Contain is a defensive job, not a position. Young defenders think they should run at the ball. This drill teaches them to stand their ground and force plays toward help.
Equipment needed: 8 cones, 3 balls, 2 runners.
Setup: Create two 20-yard by 15-yard rectangles side by side. One defender lines up on the sideline at the edge. Runner lines up in the middle of the rectangle about 8 yards away from the defender.
How to run it:
- Runner takes off horizontally or slightly upfield, trying to get to the edge and outside.
- Defender’s job is not to chase. Defender plants on the edge, stays upright, forces the runner to cut back inside.
- Once the runner cuts back, the defender can chase. No flag pulls yet, just contain positioning.
- Do 6 reps per defender, then switch.
- Add a second defender coming from the inside. Now the outside defender contains while the inside defender makes the tackle.
What to look for:
The outside defender should have a wide base, not be leaning forward. If they’re falling forward trying to chase, they’re too aggressive. The runner’s cut back tells you the contain is working. If the runner reaches the corner, the defender opened the edge. If the inside defender gets there before the runner cuts, the outside defender is doing their job. The two defenders should communicate: “You take the edge, I’ll clean up inside.”
Variation: For the older end of this age group, add motion or a second runner. Now defenders have to recognize coverage and adjust their contain responsibility. One defender might have to follow a motion man, opening the edge. That’s when the other defender shifts to plug the hole.