Unlocking Speed and Agility for DEs: The 'Tiger Tornado' Drill
At Los Lunas High School, our defensive ends are working tirelessly this summer to improve their speed and agility. One of our go-to drills is the 'Tiger Tornado,' a dynamic exercise that simulates the quick changes of direction they'll face on the field. The drill consists of 3 sets of 10 reps: 10-yard sprint, 5-yard shuffle, 5-yard backpedal, and 10-yard sprint. Coaches cue: 'Fast feet, not fast legs.' This drill translates to game performance by improving reaction time, agility, and acceleration. By incorporating the Tiger Tornado into their training regimen, our DEs will be better equipped to chase down ball carriers and disrupt opposing offenses. This drill can be adapted for different levels of athletes and can be modified to include a ball or cone to add an extra level of challenge.