I run this pursuit drill as a race. I call it the Bloomfield Blitz and when used as a competition, the kids get conditioning and learn an important skill at the same time.
Bloomfield Blitz
Taking proper angles to the ball carrier is a basic fundamental we want the kids to learn.
Setup 5 lines and then put 5 trash cans on either side of line 1 and line 5.
Space the cans 10-15 yards apart, this makes a 50-75 yard field.
We have the kids turn and face the line (back pedal position) and on the word “break” they turn left or right depending on coach’s instructions and sprint after the ball carrier running along side the cans.
The line closest to the ball carrier has the shortest path and the line furthest away will need to run 50-75 years to catch the carrier.
Tennis Ball Race
This is another great conditioning drill using tennis balls. I set this up with two teams and run it as a relay type race. The kids love the competition.
Set 3 cones in a straight line 15 yds apart.
Set a tennis ball at the second and third cone.
Begin the drill at the first cone by running to the second cone picking up the ball, bring it back to the first cone, set it down, run to the third cone, pick up the ball, run it back and hand it to the next player in line.
The next player runs to the second cone and sets the ball down, runs back to the first cone, picks up the ball, runs to the third cone, sets the ball down, and runs back to tag the hand of the next player in line. Then repeat the drill.
Great fun and important eye/hand coordination and conditioning!
