How do I teach pursuit angles?
Line 5–6 defenders across the field, give one ball carrier the sideline, and blow the whistle. Defenders must run to where the runner will be, not where they are, to cut them off and pull the flag. One drill teaches the geometry lesson that saves a season of touchdowns: chase the future, not the past.
Setup
Defenders spaced across the field every 5–7 yards. One ball carrier on the sideline at one end, ball tucked. You at the whistle.
How it works
On the whistle, the carrier sprints diagonally for the opposite corner. Each defender picks an intercept angle and goes. Flags pulled anywhere before the corner are a defensive win. Rotate the carrier every rep, being the rabbit is the reward.
What to watch for
Defenders aiming at the runner’s current position (they’ll trail the play forever) versus aiming ahead. Also effort after getting beat: the kids who keep running teach your team its culture.
Age modifications
- K–1st: run it as “cut off the cookie thief”, pure chase fun, angles emerge naturally.
- 2nd: name the concept: “run to where they’re GOING.” Walk one example, then live reps.
- 3rd–4th: vary the carrier’s path mid-rep so defenders re-angle on the move.
Common mistakes
- Letting fast kids be the carrier every time. Rotate, slow carriers give defenders better angle practice anyway.
- Coaching only the first defender. The drill’s real lesson is the second and third defender’s backup angles.
- Allowing give-up jogging. “Never give up on a play” is taught here or never.
Quick answers
What is a pursuit angle?
The path to where the runner will be when you arrive, not where they are now. Defenders who learn it stop trailing plays and start ending them.
Why does my team always chase from behind?
Because chasing the runner’s back is instinct. This drill replaces instinct with geometry, one week of reps usually shows up immediately in games.
What if a defender gets beat?
Keep running. Great things happen when kids don’t quit on plays, fumbled flags, slowed runners, second chances. Praise the chase as loudly as the pull.
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