Football Agility Training - sbc

Football Agility Training
Pat Ivey, MA, CSCS and Josh Stoner, MS, CSCS
At the University of Missouri we use what we term “combo agilities” as part of
our football training program. We use these drills mostly during the summer
training period.
We use programmed events such as the 3-cone, I-test, and other various cone
drills to work lateral speed and change of direction mechanics. As with any other
form of training (speed, strength, etc) attention must be paid to developing
proper technique. Three things we target when coaching are:
1. Directional changes or transitions must be made by getting the head
around and finding the appropriate point of focus.
2. The role of the arm action is vital to acceleration just as in straight ahead
speed.
3. Proper deceleration mechanics. Deceleration from a given velocity is
heavily dependent upon strength and the relationship between the center
of gravity and the base of support.
The term Combo Agilities refers to the pairing of 3 or more different movements
that will be executed on command, either by voice or whistle. The movements
will be performed over a 30 yard distance.
Some examples of Combo Agility patterns that we have used:
SP – BP – SP
SP – SH – BP – CAR
SP – 360 – SP
SP- 360 – 360 – BP – SP
BC – F.ROLL – SP
90 DEGREE BREAKS
BP – B.ROLL – SP – SH – SH
SP – STOP – SP – STOP – SP
BP – SP - TURN AND RUN
SP – L. RUN – L. RUN – BP
SP – CAR – CAR – SP
SP – SH – SH – SP
BC – 360 – 360 – BC
BC – F.ROLL – BP – SP
SP – CW – SH – SEAT ROLL – SP
MOVEMENT KEY
SP-SPRINT
BP-BACK PEDAL
SH-SHUFFLE
CAR-CARIOCA
BC-BEAR CRAWL
CW-CART WHEEL
L.-LATERAL
F.-FORWARD
B.-BACKWARD

SP – F.ROLL – BC – B.BC
BP – STOP – UP DOWN – L.BC
B.BC – 360 – BC – SP – 360 – SP
SP – F.ROLL – UP DOWN – SP
CRAB WALK – B.ROLL – SP
BC – CRAB WALK – BP
The actual pattern is determined by the coach administering the drill. For
example, SP – BP – SP can be done in a straight line for 30 yards or the athlete
can SP forward, BP back to the start line, then sprint to the finish at 30 yds (see
below). So, the coach has the flexibility to determine the amount of yards the
athlete will cover with any given drill. Additionally the amount of patterns that
can be made are endless, the only limitation is creativity.
Sprint
Backpedal
Pat Ivey
In April 2004 was named as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the University of Missouri. In
this role he is directly responsible for the design and implementation of the athletic program for football
as well as overseeing the development of Missouri’s remaining varsity sports. “Caring about the athlete’s
total development as a person and not just an athlete is important to me and coaching, particularly
strength & conditioning, gives me the ability to do so year-round.”
Prior to his arrival at Missouri, Ivey was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at The University of Tulsa for two years
(2002-2004) where he directed the efforts of all 18 sports programs.
Ivey spent time as an Assistant Director, Graduate Assistant, and defensive end at the University of Missouri over the
course of nine years. As the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning from 2001-2002 Ivey assisted with every
aspect of Tiger football player development. Ivey lettered as a defensive end at Missouri from 1993-95. Ivey spent time
on the roster for NFL teams San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions.
Ivey received his undergraduate degree in 1996 in hotel and restaurant management with an emphasis in nutrition and
he completed his master’s in health education in 2000. Ivey holds certifications from the Collegiate Strength and
Conditioning Coaches Association as well as United States Weightlifting.
Josh Stoner
In May 2004 Josh Stoner was named Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at The University of Missouri. In this
role, Stoner is responsible for assisting with the player development program for football as well as being responsible for

the throws portion of Missouri’s track & field team. “ The development of one’s physical abilities and the mental
determination it takes to push oneself to be the best are the underlying factors for athletic success. Being able to assist
athletes better themselves physically and mentally and constantly learning the information that will help me do this is
rewarding.”
Prior to Missouri, Stoner was the Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning at The University of Tulsa from March 2002
– May 2004, Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at The University of Southern Mississippi from January
2001 – December 2002, and was the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Centenary College of Louisiana where he was
responsible for all of its athletic teams.
Stoner received his undergraduate degree in 1999 with a double major in applied science and health and exercise science
from Centenary College of Louisiana and he completed his master’s in exercise science from Southern Mississippi in 2001.
Stoner holds certifications from the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, as well as United States
Weightlifting.