Tight End Dominance: The Bergen Catholic Crusaders' 7-Point Drill
To dominate the tight end position at Non-Public A programs like Bergen Catholic Crusaders, players must develop a strong foundation in route running, blocking, and receiving. The 7-Point Drill is a crucial exercise that targets these skills. The drill consists of 3 sets of 5 reps, with 30 seconds of rest between sets. Players start in a 3-point stance, then sprint 10 yards to a designated point, where they perform a specific skill: 1) In-route, 2) Out-route, and 3) Sealing a defender. The final 4 points are dedicated to receiving: 4) Catching a pass while being contacted, 5) Securing the ball with one hand, and 6) Making a play on the ball while being hit. The 7th point is a 10-yard sprint back to the starting position. Coaching cues include 'eyes on the quarterback,' 'hands up,' and 'secure the catch.' This drill translates to game performance by improving reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to make plays in traffic.