The Gauntlet

Description

The gauntlet builds the competitive mentality and ball security that matters most when the game is on the line. It's high-intensity, high-rep, and creates the game-speed pressure that makes other drills feel easy by comparison.

Instructions

1. Set up a narrow cone lane: 5 yards wide, 10 yards long.
2. Place one defender at the far end.
3. Ball carriers line up at the start.
4. On the coach's signal, the ball carrier runs at full speed toward the defender.
5. Defender tries to pull the flag. Rotate the defender after 3-4 reps.

Points to Stress

• Run with your hips LOW — it protects your flags.
• Stay in the lane — don't bounce outside it.
• Defender: cut off the straight line first, then go for the flag.
• Ball carrier: make one decisive move, then sprint.