Offensive Line Football Drills – Quarterback Handoff

One idea that worked well for a young team (9yr olds) that I had coached was a simple drill to improve reps for the center QB exchange, QB RB handoff.   We had some difficulties in our first games with these transitions, so I went back to a basic drill that I had used in the past and decided to spend 10 -15 minutes on every night of practice after water break following our quick drills.

Quarterback Handoff
For this drill simply line 4 -5 running backs in one line, 2 centers and 2 QBs on the left and the right with the rest of the team on one knee in a gauntlet style.

The QBs alternate using different cadences and the coaches call out the snap count (or just select to go on a two or three count for periods of the drill).   Running backs take a straight dive handoff and squeeze the ball as they blast through the gauntlet, knees high and protecting the ball.

The players on their knees reach in to try to knock the ball loose.   At the end of the gauntlet is a coach who uses a blocking dummy to “pop” the running back, drop the bag in front of the RB or simply move out of the way to give him different scenarios to help prepare for everything from tripping, to a solid hit someone missing him altogether (this helps with balance and many other fundamental running back skills).

After that the RB must go to the right or left and then up field for 5 yards.   Then they turnaround and get back in line.

Alternate QBs and centers to make sure that we have at least 4 QBs and 4 centers who can manage this drill.   QBs must carry out their fake pitch or fake option as well.   Center must fire out and make a block on the Nose or offside LB, we use a coach or Dad with a blocking dummy for this as well.