Oklahoma drill
American football practice technique
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Oklahoma drill[1] is an American football practice technique used to test and train players in confined full contact situations. The technique was developed by Oklahoma Sooners coach Bud Wilkinson.[2] It has many names.[3]
Description
The drill has several variations. The most common involves two players lined up three yards (2.7 m) opposite one another.[3]
Prevalence
Many high school and college teams use the Oklahoma drill as a way to kick off the first day of full-contact practice.[1]
The Oklahoma drill, along with other full-contact drills, was officially banned from NFL team practices in May 2019 following years of declining use and increasing concerns for player safety.[4] Veterans and high-profile NFL players rarely participate in pit drills owing to the higher risk of injury, with many coaches already refusing to permit the drill prior to its ban. A non-contact variant of the drill is sometimes run.[5][6]
Outside football
Oklahoma drills have been used for entertainment purposes, as a type of combat sport.[7]