Learn the 5 Points of Contact for Fumble-Proof Football From Ray Rice

Provided by:Stack.com

Ray Rice isn’t a fumbler. In his five NFL regular seasons, he’s put the ball on the ground only seven times - or once in every 218 touches. But during the Ravens’ Super Bowl Championship run last season, Rice uncharacteristically committed a few drops. So what did he do this off-season? He doubled-down on perfecting his ball-carrying skills to make sure that he never lets go of it again - unless he’s handing it back to the ref after a touchdown.

5 Points of Contact for a Fumble-Proof Carry

Make it Functional: 5 Points of Contact Ball Switches

It’s easy to keep a strong hold on the ball in a controlled environment - standing with your feet flat on the ground. But most fumbles happen when a ball carrier is off balance or in an awkward position trying to break a tackle. This drill gives your ball security work a real-world feel.

• Start in a two-point stance with your left toes and fingertips on the ground.
• Lift your right leg off the ground and hold the football on your right side using all five points of contact.
• Push off your left toes to jump up.
• While you're in the air, slide the ball across your chest until you are holding it in your left arm with perfect five-point pressure.
• Land on your right foot with your right fingertips on the ground.
• Practice until you get the hang of it. Ball carriers should perform this drill daily.