Colosseum Drill

In 2018, we were in a playoff game where we had given up 13 points the first 90 seconds of the game. Our team battled back, and eventually got the ball back with just over 3 minutes to go in the game, down by 28-21.  As we attempted a comeback, I realized the environment was a completely new experience for our players, and at this point, it was ill-timed to experience something of this magnitude for the first time.  On 4th down, the QB changed the play at the line of scrimmage, and intended to throw the ball to a WR. However, because of the noise, the WR did not hear the call correctly, and the pass fell incomplete.

When I became the offensive coordinator the following season, I wanted to find a way to better prepare our players for that kind of scenario.  This is where Colosseum was developed.  Here's how it works.

1. The first offense will get the ball in a pre-determined, end of game scenario (i.e. 35 yard line, 1 timeout, down by 4 points, need a touchdown to win)

2. A scout defense will be on the field running a base coverage from the team we are playing that week.

3. Any player not on offense or defense will stand on either sideline or behind the offense and create noise and distractions.

4. Goal is for the offense to communicate in the chaos and score the winning touch down.