Every successful defense is built on a foundation of consistent, well-executed team drills that develop both individual skills and group cohesion.
In this video, Kasey Smith, Defensive Coordinator, Gainesville HS, GA shares five essential defensive drills that top programs rely on daily to build championship-caliber defenses – drills that have proven successful for a championship high school program.
Coach Smith's entire presentation can be viewed at: Team/Group Drills Defensive Coordinators Should Implement on Glazier Drive.
Summary of the defensive drills and coaching points covered in the video:
- Read and React "Dent Technique" Drill
- Focuses on defensive triangle reads (backside guard to near back)
- Emphasizes proper eye discipline ("see a little, see a lot")
- Teaches proper leverage and hand placement
- Stresses creating knockback while maintaining inside leverage
- Group Half Line Drill
- Works on gap schemes with live offensive looks
- Teaches backers to recognize pull calls and proper fitting
- Uses film study from college/NFL to demonstrate techniques
- Emphasizes leverage player responsibilities
- Pod Drills
- Two-on-one work focusing on specific techniques
- Practices against various blocking schemes (doubles, scoops, pin and pulls)
- Emphasizes quality repetitions against strong competition
- Five Technique Work
- Focuses on "heavy technique" principles
- Teaches zone defense principles with emphasis on eye discipline
- Works on chase techniques and proper gap control
- Shell Drill
- Full-team drill incorporating multiple offensive looks
- Practices against runs, passes, screens, and RPOs
- Works on proper defensive fits and angles
- Runs at a fast pace with regular rotation of units
The video emphasizes game-like situations, proper technique, and the importance of repetition with quality opponents. Coach Smith stresses the importance of fundamentals while maintaining a fast practice tempo to maximize learning opportunities.
