OVER THE LAST TWO seasons, our team has created 54 turnovers. This unusually high number of take-aways can be credited to our athletic players, our schemes, and most importantly, our emphasis on the turnover circuit in practice.
The turnover circuit consists of 4 task specific drills that enable our players to execute game-like situations within the first 8 minutes of practice.

Turnover Mind-Set
Repetition in practice is the only way that your players learn and retain the information you’re presenting. Muscle memory is a vital part of good execution on the football field.

Drill Overview
These drills are to be done each day at the beginning of practice. Allocate 2 minutes per station. The stations should be set up in a square. Try to keep the distance between each station at a minimum, since you are on a tight time schedule.

DIAGRAM 1: Players will continue around the square in a clockwise manner.

Station 1:
Quarterback Tip Drill

Mission Statement: This drill emphasizes rushing the passer with hands up, being alert for tipped passes and catching tipped balls at their highest point. The drill also works on hand-eye skills.

QB Tip Drill:

DIAGRAM 2: The QB is 5-yards deep. Defensive player 1 goes on the movement of the football and rushes with hands up, trying to tip the ball.


The QB lofts the ball just enough so DP1 can extend his arms and tip the ball.

DP2 moves slowly behind, keeping distance from DP1. On the tip, DP2 tries to catch the tipped pass and complete the interception. DP2 should try to intercept the pass at its highest point.

Station 2: Pass Rush Drill
Mission Statement: This drill will teach your players how to get off the line of scrimmage, rush the passer and attack the deepest shoulder of the QB. Focus on stripping the QB and recovering the loose football.

Pass Rush Drill:

DIAGRAM 3: DP1 and DP2 align on the LOS. Have a manager initiate the drill by handing off to the QB. On the hand off, DP1 rushes the passer and attacks the deepest shoulder of the QB. DP1 should keep his eyes riveted on the QB’s throwing arm.


DP1 knocks the ball out of the QB’s arm. The QB should be about 7 yards deep when this occurs. After the ball is knocked loose, DP2 waits for a 2-count, then tries to scoop up the loose ball for a score.

Station 3:
Fumble, Strip Drill

Mission Statement: This drill will teach your players to secure tackles, pull the ball out of an opponent’s arm and recover a loose football in open field or close quarter situations.

Fumble, Strip Drill:

DIAGRAM 4: This drill involves 3 players. Player 1 is holding the football in his right arm. Player 2 is standing directly behind P1. Player 3 is parallel to P1.


P2 will place his left arm over the left shoulder pad of P1 to insure the tackle. P2 uses his right arm to pull on the right arm of P1 to expose the ball. Once the ball is exposed, P2 knocks the ball out.

P3 will either scoop up the ball and try to score or slide into the loose ball and curl himself into the fetal position to protect the recovery.

Station 4: Fumble Recovery, Lateral
Mission Statement: This drill teaches your players quickness, hustle, balance, ball security and lateral timing.

Fumble Recovery And Lateral:

DIAGRAM 5: The drill involves 2 players and 3 bags. The bags are laid out 5 yards from each other.
Player 1 will step over the bags as quickly as possible. Once he gets over the second bag, a manager will roll a ball out in front of him, simulating a fumble.


P1 will scoop the ball up, run another 5 yards and lateral the ball to player 2. P2 will be mirroring P1, except that there are no bags for him to go over.