Defensive Line Somersault-Shed Wave Drill

Purpose: To teach agility, shedding or warding off an opponent and reaction.

Procedure: From a good football position execute a somersault, come to your feet in a good hitting position, with extended arms and hands lifting the defender and warding off or shedding the blocker and then reacting to the coaches hand signal, reacting to the proper angle of pursuit.

Coaching Points: Stress low center of gravity for defender as he executes his forward roll. Offensive man permits defender to regain his feet before stepping forward and executing a shoulder lift or block. Coach should give a hand signal quickly so defender can shed blocker and react immediately. Alternate shoulders and direction of pursuit. No false steps. Plant the far foot and break at a 90 degree angle, using a crossover step.

Courtesy Coach Jerry Campbell