What is a handoff in football? A handoff is a play where the quarterback transfers the football directly to another player, usually a running back, without throwing it. This guide will explain how to receive a handoff effectively, cover crucial football receiving techniques, and discuss ball security.
Receiving a handoff is a fundamental skill for any player who might carry the ball in football. Whether you’re a running back, a fullback, a quarterback in a wildcat formation, or even a receiver on an end-around, mastering this technique is key to offensive success and avoiding costly turnovers. It’s more than just grabbing the ball; it involves precise timing, proper body positioning, and a focus on ball security. This guide will break down every aspect of receiving a handoff, from the basic mechanics to advanced considerations.
The Core Mechanics of a Handoff
The success of a handoff hinges on the coordination between the player giving the ball and the player receiving it. It’s a dance of hands, eyes, and momentum.
Securing the Football: The Foundation
When you’re expecting a handoff, your primary goal is to secure the football. This means getting your hands on it firmly and ensuring it stays with you.
Proper Hand Position for Receivers
The way you position your hands is critical. For a standard handoff, you want to create a “tunnel” or a “cradle” with your hands for the ball carrier to place the ball into.
- Running Backs: Your hands should be cupped, with your thumbs touching to form a tight, secure pocket. The palms of your hands should face upwards, ready to receive the ball. Your fingers should be spread slightly, providing a broad target.
- Fullbacks/Other Players: Similar principles apply. The goal is to make it easy for the quarterback to deposit the ball securely into your grasp. Your arms should be bent at the elbows, bringing your hands in front of your body.
The “Cradling” Technique
The term “cradling the football” refers to the action of creating a secure, protected space for the ball with your arms and hands. Once the ball is in your hands, you need to bring it in close to your body.
- Bring it to the Chest: After receiving the ball, immediately tuck it into your chest or stomach area.
- Cover with Arms: Use your free arm and hand to cover the ball, further protecting it from defenders. This is a crucial element of ball security.
Timing and Trust
A handoff is built on trust between the quarterback and the running back. The timing must be perfect.
- Reading the Mesh Point: The “mesh point” is the spot where the quarterback and running back meet to exchange the ball. The running back needs to hit this point with proper speed and trajectory.
- Commitment: Both players must be committed to the handoff. Hesitation can lead to fumbled exchanges. The running back should run through the mesh point as if the ball is already in their hands.
Developing Handoff Receiving Skills
Like any skill in football, receiving handoffs improves with practice. Consistent repetition builds muscle memory and confidence.
Essential Drills for Handoff Reception
To become proficient at receiving handoffs, players should engage in specific drills that isolate and refine the mechanics.
The Mesh Drill
This is the foundational drill for handoff exchanges.
- Setup: The quarterback and running back start facing each other at a set distance.
- Execution: The quarterback simulates handing off the ball. The running back drives forward, meeting the quarterback at the mesh point, securing the ball, and tucking it away.
- Progression: Increase speed, add resistance (a coach or defender standing near the mesh point), and practice on the move.
Tunnel Drill Variations
This drill focuses on hand placement and securing the ball.
- Setup: A player stands with arms extended, hands cupped and ready to receive.
- Execution: Another player (or coach) walks or jogs past, simulating a handoff. The receiving player focuses on creating the tunnel with their hands and securing the ball.
- Focus Areas: Emphasize keeping the hands soft initially to absorb the ball, then immediately bringing it in tight.
Full Speed Handoffs
Once the basics are mastered, it’s time to incorporate game-speed execution.
- Setup: A quarterback and running back practice handoffs during running plays, starting from the offensive line’s stance.
- Execution: The offensive line simulates blocking, creating a realistic game scenario. The running back reads the blocks and executes the handoff with game speed.
- Variations: Practice off-tackle runs, inside zone plays, and sweeps where the handoff mechanics might differ slightly due to the angle and speed.
Beyond the Basic Handoff: Game Considerations
A handoff is rarely just about receiving the ball. It’s integrated into a larger offensive scheme.
Route Running and Handoffs
While typically associated with running backs, players on routes can also receive handoffs, most commonly in plays like end-arounds or jet sweeps.
- Timing with the Snap: For these plays, the timing of the handoff with the snap is crucial. The player receiving the handoff needs to be in position at the correct moment.
- Ball Security on the Move: Receiving a handoff while in motion adds an extra layer of challenge. Players must be extra vigilant about ball security, often cradling the ball with two hands as they turn upfield.
- Wide Receiver Drills: Wide receivers often practice drills that simulate jet sweeps or other motion-based handoffs. These drills focus on maintaining speed and securing the ball while running laterally or at an angle.
Blocking Assignments and Handoffs
If you are a player involved in a handoff play, you also need to be aware of your blocking assignments.
- Assisting the Ball Carrier: After receiving the handoff, the running back’s job is to gain yards. However, the quarterback might have a role in blocking for the running back on certain plays.
- Protecting the Ball: While not a direct assignment, the quarterback’s secondary role after a handoff is often to protect the ball carrier’s “back side” or to avoid defenders crashing the line of scrimmage.
Faking Handoffs
A crucial element of offensive football is the play-action fake. The quarterback might simulate a handoff to draw defenders away from the intended pass play.
- Running Back’s Role: If a running back is involved in a fake handoff, their job is to sell the fake convincingly. This means running towards the mesh point with the same speed and commitment as a real handoff.
