Towel Challenge

by Len Rapone
(Massachusettes, USA)

Football Plays

Objective of Drill: The receiver will demonstrate the realistic stalk blocking skills needed for facing live competition in a simulated training session.

Action of Drill: Take two players lined up across from one another.

Place three different colored flat cones 5 yards apart from each other forming a vertical line.

The coach may make as many as three grouped line 10 yards apart to increase participation and utilize effective time.

The coach stands 7-10 feet behind the line(s) holding an old towel extended from one hand and a stop watch in the other.

On the coach's whistle the receiver comes out of their stance (starting at first cone) and takes off up field to the middle cone.

The defender (starting at the middle cone) on the whistle takes his backpedal and read steps to the third cone.

By the time the receiver reaches the middle cone the defender has reached the third cone and then reacts to the receiver.

At that point the receiver must then engage the defender with good stalk blocking skills & technique (solid base, coiled elbows & hands, head up shoulders square) for a time of 5-7 seconds (coach times engagement and reads time aloud).

If the receiver can hold off his defender for the given time he wins, and the defender must do 5 push ups.

If the defender can grasp the towel from the coach before the time, then the receiver does 5 push ups.

Change positions or repeat drill as desired.

Coaching Points: Focus on the receivers stance before drill starts.

Emphasize the proper take-off/start.

Evaluate blocking techniques (alignment, base, coiled hand position, squared shoulders, head up).

Be overly critical about attack angles and control of the defender.