Cultivate Elite Hands: The “Behind the Goalpost Drill” for Polished Wide Receivers
The “Behind the Goalpost Drill” is a fundamental, yet effective, drill that hones a critical skill for wide receivers (WRs) of all ages and skill levels: catching the ball with their hands away from their body. By incorporating variations and emphasizing key coaching points, this drill equips WRs with the essential techniques to snatch the ball out of the air with confidence, even in tight coverage situations. This drill is adaptable for both tackle and flag football, making it a versatile tool for any coach’s training regimen.
Purpose
- Develop Proper Catching Technique: The drill emphasizes catching the ball with hands extended outwards, away from the body. This creates a larger catching surface and reduces the risk of fumbles.
- Enhance Focus and Eye Tracking: WRs must concentrate on the ball’s trajectory and keep their eyes focused on it until it’s securely caught and tucked away. This strengthens their ability to track the ball in flight and adjust their hands for a clean catch.
- Improve Hand-Eye Coordination: The drill integrates hand movement with visual tracking, requiring WRs to coordinate their eyes and hands to snatch the ball out of the air before it touches the goalpost.
- Increase Ball Security: Variations of the drill introduce distractions and simulated contact, encouraging WRs to focus on securing the catch and tucking the ball away quickly and tightly.
Description
- WR Positioning: Instruct each WR to stand directly behind a goalpost with one arm extended outwards on either side of the post. This ensures they cannot cradle the ball against their body and forces them to focus on catching with their hands.
- Throwing the Ball: The coach or designated thrower throws the ball towards the WR, adjusting the throw’s difficulty based on the WR’s skill level. Throws can vary in speed, distance, and trajectory, with some thrown directly at the goalpost to simulate deflection or tight coverage.
- Catch and Tuck Away: The WR must reach out with their hands (fingers emphasized) to catch the ball before it touches the goalpost. Upon catching the ball, they should immediately tuck it away to their chest, holding it “high and tight” for ball security.
- Sequence of 4: each players get’s thrown 4 balls before the next player is up. They can either throw the ball back to the coach/thrower or drop them to their feet, returning all 4 at once, when they are finished with their reps.
Variations and Progressions
The “Behind the Goalpost Drill” offers several variations to increase difficulty and challenge WRs further:
- Shortened Distance: For younger or less experienced WRs, the coach can shorten the distance between the WR and the goalpost, allowing for easier catches initially.
- Active Hands Drill: Have WRs stand at arm’s length away from the goalpost, forcing them to actively step forward and attack the ball to catch it before it hits the post.
- Distraction Drill: Place one or two additional players in front and to the side of the goalpost. These players should wave their arms to distract the WR but avoid touching the ball itself. This variation simulates potential distractions WRs might encounter during game situations.
- Contact Drill (Controlled): Similar to the distraction drill, incorporate one or two additional players who can take one controlled “punch” at the ball after the WR catches it. This variation emphasizes ball security and reinforces the importance of not holding onto the ball for an extended period. Note: Ensure this is a controlled tap and not a tackle to avoid injuries.
Coaching Points
- Hands Out, Eyes on the Ball: Stress the importance of extending the hands outwards, away from the body, and keeping their eyes focused on the ball throughout the entire catching motion.
- Active Hands: Encourage WRs to reach out and attack the ball when it’s in catchable range, rather than waiting passively with outstretched arms.
- Quick Tuck Away: Emphasize the importance of quickly tucking the ball away to their chest after catching it to protect it from potential fumbles.
- High and Tight: Instruct WRs to maintain a “high and tight” hold on the ball after tucking it away, ensuring it’s secured against their chest.
Equipment
The “Behind the Goalpost Drill” is a valuable addition to any WR training program. By incorporating this drill and its variations, WRs develop the essential catching technique, hand-eye coordination, and ball security awareness necessary to become consistent playmakers on the field. This drill is adaptable for both tackle and flag football, making it a versatile tool for coaches working with athletes of all ages and experience levels.
