Alright, so today I wanna talk about something I’ve been messing around with lately: football hitting drills. Been trying to up my game, you know? Get a bit more aggressive and precise out there on the field.
First off, I started with the basics. Straight-up tackling form. I’m talking head up, back straight, wrap your arms, drive through. Sounds simple, right? But getting that ingrained into muscle memory takes some serious work. I spent a good chunk of time just doing form tackles against a dummy. Over and over. Felt kinda silly at first, but it really does help.
Next up, I moved onto something a little more dynamic. We set up a cone drill, kinda like a mini-obstacle course. The idea was to sprint towards the cone, break down into a good tackling position, and then explode through the “tackle.” We used a padded shield for this part. It’s all about keeping your feet moving and staying low.
Then comes the fun part, the Oklahoma drill. It’s old school, and kinda brutal, but great for building aggression and teaching you how to win one-on-one battles. Two players line up, face to face, about a yard apart with a blocker on either side, and go at it. The goal is to drive your opponent back. This one really gets the adrenaline pumping, and you learn to fight for every inch.
We also did some drills focused on shedding blocks. Important stuff when you’re trying to get to the ball carrier. One person plays the blocker, the other is the defender. The defender has to use their hands and feet to get around the blocker and make the “tackle”. It’s all about quickness and using your leverage.
One thing I learned is the importance of watching film. Not just the big games, but also yourself during practice. Seeing what you’re doing wrong on video is way different than just being told about it. You can really break down your technique and identify areas for improvement.
And finally, the most important thing? Recovery. These drills are tough on the body. Stretching, hydration, and a good night’s sleep are crucial. You can’t get better if you’re constantly injured.
Key Takeaways:
- Form, Form, Form: Get your technique down cold.
- Aggression: Don’t be afraid to be physical.
- Quickness: Fast feet and hands are essential.
- Film Study: Analyze your performance and make adjustments.
- Recovery: Take care of your body.
So, that’s been my experience with football hitting drills so far. Still a work in progress, but I’m feeling more confident and prepared out there on the field. Hope this helps some of you guys out there trying to do the same!
