In Football it's very important to teach your defense to take the
proper angle of pursuit. Many young defenders will simply chase a
running back from behind, or the defender will run to where the running
back is now and not where they will be. For this defensive drill,
explain the importance of the angle of pursuit. First walk your players
through their pursuit. Players furthest from the play/ ball carrier
will take the largest angle to the play. Emphasize that the players
should be running to where the running back will be (not where the
ball carrier is now!). After walking your football players through
their angles, set up the drill at full speed. This drill can be done
with the entire defense: Defensive Line, Linebackers, Defensive Backs.
etc. At the coach's command or snap of the ball the defenders should
simulate taking on a defender, drop to the ground, quickly get up
and then begin pursuit of the ball carrier. For this drill the defenders
should simply touch the ball carrier. The ball carrier continues down
the sideline until all players have touched him. Ideally the defense
should touch the ball carrier every 3-5 yards. This drill can be used
by all levels of Flag and Tackle Football.
