Win the Turnover Battle: 5 Essential Ball Security Drills - Derrick Sherman

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.

 

  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

More Free Resources!

Related Posts

Win the Turnover Battle: 5 Essential Ball Security Drills - Derrick Sherman

A few of the ball security mantras at the University of Houston are:

DB Domination: Game-Ready Block Destruction & Tackling Drills & Techniques - Bill Brechin

Bill Brechin, Defensive Coordinator, Miami (OH) holds the following beliefs about block destruction:

Wing-T Secrets to Putting Safeties in Conflict for Game-Breaking Plays - Joey Montoya

Joey Montoya, Head Coach, Placer HS, CA felt that they needed to address the following problems to...

GLAZIER SEASON PASS - $499

UNLIMITED COACHES - UNLIMITED IN-PERSON & ONLINE EDUCATION
The Glazier Season Pass gives all your coaches access to these resources:

2025-Glazier-Map-RGB-500x310

Unlimited Nationwide Clinics

Each clinic has 100+ sessions of practical Xs & Os for your entire staff. Network and brainstorm with some of the best speakers and coaches in the game.

Find a clinic near you
Drive desktop + mobile small

Digital Coach Education Glazier Drive

Join 30,000 coaches on Glazier Drive and learn anytime. Glazier Drive has 48 complete systems, online clinics, 2,000+ videos, and forums.

Learn more about Drive
Get Your Season Pass

TRUSTED GLAZIER PARTNERS