Boosting Kickoff Coverage: The Bismarck Demons' Kicking Drill
At AAA programs like the Bismarck Demons, kickoff coverage is a top priority. To improve their tackling and pursuit skills, the Demons' coaching staff has implemented a drill that targets these key areas. The drill, dubbed 'Kicking Coverage Chaos,' involves setting up a series of kicking scenarios with a kicker and two to three receivers. The kicker will kick the ball from the 35-yard line, and the receivers will attempt to catch the ball and return it to the end zone. The kicker will then immediately pursue the ball carrier, and the receivers will attempt to block or tackle the kicker. The drill will be run for 3 sets of 5 reps, with a 2-minute rest period between sets. Coaching cues will focus on 'hitting the ball carrier low' and 'pursuing with speed and aggression.' This drill translates to game performance by improving the kickers' ability to track and tackle ball carriers, while also increasing the receivers' ability to block and pursue in kickoff coverage situations.