Real games have open field. The defender has nothing but a runner and a body. This drill is the test: can they pull the flag when the offensive player can go anywhere?
What you need: Flag belts and flags. A football. A 20x10 yard area marked with cones.
Setup: Offensive player with the ball at one end. Defender 5 yards in front. Goal line at the back of the box.
How to run it:
- On “go,” offensive player tries to reach the goal line.
- Defender stays in front, mirrors, takes angles.
- Defender pulls the flag to stop the play.
- If the runner reaches the line, the offense scores a point. If the flag gets pulled, defense scores.
- Do 8 reps. Switch roles every 4.
What to watch: Does the defender lunge or stay patient? Lunging creates a clean break. Patience wins the rep.
If they’re struggling: Smaller box (10x5). Less room for the runner to maneuver.
If they’ve got it: Add a juke rule: the runner has to use one cut before reaching the line. Or run 2-on-2 in the same space.