The highest levels of football focus practice more on game plan installation than they do on technical football drills. But this is the exception and not the rule. The only reason these players are able to shift time away from technical drills & preparation is because at that level they are expected to possess at least average fortitude in most fundamental aspects of their position.

The rules are not the same for growing athletes and amateurs who will always have room for improvement and stand to benefit from the proper practice regiment consisting of football drills and fundamentals training. Despite proof that fundamentals are more important than scheming at the youth football levels, many football coaches neglect to dedicate the proper amount of time to this critical practice.

What Are the Benefits of Football Drills?

1. Proper drill preparation reduces injuries: First and foremost, teaching young football players how to properly play the game benefits players on both sides. It prevents injuries by encouraging safe technique and gives players a better understanding of the physics of the game.
2. Proper drill preparation eliminates talent differentials: An athlete with at least some drills training will usually enjoy a substantial performance boost over someone of lesser skill even if the opponent is more athletic. Well-coached, well-drilled football teams perform better against elite players and teams. Coaches and players considered less athletic can win more football games.
3. Proper drill preparation boosts confidence: When players are 100% sure they know how to execute and what to do on a particular play, they play without hesitation and give your team an explosive element.
4. Proper drill preparation makes things instinctual: Drill preparation prevents players from thinking too much. It allows them to shut their minds down (to a certain degree!) and focus on what’s happening rather than in deep thought about what their next step should be.

Long-Term Outlook

Given the recent scope of player development – including both enormous talent gaps and injury problems at most levels of football – practicing the proper technique becomes all the more important for teams wishing to consistently compete. This is even truer for athletes who play in talent-skewed divisions of football where they face more talented teams on a regular basis.

For any youth parent, coach or player, it’s important to recognize the benefit of proper technique and football fundamentals going forward. Even though it’s not the most exciting aspect of practice, it’s good for the players and the game..