Great Practice Drills

[IndianFan]

Iron sharpens iron. Practice like you need to play!

 

[IndianFan]

 

[IndianFan]

 

[IndianFan]

 

[IndianFan]

 

[IndianFan]

 

[IndianFan]

 

[1989NDN]

The question is, does PN-G use these drills? If so, how often? From watching past games, I'd say PN-G does not use them often enough. I'm guessing with liability issues, most high schools have toned down tackling drills, e.g., shotgun alley, 1-on-1, LSU's Big Cat, football rings, etc.

 

[IndianFan]

I wonder the same. Clear point is this approach is considered for success by recognized programs. It’s done for a reason. Players familiar with practicing intensely will carry that over into a live game. If players don’t approach everything with intensity it shows on the football field. You can’t just turn it on and off like a light switch.

If a football player is not used to hitting and tackling with good form in practice he’s going to miss blocks and tackles and be dominated much more frequently.

PNG teams used to go 100% in practices. I don’t know if they still do. Not only did that prepare them for the opponent who would be attacking (blocking, tackling, running over) them at full speed, each player became better by practicing and repeating fundamental techniques needed to combat an aggressor.

Football is basically controlled violence and hand to hand combat. Great teams know how to defeat the opponent in front of them. This is especially true on defense.
A good analogy is shadow boxing versus sparring and hitting a heavy bag. One makes you feel like you can box as you go through the motions. The other simulates the real deal and preps you to be victorious. You might get hit harder in a real match but you know how to counter, respond and develop a knock out punch.

 

[Chief1987]

They don’t do any of this to my knowledge.

 

[IndianFan]

That could explain why old school fans see the disconnect. We did these drills and went to war in practices. We were prepared to take it to the other team. We might not be as big or fast but not surprisingly that is not always the difference in a game. A fast guy who is on his butt in the backfield or line of scrimmage can’t outrun anyone. Tackling works wonders. Beating a block or covering the proper gap or assignment works.

 

[IndianFan]

I will also state that I don’t have any insight into what drills are practiced or how the coaches approach the job. Maybe the issue is with individual players just struggling to understand the game or execute a plan. These are not college or pro players who can be held to higher expectations.

Also UIL limits full contact to about 90 minutes per week. All that has to be factored into expectations. Tackling dummies, pads and sleds are our friends.