Secrets to a good hand off

Learning the basics in a handoff is essential to a strong offense. We will explain this in a common scenario between a quarterback and a running back. A good hand off starts with the running back giving a target to the quarterback, this can be done in the running back keeping his arms flat against his body, one arm low and the other high creating an open square or target around the chest for the quarterback to slide the ball in. When the quarterback slides the ball into the arms, or the pocket as it is called, the running back closes his arms around the ball to protect it. Now that the running back has the ball when he leaves the quarterback he should remain low to the ground in order to react quickly on the field.

Points on tackling safely and effectively

It has been stated many times that a defensive teams win games, and the most fundamental part of a defensive team is performing a great tackle. If executed poorly not only will you not succeed in stopping the offensive team, but you could possibly injure yourself in the process. When you tackle your opponent remember three important steps:

First, plant yourself in front of your opponent. You can do this by placing your foot between your opponent's feet. At the same time you want to bring your arms back in anticipation for the next phase.

Second you want to bring your other foot into the mix, and at the same time throw your arms up and around your opponent. At this point you are well planted in front and your head should be in direct contact. Never, ever, ever tackle with the top of your head down, keep it up and square against your opponent. You need to literally imagine that the football is a big hamburger and you want to bite it and not slam your forehead against it.

Third, at this point you have successfully grabbed your opponent and all that's left is to lunge your hips forward and bear all of your momentum against your opponent. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.

Practice can help turnovers

In order to win football games you need to have possession of the football. Win your games by training your defense to use a strong tackle that strips the ball from the opponent. This drill practices with two players. Have the defender move up on the offensive player, trust his arms back and then forward with his fists clenched. The point is to have the defensive player throw the fist into the football causing the offensive player to fumble the football. Start the drill slowly, and reward for a strong tackle that affectively tackles and makes an attack to dislodge the offensive players grip on the ball.

Line of scrimmage tactics

In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. Use the proven technique of double teaming to get great results on the field This play is simple, double up and push through. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. To execute this properly have both linemen step together at the same time and lock their hips together. Next, form a wall, an impenetrable block that the opposing teams' linemen can't break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. To be effective the double team has to work in a fast blitz like maneuver.