Football Toolbox

Win the Turnover Battle: 5 Essential Ball Security Drills

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This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

A few of the ball security mantras at the University of Houston are:

  • Ball security takes all of us (Ball carriers & non-ball carriers)
  • When you carry the ball, you dominate the ball
  • When the ball is in your hands, the program is in your hands
  • Hand the ball to the official with two hands
  • Only reach for extra yards on 4th down, the final play of the game, or two point conversion attempts.

In our video, Derrick Sherman, Assistant Head Coach/WR Coach at Houston, takes us through five drills from his Glazier Drive Clinic: WR Ball Security Technique & Drills.

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  1. Circle Chase Drill Details:

  • Athletes must maintain ball security while running and turning corners
  • Emphasizes awareness of defenders from all angles, not just visible threats
  • Highlights common mistakes like dropping the wrist below the elbow during jukes
  • Usually run twice in first two weeks of camp and once or twice in spring ball

  1. Coaching Points:

  • Wrist position should remain above the elbow
  • Elbow must stay locked during movement
  • Film review the next day to identify specific situations where players drop their security
  • Emphasis on creating proper habits through exaggeration in practice
  • Goal is to get 75-80% perfect execution in game situations

  1. Additional Drills and Techniques:

  • Boxing glove drills to practice security while off-balance
  • Triangle pressure technique for imminent contact
  • Position-specific adaptations for different players (QBs, RBs, WRs, DBs)
  • Ground contact drills to practice maintaining security while falling
  • Emphasis on not using the ball hand to brace falls

  1. Teaching Philosophy:

  • Focus on repetition and habit formation
  • Daily practice (about 3 minutes with 40 players)
  • Multiple camera angles for teaching and correction
  • Emphasis on realistic game situations
  • Constant reinforcement of proper technique even when players are tired

These drills should be practiced regularly but varied to prevent boredom while maintaining proper technique and awareness in all situations.