Full Contact Football Camp Activities

Football camps generally come in two varieties. One features no pads while players work on technique and comprehension. But for advanced players who need to prepare their bodies for a season of football, there are full-contact camps. These camps encourage aggressive, physical play. There are a variety of full-contact football camp activities to improve a player's skill level.

  1. Oklahoma

    • The Oklahoma drill is a full-contact tackling activity that also incorporates blocking technique. Various forms of the Oklahoma exist, but in all forms, players split into offensive and defensive groups. An equal number (typically one or two) of offensive and defensive linemen take the field opposite the line of scrimmage. Behind the defensive linemen stands a linebacker or defensive back. A ball carrier (wide receiver or running back) stands behind the offensive linemen. On the whistle, the defensive players engage with the offense in an attempt to bring down the runner. Defensive linemen try to occupy offensive linemen, allowing the free tackler to make a play on the ball.

    Tackling Drills

    • Improving defenders' tackling ability is a priority at full-contact football camp. There are a number of drills designed to help in this area. Perhaps most important is teaching proper tackling technique. Players should practice by starting face-to-face, one with a ball and one as defender. The runner should give himself up and allow the defender to perform proper technique in tackling. For open-field tackling, one drill involves a ball carrier and a defender going head-to-head. The runner approaches a cone placed about 5 yards in front of the defender. As soon as he reaches the cone, he makes a break to either side, and the defender must react to make an open-field tackle.

    Blocking Drills

    • Blocking drills are full-contact activities that have numerous variations. Offensive linemen can practice their run- and pass-blocking techniques by going head-to-head with a defensive lineman. For pass blocking, an offensive lineman lines up across from two defensive linemen. On the snap, one of the defenders charges forward, trying to reach the quarterback. The offensive lineman must recognize where the pass rusher is coming from and pick up the block. For run blocking, an offensive lineman faces one defensive lineman. Just before the snap, a coach yells out a running play, such as "sweep left" or "dive right." The offensive lineman must react quickly and perform the necessary block to spring the running back. Running backs can practice picking up a blitz by having multiple pass rushers line up against them. One will sprint around the edge of the line of scrimmage, and the running back must protect the quarterback. Wide receivers improve run-blocking skills by exploding off the line and exhibiting proper hand placement against opposing cornerbacks. These drills are full-contact, but in many cases, they only require two players and are specialized for each position.

    Scrimmage

    • At the end of a long day of camp drills, it is beneficial to conduct a full-contact scrimmage. This gives the players and coaches a chance to incorporate into a game situation the skills and techniques they have learned throughout the day. These can be full 11-on-11 games or minimized to fewer players depending on camp size. Players should be encouraged to be physical, but dirty play should be prohibited. Full contact does not mean dangerous.