HERE ARE THREE drills that are great for helping young wide receiver’s become better pass catchers. These drills are especially effective after a young player has put in a lot of hard work polishing their fundamentals.
One-Hand Dril
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DIAGRAM 1: WRs form a single-file line and one at a time, run a curl pattern and cut straight down field. The coach throws a lob pass just over the WR’s head (not thrown on a line). WR needs to concentrate and catch the ball with one hand.
After making the catch, the WR should run hard all the way into the end zone. While he’s running, the next WR in line should be starting his pattern.
Good Hands Drill
DIAGRAM 2: The WRs should form a single-file line with their backs to the coach. The first WR in line runs a slight curl pattern and cuts hard down the field.
The coach throws a short lob pass to the WR’s inside shoulder. Just prior to the ball’s arrival, the coach yells “turn!” The player should focus on turning back toward the ball with his hands in the ready position just as the ball arrives.
By performing this drill, your WRs are learning to “look the ball in” with very little time to spare.
Bad Ball Drill
DIAGRAM 3: WRs form a single-file line with the first player in line running a crisp, 10 yard pattern. The coach throws a lob pass over the WR’s wrong shoulder.
The WR learns to adjust to the ball’s bad trajectory while coming out of his turn.