- Quarterback’s Role: The quarterback must make the fake look realistic, extending the ball and performing the footwork of a handoff.
Advanced Techniques and Ball Security
Ball security is paramount on every play, but especially when receiving a handoff. A dropped handoff is a turnover, often leading to big plays for the defense.
Maintaining Ball Security After the Handoff
Once the ball is in your possession, your job isn’t done. You need to protect it.
- Two-Handed Grip: Whenever possible, secure the ball with both hands.
- Tucking and Covering: Bring the ball into your body and cover it with your forearm and bicep.
- Protecting the Ball: Keep the ball away from defenders’ hands. Use your body to shield it. Avoid carrying the ball out in front of you.
Different Types of Handoffs
Football coaches employ various handoff techniques to add deception and effectiveness to the offense.
| Handoff Type | Description | Key Receiver Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dive Handoff | The quarterback gives the ball directly to the running back, who runs straight ahead into the line of scrimmage. This is a common play to gain short yardage. | Hit the mesh point directly, secure the ball, and drive forward with power. Your hands should be open and ready to receive. |
| Outside Handoff | The quarterback moves laterally with the ball, handing it off to a running back who is also moving laterally or towards the sideline. This is common in sweep plays. | Adjust your angle to meet the quarterback. Ensure your hands are ready to receive as you are moving. Prioritize cradling the ball immediately and protecting it with your body as you turn upfield. |
| Misdirection Handoff | The quarterback fakes one direction and hands off to a running back going the opposite way. This can be a very effective deception play. | Be aware of the play’s direction. Sell the fake if you’re the intended recipient of a fake handoff. For the actual handoff, adjust your approach to meet the quarterback at the correct mesh point, which might be at an angle. |
| Screens | While technically passes, some screen plays can involve a quick, short toss that mimics a handoff motion. The receiver must be ready to catch the ball and then make a play. | Focus on “catching the ball” with soft hands and securing it quickly. Your route running needs to be crisp to get open for the short pass. |
| Jet Sweep Handoff | A receiver or running back comes in motion across the formation, and the quarterback hands off the ball as they meet. | Maintain speed and a consistent path. Receive the ball cleanly while on the move and immediately tuck it. Your body should be in a position to receive the ball on the run. |
Practicing with Different Footballs
While you’ll primarily use a standard-sized football, practicing with slightly heavier or lighter balls can improve your grip strength and ball control. This is similar to how some pitchers use weighted balls to build arm strength.
Film Study
Watching film of yourself and elite players can provide valuable insights into handoff techniques, timing, and ball security strategies. Pay attention to how top running backs receive handoffs and protect the ball in traffic.
Handoffs vs. Catches: A Subtle Difference
While this guide focuses on handoffs, it’s worth noting the distinction from catching a pass, particularly in relation to the LSI keywords.
Football Receiving Techniques
When we talk about football receiving techniques, it generally refers to catching a thrown ball. This involves:
- Hand Formation: Creating a “diamond” with your thumbs and index fingers for a thrown ball.
- Eye Contact: Tracking the ball all the way into your hands.
- Body Positioning: Adjusting your body to the ball, whether it’s high, low, or in front of you.
Receiving a handoff shares some similarities, particularly the focus on securing the ball, but the mechanics are different due to the absence of a throw. The goal of catching the ball in a pass situation is to transition it smoothly into a secure carry. In a handoff, the ball is deposited directly into your possession.
Punt Return Technique
It’s also important to differentiate handoffs from punt return technique. A punt returner’s primary job is to catch a kicked ball, which has a different trajectory and spin than a thrown ball or a handoff. The techniques for securing a punt are highly specialized to handle the unpredictable nature of a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important thing to remember when receiving a handoff?
A1: Ball security is the most important thing. Always focus on cradling the football firmly and protecting it immediately after receiving it.
Q2: Can a receiver receive a handoff?
A2: Yes, receivers can receive handoffs on plays like jet sweeps or end-arounds. They need to practice the same core principles of securing the ball.
Q3: How should my hands be positioned for a handoff?
A3: Your hands should be cupped together, thumbs touching, to create a secure pocket for the ball. Your palms should face upwards.
Q4: What is the “mesh point” in a handoff?
A4: The mesh point is the area where the quarterback and running back meet to exchange the ball. It’s crucial for the running back to hit this point at the correct time and with proper commitment.
Q5: What are some common drills to improve handoff reception?
A5: The mesh drill, tunnel drill variations, and full-speed handoff repetitions with blocking are essential drills.
Q6: Is route running involved in handoff plays?
A6: While not directly receiving a pass, players involved in end-arounds or jet sweeps might run a specific route as part of the play, and then receive a handoff on the move.
Q7: What is ball security in football?
A7: Ball security refers to the techniques used to prevent fumbles. This includes cradling the football with two hands, tucking it securely, and protecting it with your body.
Q8: How does receiving a handoff differ from catching a pass?
A8: Receiving a handoff involves a direct transfer of the ball, usually into a cradled position with two hands. Catching a pass requires tracking a thrown ball and using different hand formations (like the diamond) to secure it, often with one hand if necessary.
Mastering the handoff is a vital step for any offensive player. By focusing on proper technique, consistent practice, and an unwavering commitment to ball security, you can become a reliable and effective ball carrier. Remember, every successful handoff is a building block for offensive success.