Place a defensive halfback or corner man in his regular position. A pass receiver runs a direct route in front of the defensive man’s regular position. A coach or passer throws the ball, and we want the defender to play full speed through the receiver for the football, as illustrated in [Figure 124]. It is merely one-on-one and gives both the receiver and defender practice fighting for the ball.
Figure 124
Dog Fight Drill for Safety Man (8 men):
We put a safety man in the middle of the field and receivers on each hash mark. On a signal from the coach, the receivers start down the field and the passer drops back with the football. The safety man must stay in the middle of the field as he gets depth in order to be in a position to cover both receivers. When the ball is thrown, the safety man sprints full speed for the interception, as illustrated in [Figure 125].
Figure 125
Outside Drill (15-25 men):
We set up a skeleton offensive unit of ends, center and a complete backfield versus the defensive ends and secondary, as illustrated in [Figure 126]. The offense works full speed running its outside plays and passes, and the defense is drilled in stopping the wide attack.