Much like a lot of football programs, we work hard to force turnovers. At Indiana, there is no exception. We work a turnover circuit at least once a week during the season.
We divide the defense into three groups: Defensive Line, Linebackers, and Defensive Backs. At each circuit, we work a turnover drill that is position specific.
• The drill is set the same for all positions.
• The drill is set with two stand-ups on the same line approximately 15 yards apart.
Diagram 1. DB Drill Breaking
1) DL Screen Drill - The first drill is for the defensive line. This drill is to simulate a screen play. The two D-linemen attack up field at the quarterback. When the quarterback deepens his drop from a 5-step, the defensive line retracts their steps. The near D-lineman attacks the standup dummy while the far lineman intercepts the ball.
Diagram 2. DL Screen Drill
2) LB Dig Drill - The linebacker drill is to simulate defending the dig route. The linebacker drops in between the two stand-ups. The wide receiver runs a dig route behind the two stand-ups while the linebacker works underneath the wide receiver and intercepts the ball.
Diagram 3. LB Dig Drilll
3) DB Break in Front Drill - The defensive backs drill is broken up into two lines. Each defensive back backpedals and then breaks in front of the standup to intercept the ball.
We divide the defense into three groups: Defensive Line, Linebackers, and Defensive Backs. At each circuit, we work a turnover drill that is position specific.
• The drill is set the same for all positions.
• The drill is set with two stand-ups on the same line approximately 15 yards apart.
Diagram 1. DB Drill Breaking
1) DL Screen Drill - The first drill is for the defensive line. This drill is to simulate a screen play. The two D-linemen attack up field at the quarterback. When the quarterback deepens his drop from a 5-step, the defensive line retracts their steps. The near D-lineman attacks the standup dummy while the far lineman intercepts the ball.
Diagram 2. DL Screen Drill
2) LB Dig Drill - The linebacker drill is to simulate defending the dig route. The linebacker drops in between the two stand-ups. The wide receiver runs a dig route behind the two stand-ups while the linebacker works underneath the wide receiver and intercepts the ball.
Diagram 3. LB Dig Drilll
3) DB Break in Front Drill - The defensive backs drill is broken up into two lines. Each defensive back backpedals and then breaks in front of the standup to intercept the ball.
Every Issue. Every Article. Free.
American Football Quarterly is now free for every coach — no subscription, no login. Browse all the issues, or get each new edition by email.
