Marching Drill

This drill is used to rep our ten most important plays against scripted defensive fronts while teaching the offense what it feels like to successfully move the ball. We believe that this psychological preparation connecting success with our most important plays will help the players trust the plays and the understand the rhythm in which they will be called that week.

Drill Setup:
• The first string offense will align on the 50 yard line opposite the scout team.
• Head Coach is behind the QB guiding the drill and talking the QB through progressions and reads.
• The offensive coordinator (or assistant coach) will be aligned on the sideline to simulate game-time situations. He will be working off a predetermined script.
• The offensive line coach is setting the ball and helping the linemen and guiding the defensive box scout.
• Position coaches are spread throughout the field coaching on the run. They are talking through defensive looks and encouraging the players at all time. Praise like crazy!
• Extra Defensive coaches will run / guide the secondary scout.
• All extra players are running sprints on the sideline or up-downs behind the offense.

Drill Execution:
• Each play moves the ball 5 yards if done correctly. They will “march” toward the goalline and score on the final play (extra point is an option if you want to rep the transition like in a game). When the ones have finished, repeat this process with your twos in the same way.
• Defense plays at 75% to the tackle.
• Success every play. Do not proceed until they have successfully completed the play.
• If you have an extra coach have him indicate down and distance each play.
• Maintain a game-like pace if at all possible.
• Start over if execution is lacking.

Teaching Points:
• Encourage them all the way through the drill.
• Build momentum and excitement each play.
• This is a good chance for position coaches to coach up the finer points of their position. Be sure the pace allows for quick instruction.
• The defense will quickly figure out what is coming. Use this as a chance to teach offensive players to create doubt through verbal and visual cues.
• Have them celebrate the way you expect them to on Friday Night (Score Drill)

Stay tuned for two more installments of "Drilling the No Huddle"