| In football, a play refers to a set of players and ball movements to either get the ball down the field or to prevent the opposition from advancing. A play can begin in 2 ways: either when the ball is thrown from the center to the back during a scrimmage, or when the player touches the ball with his foot during a free kick. Once play begins, it stops only when any of the following take place:
When the ball carrier has fallen to the ground
When the ball carrier cannot progress further. This essentially means that the ball carrier is unable to go forward, or the opposition finds it difficult to down him.
The ball carrier goes outside the field fo play
A forward pass makes contact with the ground before being caught (incomplete pass)
Some common offensive plays include the ‘run block’, where a offensive team player steps forward and blocks the defensive players, or the ‘lead block’, where a player runs in front of the ball carrier in order to clear the path for him. Running plays include the ‘off tackle’, ‘sweep’, ‘trap’and ‘counter’. Passing plays involve using loads of different ways to pass the ball between team mates, and include ones such as ‘go’, ‘flag’ and the ‘post – corner’. Defensive plays include ‘rush’, ‘stunts’ and ‘blitz’.
There are a lot of different types of training drills out there. There aren’t any standard ones, you just have to identify the area where you think the team needs some ‘skills sharpening’ on, and create a drill which you think will rectify the weakness. Here are some common ones which are used by most teams:
1. Passing Drill – A really basic one. Just get a 2x1 foot box, and make sure the top of the box is near your chin. Go back 15 yards and try to throw the ball 10 times in a row. Once you’ve achieved this, increase the distance by another 5 yards. Continue doing so.
2. Angle Tackle Drill – This one helps you to sharpen your tackling skill by focusing on proper pursuit and position. To carry out this drill, you first have to have 2 cones 5 yards apart in the same line. Divide your defenders into 2 teams and make them stand in a single file, 5 yards apart. Designate one team as the ball carriers and the other team as defenders. At the coach’s prompt, the ball carrier runs and takes a designated cone. A defender then closes in on the ball carrier and tackles him. The drill should take place in such a way that defenders practice tackling to their right and left.
3. Cross Drill – This drill is done to help receivers to keep their focus on the ball when their vision is obstructed. To carry this drill out, you have to divide the receivers into 2 groups, facing each other on a scrimmage line. One receiver should run through the field behind one of the players from the defense who is crossing from the other direction. The quarterback or coach should throw the ball to an area where both the players may collide. Give instructions to the defender to waive his arms so that he distracts the receiver. |
