Sprinting to Success: A Mentor Cardinals-Approved Kicker Drill
At top Div I programs like Mentor Cardinals, kickers and punters are constantly looking for ways to improve their speed and agility. One effective drill to add to your summer training regimen is the 'Ladder Sprint':
1. Set up a ladder on the field, with 5-6 feet of space between each rung.
2. Have the kicker start at one end of the ladder and perform a 5-yard sprint to the first rung, then immediately change direction and sprint back to the starting point.
3. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.
4. Coaching cues: 'Quick feet, quick hands' and 'Drive through the first step.'
This drill translates to game performance by improving reaction time and acceleration, allowing kickers to quickly react to changing situations on the field.