Installing Today’s Hybrid Pistol Offense Run & Pass from Top to Bottom
This manual provides you with the full offensive line, receiver, and quarterback mechanics for installing each offensive play presented. Coach Campbell has left no stone unturned for implementing today’s Pistol Offense into your program.
I think for man to man the best drill is one on one's, vs the best available receivers on the team. I try to emphasize coverage over interceptions and incompletions mainly because we don't have solid qb's to throw the routes, including the coaches. I think this and knowing the routes they are going to see is very important. Our db's most important drill for their specific position is probably in the film room.
Also, whatever speed and quickness drills you can do during the off season are very important. Speed kills, especially if you have it. It's a huge bonus if you can lock up receivers and let your front 8 concentrate only on the run.
One drill that I think is important for man to man (unless you're always going to play tight) is the cushion drill. Have the db align and start out in a backpedal (stay low, nose over toes, etc) when the wideout he is lined on begins to run at him. Once the WR breaks the DB's cushion (this will be different for everyone depending on speed, but is usually about 2 yards), the DB turns his hips and runs with the WR.
A drill to help DBs learn the correct angles starts out the same. The WR has a choice on whether he will run an in, out, flag, or post (or any other route you want). The DB must try to keep his shade and cushion, then make a break toward the upfield shoulder of the WR on the WR's break.
What I think is one of the hardest things for a DB to do is not look back at the ball when it is in the air and they are beaten. This obviously does no good. In all coverage drills, make sure the DB doesn't look back for the ball until he is hip to hip with the WR. Starting the DB behind the WR and having him run a fade type route is a good way to practice this particular skill.
DC29 was right on the money with his post. Simply covering someone might be the best drill. Also, quickness and agility are huge. Drills that have a lot of turning of the hips, cutting, starts, and stops are important.
I will stop rambling. that is nothing you probably haven't heard before. Hope it helped a little.
Do the drill that CUI mentions, but as WR runs downfield he should try to fade away from DB(run drill with WR on #'s and fade into sideline). DB must learn to know where WR is by tapping WR with hand or elbow. We tell DB's we want them in a cut-off positionaf3ter they turn and run (back of DB's shoulder is on WR's pec). If DB simply turns and runs, WR will fade away from him. We teach our DB's that once the WR starts to fade away and the ball goes up, simply make the WR run up their back while looking for the ball. A simple, but leg-saving 1-on-1 drill is to put WR 10yds downfield from QB and have DB 5yds from WR. The DB can take an inside, outside or head-up alignment. Have the WR run 5yds then break; the QB can take a 3-step drop and throw the ball. It really saves wear and tear on legs. The two key points I stress are: breaking to the upfield shoulder and DO NOT LOOK FOR THE BALL until you are close enough to touch the WR. The "touch rule" is a big deal. Too often DB's look for the ball and slow down, letting the WR run away from them. If you tell the DB's not to look for the ball until they can touch the WR, they'll be in better position to play the ball. The "touch rule" also applies to any time a DB is beat deep. If the DB gets beat deep, he is not to worry about the ball until he is close enough to the WR to touch him. This gets the DB focusing on getting to the man to make a play, and not running to the man looking for the ball and slowing down.