Lateral German Throwing by Brett Matzuka
Limiting the ability of the cutter forces the thrower to be more creative; this drill will teach throwers to identify space and select an appropriate throw
Setup:
A thrower, A, stands just outside the endzone, marked by D1. A receiver, B, stands around 8m away in the middle of the field, defended by D2. Mark out two reception areas with cones, 8-12m away from B on either side.
“German” in this context means a thrower-led option where the target isn’t actively cutting, but rather the throw goes up to space and the receiver reacts to it
Rotation:
D1 > A > D2 > B
Step 1
- Defence can set up however they want; the defenders in the diagram show just one of many examples.
- A must read the situation and throw into one of the two boxes.
- The receiver, B, cannot initiate and can only attack one side. Downfield Lateral cut or Inside Throw to Lateral Cut or Around Throw to Lateral Cut
Pre-Requisite Drills:
None
Tips:
Brett Matzuka says:
You’ll need to ensure that your throw sits long enough for B to reach it, but make sure it stays at a catchable height
Remember that the marker cannot see what’s happening behind them; use your fakes to move the marker and create a throwing lane
B has an important job too; holding position against D2 by Sealing the Lane to prevent D2 from being able to make a play