarterback playBall carryingHandoff exchangeQuarterback and running back practise a clean handoff: the QB places the ball and the back makes a pocket and squeezes it.12 min · 3–12 players · U9+
Ball carryingHigh and tight ball carryingBall carriers weave through cones, keeping the ball high and tight in the arm away from the cone.10 min · 2–16 players · U8+
Run defenceBall carryingInside run period at thudOffensive and defensive fronts compete on scripted inside runs at thud, scored by yards gained, with no take-downs.15 min · 16–30 players · U14+
Team plays & schemesBlockingInside zone runThe line steps together on a zone track, doubles the down linemen up to the linebackers, and the running back reads bang, bend or bounce.20 min · 12–24 players · U14+
Kicking & special teamsBlockingKickoff return schemesThe return unit drops, turns and blocks its assigned coverage players to open an alley for the returner, with no wedge and no blocks in the back.20 min · 14–24 players · U16+
Run defenceLinebacker read and fillThe Mike linebacker reads the guards and backfield, fills the gap downhill on a run and thuds the back, or drops on a pass read.15 min · 6–12 players · U13+
Pass coverageMan coverage leverageDefensive backs take outside or inside leverage based on where their help is, then stay in phase through the route.15 min · 4–14 players · U16+
Team plays & schemesBall carryingOutside zone stretchThe line reaches together to the play side and the running back stretches the edge, reads the end and makes one cut.20 min · 12–24 players · U14+