Summer Speed and Agility for CBs: The 'Shadow' Drill
This week, Stillwater Pioneers coach, Chad Keul, shares a speed and agility drill designed to improve cornerbacks' reaction time and closing speed. The 'Shadow' drill requires two players: a defender and a ball carrier. The defender starts 10 yards behind the ball carrier, who begins at a 3-yard depth. On the whistle, the ball carrier takes off in a sprint, and the defender must quickly close the gap. The drill consists of 3 sets of 5 reps, with a 2-minute rest between sets. Coaching cues include: 'Stay low, stay fast' and 'Shadow the ball.' This drill translates to game performance by improving a CB's ability to quickly close on receivers and stay in phase, even on deep routes. By incorporating the 'Shadow' drill into your summer training, you'll be ready to take on the competition come kickoff.