Drills for Receiver Route Running

Wide receivers such as Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker are important offensive weapons for their NFL teams. To become consistent threats on the field, receivers practice using drills specific for their position in the game of football. Drills such as the "over-the-shoulder" catch help these athletes improve their abilities to catch the ball and make plays when their teams need them most. Both experienced and developing wide receivers should use these and other drills to improve their abilities on the field.

  1. Over-The-Shoulder Drill

    • The "over-the-shoulder" drill is a passing drill that helps receivers learn how to catch a football approaching over their shoulder. This skill is important for receivers who are used for long distance passing plays such as the "deep out." Start the drill with the receiver looking inside towards the quarterback while running down field. Instruct the quarterback to lob the ball in a high arc towards the receiver. The ball will travel over the receiver's head and towards his far shoulder. The player must learn how to turn his hips, head and shoulders to make an adjust for the catch. Also, practice this drill in the endzone to help players learn how to make touchdown catches.

    Turn-And-Up

    • The "turn-and-up" drill is a catching drill that helps the receiver learn how to make a quick catch and turn upfield to make additional yardage. Begin the drill with the reciever standing parallel to the quarterback. Hike the ball and have the quarterback make a quick throw to the receiver near the sideline. The player must turn and face the quarterback to make the catch, then turn back upfield to start running in his team's direction. This ability is important in short yardage situations and when the team is trying to quickly move the ball into scoring position.

    Multiple Catches

    • The "multiple catch" drill is a receiver's drill that teaches players how to quickly spot and approaching ball and make the catch. Line multiple ball launching machines or extra players in a straight line for ten yards. Line five players on one side and five others on the other side. Have the reciever start running down the line while each player throws a ball at the receiver who must turn his shoulders in the direction of the pass to make the catch.

    Scramble Routes Drill

    • The "scramble routes" drill helps receivers learn how to move and react when their quarterback is under pressure and looking for an open receiver. Start with the receiver lined up parallel to the quarterback. Hike the ball and have the player begin running a standard route. Call for the quarterback to begin scrambling in an undetermined direction. The receiver must break from his route and position himself in the line of fire for the quarterback to make a throw in his direction. For additional challenge, add defensive players to this drill to force the quarterback and receiver to have to react more quickly to the pressure.