Agility Training for Football Players – Part 2

One way of teaching agility to even larger players are the ladder drills. These drills can take many forms and teach the player to move their feet quickly in and out of small slots while maintaining balance and changing direction. Coaches can encourage explosive speed by directing a 30 yard sprint at the end of each pass over the ladder.

Another new addition to agility training is proprioception training. This is a means of muscle training that physical therapists have been using in rehabilitation for many years. Only recently have coaches discovered the benefits for their players.

Proprioceptors are special biochemical receptors in the muscle, tendons, joints and inner ear which collectively provide us with knowledge about the general position of body parts. Proprioception training puts a high demand on the core muscles developing abdominal and back strength to improve balance.

Balance is a function of joint stability. Proprioception increases balance and by improving stability also decreases the risk of injury. Part of the training forces the body to work on uneven surfaces which develops significantly improved strength and endurance.

Tools for proprioception training can include conventional cones, plyoboxes, weighted balls, rope, flat rung ladders and agility dots or mats. Other training items that are more specific to proprioception are trampolines, wobble boards and dyna-discs, all increase the balance ability of the player.

Including agility training for football players will only help to improve their overall performance and decrease their rate of joint injuries. Both of these factors will help to keep the player on the field all season and improve the overall level of play for the entire team.

Resources:

KbandsTraining: Speed & Agility

http://kbandstraining.com/speed-agility-lateral-shuffle-football-drills/

KbandsTraining: Football

http://kbandstraining.com/football/

Stack: Agility Drills with Kansas State Football

http://www.stack.com/2005/04/01/agility-drills-with-kansas-state-football/

Sports Fitness Advisor: Football Training

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/football-training.html

King Sports Training

http://www.kingsportstraining.com/

Body Building.com: Here are detailed Directions on How Rob Glass coaches the Gators to have Better Agility and Quicker Feet