A few of the ball security mantras at the University of Houston are:
- Ball security takes all of us (Ball carriers & non-ball carriers)
- When you carry the ball, you dominate the ball
- When the ball is in your hands, the program is in your hands
- Hand the ball to the official with two hands
- Only reach for extra yards on 4th down, the final play of the game, or two point conversion attempts.
In our video, Derrick Sherman, Assistant Head Coach/WR Coach at Houston, takes us through five drills from his Glazier Drive Clinic: WR Ball Security Technique & Drills.
- Circle Chase Drill Details:
- Athletes must maintain ball security while running and turning corners
- Emphasizes awareness of defenders from all angles, not just visible threats
- Highlights common mistakes like dropping the wrist below the elbow during jukes
- Usually run twice in first two weeks of camp and once or twice in spring ball
- Coaching Points:
- Wrist position should remain above the elbow
- Elbow must stay locked during movement
- Film review the next day to identify specific situations where players drop their security
- Emphasis on creating proper habits through exaggeration in practice
- Goal is to get 75-80% perfect execution in game situations
- Additional Drills and Techniques:
- Boxing glove drills to practice security while off-balance
- Triangle pressure technique for imminent contact
- Position-specific adaptations for different players (QBs, RBs, WRs, DBs)
- Ground contact drills to practice maintaining security while falling
- Emphasis on not using the ball hand to brace falls
- Teaching Philosophy:
- Focus on repetition and habit formation
- Daily practice (about 3 minutes with 40 players)
- Multiple camera angles for teaching and correction
- Emphasis on realistic game situations
- Constant reinforcement of proper technique even when players are tired
These drills should be practiced regularly but varied to prevent boredom while maintaining proper technique and awareness in all situations.
