Shut Down the Edge: A S Player Drill for 6A-I Programs
As the Owasso Rams prepare for the upcoming season, their secondary unit is working on a key drill to shut down the edge against opponents' top receivers. The 'Shadow Box' drill involves a S player and a WR player facing off in a 10-yard box. The S player must stay within 5 yards of the WR, while the WR tries to get open. The drill starts with the WR running a 5-yard out route, then a 5-yard in route, and finally a 5-yard slant. The S player must react quickly to stay in position. The drill is done for 3 sets of 10 reps. Coaching cues include 'stay on their hip' and 'keep them in front of you'. This drill translates to game performance by teaching the S player to stay disciplined and react quickly to different routes, which will be crucial in shutting down the edge against top receivers.