Though precise route-running is important for every wide receiver, there often comes a time to improvise.
This drill, provided by the Youth Football Coaches Association, is a great learning tool for receivers to recognize an open pocket in the defense and come back for a quarterback's pass. It can double as a passing drill for quarterbacks.
For a printable .pdf of this drill and others, visit the YFBCA website.
The Drill
A diagram of the drill.
- Use as many large stand-up bags as desired, depending on space and age group
- Receivers align in a single file next to bag
- On cadence, wide receiver shuffles behind and tight around bag
- Quarterbacks align in front of bag and throws ball as wide receiver comes out from behind bag
More: Wide Receiver Drill: Catching High Passes
Coaching Points
- Wide receiver must stay tight to bag to force an obvious lane for quarterback to throw the ball
- Quarterback should throw ball when wide receiver is behind the bag so that he finds it when he comes back around the bag
- Receiver must keep feet moving during entire drill
- Show hands as soon as you clear the bag
- Catch and turn up field
- Run drill to both sides (right and left)
- Substitute the stand up bag for garbage can, defender standing in place, or even a goalpost pad
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