Football Coaching Tools: Teaching the Breakdown Stance

Show your players the four keys to a successful breakdown stance with these steps.

Fundamentals need to be stressed in football practice so that players can effectively compete at a high level while remaining safe in their actions. A proper breakdown stance is one of these fundamentals that every football player should know. Coaching veteran of 25 years and Heads Up Football master trainer Chris Merritt has devised a four-step progression for you to use with your team this season to teach them the proper steps to getting into a breakdown position.

To begin the process of getting into the breakdown stance, the first command will be Feet. This signals your players to pick their feet up and put them down right underneath their armpits with toes facing forward for optimal balance and comfort.

The next command to give will be Squeeze, which will have your football players squeezing their shoulder blades together to widen their chest and keep their head in an upright, safe position.

Next, initiate the Sink command, with which your players to drop their hips with a bit of a forward lean to get their knees over their toes and shoulders over their knees. Make sure their backs are at a 45-degree angle for optimal comfort and readiness.

The final command in the breakdown stance progression will be Hands, meaning players will raise their hands to a good athletic position so that they can respond to whatever the game throws at them.

This easy-to-remember progression can help get your players in a ready stance. Try out Feet, Squeeze, Sink, Hands at your next practice and help set your team up for success.

For other coaching techniques, tips and tricks this football season, be sure to check out the Pro Tips Football Coach’s Tools tab http://protips.dickssportinggoods.com...

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