Pursuit and gang tackling is something I like to encourage from the entire [tag]football defense[/tag] unit. I recently saw examples of this pursuit drill that I believe could be used in a youth organization. Besides the focus on pursuit, it is also an excellent conditioning drill.
The drill needs a space of about 20 x 20 yds. Pylons can be used to mark the area.
The entire defensive unit sets up in formation. The [tag]football[/tag] is snapped to the QB (or coach) who then rolls to the right or left. (There are no other offensive players in the drill).
With no contact, the entire defensive unit races to the ball carrier and surrounds him in a circle, running in place on the balls of their feet until all of the players make it to the circle. The team then does a few up-downs (3-5) and then sprints back to the down field pylons, where they do a few more up-downs (keeping it appropriate for the age level.)
Alternatively, the offensive unit could be in place to work their blocks and it then becomes a race to see who can shed their block and make it to the ball carrier first through last.
I will use this drill for the multiple benefits it has in building a strong defense.
