Wide Receiver Speed Workouts

Speed workouts help wide receivers to prepare for football season. A coach may use the workouts to help him identify which receivers to place in the starting lineup. The coach will usually design a set of drills that work on a receiver's agility, speed and stamina. Some coaches have the receivers wear their entire uniform during speed workouts, to simulate running during an actual game.

  1. Sprint Work

    • Sprint training helps a receiver run a faster pass route.

      Sprinting drills will help wide receivers increase their top-end speed. The receivers who are consistently the fastest during drills will often receive more playing time than the slower runners. To conduct a sprint drill, have the receivers line up side-by-side on the field at the 40-yard line. Tell them to run to the goal line once you blow the whistle. Have the receivers walk back, then repeat the drill at least 10 times. To make the drill harder, you can have the receivers do 10 push-ups or sit-ups after each sprint.

    Interval Training

    • Interval training works on a receiver's speed and stamina.

      It is important for wide receivers to be fit, since they have to run many pass routes during the course of a game. Football coaches may use interval training to help the wide receivers improve their speed and stamina. Have the receivers loosen up by jogging a lap around a quarter-mile track. For the first interval, tell the receivers to sprint 50 yards, then jog the next 50. Have them do this four times, which equals one lap around the track. Give the receivers a 1-minute break and have them drink some water. For the next round of intervals, tell the receivers to alternate sprinting and jogging 100 yards for one full lap. After another brief rest, to conclude the interval training have the receivers sprint and jog 200 yards for two laps around the track.

    Agility Drills

    • Agility drills improve a receiver's footwork.

      Agility drills will help wide receivers to make sharper cuts during a pass pattern. Coaches often conduct an agility drill by having the receivers run through a set of cones. Set up 10 cones on the football field in the shape of a "Z". Space the cones so they are 5 feet apart. Have the wide receivers line up single file at the top left of the "Z". Tell them to make sharp cuts around each cone as they make their way through the course. Time the drill to see which receiver is the fastest. You can also have the receivers backpedal through the cones, which will help them to develop quick feet.