Description

Hansen Sekona, DC/LB Coach, College of San Mateo, CA

Full video available on Glazier Drive: Team Defense: Culture, Pursuit, Circuits, & CTB Drills

TEAM DEFENSIVE DRILLS FOR GAME SITUATIONS

This video covers four essential team defensive drills that translate directly to game performance, focusing on building relentless hustle and situational awareness.

BURST PERIOD WARM-UP DRILL

A team warm-up sequence typically run on Thursdays during game prep that gets the entire defense moving together. The drill progresses through one foot in, two feet in, and side shuffle movements, always finishing with a pass rush move or ball drill. This approach ensures all 10 out of 11 defenders (excluding field corner) can rush the passer, which is crucial for the team's blitz packages and pressure schemes. Position coaches work together to get players warmed up before special teams and situational football segments.

FAST TEMPO COMMUNICATION DRILL

Designed to combat high-tempo offenses, this drill was adapted from University of Georgia's approach. Players line up, receive formation calls and defensive adjustments from coaches, identify offensive alignments (2x2, 3x1 sets), then sprint 5-10 yards to the next rep. The emphasis is on clear communication when fatigued and maintaining organization under pressure. The drill progresses from working against scout team players to going full speed against the team's own offense in "fast ball" situations.

INTERCEPTION RETURN DRILL

Based on extensive self-scouting after losing two games by under six points in 2021, this drill focuses on scoring opportunities from defensive takeaways. Adapted from Dave Aranda's system, it starts with half-line work and progresses to full 11-on-11. Key coaching points include blocking the most dangerous defender, setting up convoy blocking, and "skinning up" to create running lanes to the end zone. The drill directly addressed missed scoring opportunities that cost the team a championship game.

GAME IMPACT RESULTS

The implementation of these drills showed measurable results. After establishing the interception return drill and repping it throughout the off-season, the team scored seven defensive touchdowns in 2022. The video includes game film showing the difference between a failed return attempt in the 2021 championship game (where proper blocking wasn't established) and successful execution the following season with proper convoy blocking and traffic direction.

These drills emphasize the importance of practicing game situations with intensity and attention to detail, ensuring that defensive players can execute under pressure when opportunities arise during actual games.

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