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]
The drill has several variations. The most common involves two players lined up three yards (2.7 m) opposite one another. [3]
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]
Oklahoma drills have been used for entertainment purposes, as a type of combat sport. [7]