“The Funnel”



This drill teaches defensive backs and linebackers to “close” the funnel, restricting the running backs cutting options.

RB’s are encouraged to use all their moves as they move toward the top of the funnel.

Defensive and offensive linemen are used at the line of scrimmage, but may also pursue to the top of the funnel. The DL is the only player who starts in the funnel.

The receiver will either attempt a block on the LB or DB.

All players begin the drill on their backs and on the whistle, close on the ball carrier.

“Tennessee Six”


This is a controlled point-of-attack drill with 4 plays to go 10 yards. The drill is constructed for safety and intensity. The width is 4 to 5 yards. The running back must stay inbounds or the play is dead.

The defensive line may have a linebacker or a defensive back in a two-point stance.

—Rick Synold, Head Coach
Brookfield Central High School
Brookfield, Wis.

Tight End Stunt For Effective Pass Rush




Defensive Tackle: Must penetrate the guard-tackle gap between the two blockers.

Defensive End: Must sell the outside rush and not come around until the DT has gotten into the gap.

—John Levra, Defensive Line Coach
Buffalo Bills, Buffalo, N.Y.

White Right J-Sprint Vs. 5-2 Defense




Player responsibilities include:

Backside Tackle: Blocks the right defensive end.
Backside Guard: Blocks the left defensive tackle.
Center: Blocks the noseguard.
Frontside Guard: Guards against an inside blitz.
Frontside Tackle: Blocks the left DT.
Tailback: Blocks the left DE.
Fullback: Runs a flat pattern.
X Receiver: Runs a quick slant-in.
Y Receiver: Runs a 7-yard outside hook.
Z Receiver: Runs a go pattern.
Quarterback: Rolls right, gets 5-yards deep.
QB’s Read Progression:
1. FB
2. Y receiver
3. Z receiver
4. X receiver

—Chris Booth
Peterstown Middle School
Peterstown, WV.

2-Point Conversion To The Tight End




This is a great play to use when you need 2-points.

Set the halfback as wide as possible without being too obvious. The quarterback reverses out and pitches to the halfback. The right guard pulls to block the end, while the fullback fills. The HB starts left and hands off to the QB coming behind him.

The HB blocks anyone coming from the left side. The tight end blocks for a 2-count and releases to the flat. The wingback runs to the goal post, while the wideout runs to the corner.

The TE has been open practically every time we have run this play.

—Mitch Mitchell
Copiah Academy
Crystal Springs, Miss.