Football on a Stick Training Aid
This training aid allows coaches to stay standing, instead of kneeling, giving them the best point-of-view of the entire scrimmage line during drills. Coaches will be able to see how players react to their instructions.
The foam rubber football is attached to a 60"L pole and teaches players how to react to the ball, which is essential for game day preparation. Colors may vary.
Football Practice Activity Ideas Using Football on a Stick Training Aid
The Football on a Stick Training Aid is an excellent tool for teaching players key football techniques such as blocking, tackling, ball handling, and more. Here are unique football practice ideas that range from beginner to advanced levels, using this training aid to improve footwork, hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and agility. Modify these drills based on player skill levels to make practices more engaging and effective.
1. Stick and Move: Players line up and practice quick directional changes after touching the football on the stick. This drill focuses on reaction time and lateral agility, great for wide receivers and defensive backs.
2. Stick Drill Tackling: The coach moves the football on the stick in different directions, and defensive players work on proper tackling angles without making contact, ensuring safe but realistic tackle form development.
3. Hands-Up Reaction: Place the Football on a Stick above the player’s head and move it in random directions. Players must use their quick reflexes to knock the ball away using proper hand placement for blocking passes.
4. QB Target Accuracy: The coach moves the football on the stick to simulate a moving target. Quarterbacks throw passes toward the moving target to work on accuracy and timing.
5. Jump and Grab: Hold the Football on a Stick high in the air and have receivers practice their vertical jump and catch in contested situations, improving leaping ability and hand strength.
6. On the Ball Drill: Linemen practice firing off the line of scrimmage by reacting to the coach raising the Football on a Stick, simulating the ball being snapped in a game.
7. Goal-Line Chase: Place the Football on a Stick near the goal line and have defenders react and sprint to touch the ball as quickly as possible, working on explosive goal-line defense.
8. Quick Hands Drill: The Football on a Stick is held near the line of scrimmage. Players practice quick hand techniques to knock the ball away from offensive linemen, improving hand speed and accuracy.
9. Screen Drill Simulation: The coach moves the Football on a Stick to simulate a screen pass. Linebackers and safeties practice reading the play and breaking on the football to intercept or tackle.
10. Pocket Footwork Shuffle: Quarterbacks shuffle within a simulated pocket, reacting to the movement of the Football on a Stick to improve their ability to move and maintain balance under pressure.
11. Reaction Sprint: The Football on a Stick moves randomly within a 5-yard area. Players react and sprint to tag the football, improving their explosiveness and reaction time.
12. High Point Drill: Hold the Football on a Stick high in the air, simulating a high pass. Players must jump and catch at the highest point, practicing their ability to win contested catches.
13. Shuffle and React: Players shuffle laterally in front of the Football on a Stick. When the coach moves the ball left or right, players must react instantly, simulating defensive shifts.
14. The Fast Breaker: Hold the Football on a Stick and simulate a ball hand-off, challenging defenders to quickly react and close in for a simulated tackle. This drill works on reaction speed and decision-making for linebackers and defensive backs.
15. Chop and React: Set the Football on a Stick at waist height. Defensive linemen must use proper chop techniques to clear the offensive line’s hands and then pursue the ball for a simulated sack or tackle.