THE TIGER DRILL is a great run-defense drill to incorporate linebacker reads, LB flow, cornerback reads, force technique, defensive-line technique and tackling all together in one short period of work. It also reinforces blocking techniques for offensive linemen and fullbacks.

Our team runs a 4-4 stack defense in which we stunt out of every play — therefore changing the gap responsibility of LBs and defensive linemen. Although the reads stay the same, our LBs must flow to the ball, either downhill or flat. Defensive linemen must play tough in the gap and work to control it.

Works Both Sides Of The Ball
Since this is a run drill, there are no a pass responsibilities for the CBs and they have 100-percent run read. If the action comes toward a CB, he must work to force the ball back toward the pursuing LB. If the action goes away from the CB, he must watch for a reverse or cutback and then get to a proper pursuit angle.

On offense, our team runs an I-formation that requires the offensive linemen and FB to block 1-on-1 with a defender. This drill aids the development of drive-blocking skills in a 1-on-1 situation and requires the offensive linemen to fire out low and hard to accomplish their objectives.

Whether your blocking scheme is basic or complex, it still comes down to the big men getting their job done up front.

Running The Tiger Drill
Place two bags approximately 5-yards apart, which designates the interior zone. Two other bags are placed 15-yards outside of them to serve as out-of-bounds markers.

It’s up to the coach to determine the number of players who can participate in the drill, however, we run it with the following groups of players:
Offense:

-    Three Offensive Linemen
-    Fullback
-    Tailback
-    Quarterback

Defense:

-    Two Defensive Linemen
-    Two Linebackers
-    Two Cornerbacks

DIAGRAM 1: Tiger Drill
(Outside Bags).

Before we started using this drill, our CBs had trouble forcing the ball back inside and our LBs struggled flowing downhill and over the top. In the Tiger drill, the CBs have 100-percent responsibility for reading the run.

DIAGRAM 2: Tiger Drill
(Inside Bags).

The offense huddles to get the play call and snap count, then hustles to the line of scrimmage. On the cadence, the drill begins.

This is a high-speed, all-out intensity drill, so coaches can treat it just like any other hitting drill. Keep in mind, however, that from time to time, the drill needs to be stopped when the players need coaching.

Coaching Points
Each position coach must be watching over his assigned players to make sure that they’re doing the right thing and using correct technique. Things to watch for include:

-    Reading keys properly.
-    Staying low and using proper technique.
-    Leveraging the football.
-    Flowing to the ball properly.
-    Use of good, solid tackling with proper form.