Pursuit is the burning desire to get to the football. Pursuit can be evaluated by freezing a video frame and counting the number of players around the football on any given play.
You can be a turn over producing defense by great pursuit by your defensive linemen. Force people to go the distance in order to score.
You can build a reputation of punishing gang tackling from the front and back side by demanding team pursuit.
WHAT IT TAKES TO PURSUE:
A. Pursuit is first a mental process.
B. Visualize pursuing and making great plays.
C. Physical conditioning is necessary so that you can have great pursuit on every play.
D. Speed - react fast and quickly. You can improve your speed and quickness.
HOW TO PURSUE:
A. Play technique and gap responsibility first.
B. Concentrate on lateral movement when ball comes your way.
B. Take correct course (pursuit angle) to the ball that will put you in a good position for cutback.
C. Never follow the same colored jersey.
D. You have to want to be first to the ball.
E. Whoever is responsible for contain, must turn the ball carrier inside into pursuit. Everyone else works inside out to the ball.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT THE BALL:
A. Come to balance (come under control).
B. Good bent knee striking position.
C. Step to and through the ball carrier (take one extra step).
D. Club and rap up, driving your numbers up through their numbers.
WHAT PURSUIT DOES:
A. Eliminates the long touchdown.
B. Discourages opponent's
1. During the course of a game.
2. Strikes fear and intimidates future opponents.
C. Promotes consistent team performance.
D. Creates turnovers all over the field.
Courtesy Coach Jerry Campbell
