Level: 

Basic

Purpose: 

The purpose of this drill is to combine agility, tackling, ball carrying and a fun team event into one drill. Multiple coaches really make this drill go quickly and keep you from missing 1-on-1 coaching opportunities (one coach for the offensive team and one for defensive might be a good idea). Players will noticeably gain confidence in this drill if they are encouraged in a proper way. Credit for this drill should go to M. England and G. Brown who introduced it at the Columbus Crusaders 56er level.

Equipment Needed:

1. 10 Cones
2. A couple footballs
3. A couple coaches
4. About 20 yards by 20 yards of field

Instructions:

1. Line up 5 cones about 5 yards apart in a straight line (see step 1 below).
2. Move 2nd and 4th cones of each line in about 5 yards (keeping cones about 5 or so yards apart in the middle to create a chute area). Adjust this chute area as you see fit (see step 2 below).
3. Split players into 2 teams, trying to match up size and skill level to provide good match-ups.
4. Caution: you will see some very good collisions in this drill, so be prepared and make sure not to do this too early in the season for young players!
5. One team will be offense, trying to get past the last cones and the defender to score.
6. Offense must stay within the chute area and advance to end zone to score 1 point for their team.
7. The second team will be on defense and will be expected to make the tackle before the end zone, scoring 1 point for the team for the successful tackle.
8. Both teams must zig and zag through the cones, starting on the outside of their start cone and end up head to head with the other team in the chute area (see step 3 below).
9. After everyone has been through the drill, switch the offense and defense, so roles are switched (no need to change lines, but keep the same order/match-ups).
10. Given enough time, let them run through multiple times.
11. Losing team penalty (run a lap, x number of push-ups, etc) – make it count!

Coaching Tips:

1. Push-ups for knocking over cones can be an added bonus to this drill.
2. Multiple coaches can help move the drill and allow for 1-on-1 coaching time after their turn.  (Example: if a player makes a poor tackle or attempt, have a coach take them aside and break it down for them.)
3. Watch your match-ups to keep players from getting injured in this fun drill.

Drill Diagram: