Play action pass drill
Why it works
Flag defences fly at a fake handoff because a run looks like the easiest flag to pull. A fake only works if the back runs like he has the ball, and running it with no defence first lets the offence practise selling it before anyone is there to be fooled.
Run it
10 MINTen throws, then rotate quarterbacks. Ten minutes. Stop when the backs start jogging; a lazy fake is worse than no fake.
Say this
“Run like you have it.”
Defenders watch the back first, so the fake is only as good as his run.
“Ride it, then hide it.”
The quarterback shows the ball to the back, then hides it on his hip before he looks downfield.
“Feet set before you throw.”
Turning from the fake to a throw off balance sends the ball high.
Good looks like
- The back runs through the cone at full speed with his arms folded.
- The ball stays in the back's belly for a full step.
- The quarterback's feet are set before the throw.
- The receiver is open behind where the fake would draw a defender.
The mistakes
The back jogging through the mesh once he knows the ball is not his. Make him run all the way to the cone; if he slows, the rep does not count.
Say: “Run like you have it.”
Pulling the ball out early and waving it, which tells the defence it is a pass. Count one full step with the ball in the back's belly.
Say: “Ride it, then hide it.”
Throwing while still turning. Have the quarterback land on his back foot and set before the ball leaves.
Say: “Feet set before you throw.”
Walk the fake first with no throw. Then jog it and throw to a receiver standing still five yards away.
Add two defenders who have to decide run or pass. Score a point for the offence when a defender steps up to the fake.