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What is Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill?

Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for football drills work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.

  • Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is part of FantasyHQ’s free football drills library.
  • Focus: Football Drills.

How to run this drill

Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.

  1. Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo.
  2. Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish.
  3. Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
  4. Close with one coaching cue players can repeat in the huddle next period.

Full drill

I coach a 3-3-5 or 3-5-3 football defense. This is the Run pursuit drill I like to use.

TEAM “RUN” PURSUIT DRILL

1.   QB (coach) pitches the ball to the RB (rabbit) who then sprints towards the sidelines and then turns down the field outside the cones along the sidelines.

2.   The players relentlessly pursue to their designated cones and get into a good hitting position with their feet buzzing.

3.   The coach, once pleased with their effort, blows the whistle and all 11 defenders will perform one UP-DOWN.

4.   Then all 11 players sprint to the near corner of the end zone where a coach is waiting.   The coach gets them to gather up, feet buzzing and in a good hitting position.

5.   If all 11 players are at maximum effort a whistle will tell them to clap out and sprint back to their huddle.

One of the best drills that helped us out at the high school level is the pursuit drill to wake us up, consist of, defense of team, hopefully three sets.   You work in a rabbit first, then screen, then interception as all part of the drill.

Coaching tips

  • Keep one cue per rep so kids hear the same language every time.
  • Film the first live set; pause on footwork and finish, not just the ball.
  • Pair this drill with a matching play install so practice transfers to game day.
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Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill FAQ

What is the Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill drill?
Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for football drills work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.
Who should use this football drill?
Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is built for youth, high-school, and volunteer coaches who need clear drill language — not a random cone circuit. Beginners can install the first progression; experienced staffs can layer competition.
How do I run Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill in practice?
Read the purpose once, then walk the setup on air before live tempo. Demonstrate one clean rep so players see landmarks, pad level, and finish. Run short competitive periods — quality reps beat long lines.
Is this drill free?
Yes. Browse FantasyHQ football drills, youth plays, and coaching guides free on Football Coaching.

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Guide · Football Coaching

Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill

Football Defense – Team Run Pursuit Drill is a free football drill on FantasyHQ’s Football Coaching hub for football drills work. Use the setup notes and coaching cues below to add it to this week’s practice plan.

I coach a 3-3-5 or 3-5-3 football defense. This is the Run pursuit drill I like to use.

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