The Cone Plant Reaction Drill

By Joe Bouffard • Youth Football Coaches Association

Think about all the times a football player is forced to change direction. Reacting to a pass. Cutting to avoid a tackle. Running a crisp route.

Change of direction is something every football player should work on. This drill, courtesy of the Youth Football Coaches Association, is a great way to do just that. In addition, this drill works on backpedaling, a skill that every defensive football player must get comfortable doing.

For a printable .pdf of this drill and others, visit the YFBCA website.

The Drill

A diagram of the drill.

Two lines of players
On coach's ball movement, player will backpedal to second cone then break towards to first cone.
Coach can then send players to backpedal to third cone then break towards first cone.

Coaching Points

All positions can work this drill.
Remind players not to look behind and focus on coach/ball.
Stress good body position during backpedal.
This drill can be a fun conditioning drill for the team.
Have more then one player with each rep.

The founder of Youth Football Coaches Association and current director is Joe Bouffard. Bouffard, affectionately known as Coach Bouf, is a veteran of 16 years of coaching experience at various levels that include youth, high school and college. While at New Canaan High School in Connecticut, Coach Bouf employed a passing attack offense that has led to 2007 and 2008 Class MM State Championships. Currently, Coach Bouf serves as offensive coordinator at Fairfield Warde High School in Connecticut.