Mastering Timing and Accuracy: The “Individual Pass Routes Drill” for Quarterbacks and Receivers
The “Individual Pass Routes Drill” is a fantastic addition to your training program, offering benefits for both quarterbacks and receivers. This drill allows quarterbacks to refine their accuracy and timing for specific routes, while simultaneously providing receivers with valuable reps in running their routes precisely.
Purpose
- Quarterback Accuracy: This drill provides quarterbacks with focused practice on throwing to specific receivers running specific routes. This allows them to identify and address any accuracy issues they may have on certain route combinations.
- Timing Development: By working with the same receiver repeatedly on a particular route, quarterbacks can develop a strong understanding of the receiver’s speed, explosiveness, and breaking points. This translates to improved timing and anticipation on throws during games.
- Receiver Route Running: Receivers benefit from this drill by receiving targeted reps on their routes. This allows them to focus on proper technique, body positioning, and maintaining sharp cuts at breaking points.
- Building Rapport: The repetitive nature of this drill fosters communication and timing between quarterbacks and receivers. As they work together, they develop a deeper understanding of each other’s tendencies, leading to a more cohesive passing attack.
Description
- Split the Field: Divide your quarterbacks and receivers into two equal groups. Quarterbacks from one group position themselves in the middle of the field facing the goal line, while the other group positions themselves 30 yards away at the opposite 30-yard line.
- Receiver Alignment: Receivers from one group line up on the right side of the first quarterback group at the goal line, maintaining a typical receiver split. The remaining receivers line up on the right side of the second quarterback group at the 30-yard line, also maintaining a normal split.
- Run the Route: On the short snap count from their quarterback, each receiver sprints out and executes the designated pass route. The quarterback takes their dropback and throws the ball to the receiver in stride.
- Catching and Rotating: The receiver catches the ball and runs it to the quarterback group on the opposite side of the field. They then jog back to their designated receiver line and wait for their next turn.
- Quarterback Rotation: Quarterbacks within their group rotate after throwing a designated number of passes. This ensures everyone receives equal reps.
- Route Progression: After each quarterback throws a set number of passes for a specific route, announce the next route and repeat the process.
- Switching Sides: Don’t forget to switch sides of the field after completing a set of routes. This ensures receivers practice running routes on both sides and quarterbacks adjust their throws based on the field position.
Considerations
- Take Different Positions into Account: Let Tight Ends, Slot Receivers and Outside Receivers at their usual lineup position and let them run “their” routes.
- Route Difficulty Progression: Start with simpler routes like slants or curls and gradually progress to more complex routes like digs or posts as quarterbacks and receivers develop their timing and accuracy.
- Warm-Up Potential: This drill can also be used as a warm-up for both quarterbacks and receivers. Start with shorter throws and gradually increase the distance as everyone warms up.
Coaching Points
- Quarterback Timing: Emphasize the importance of proper timing between the quarterback’s dropback and throw. They should avoid throwing off-balance to force a quicker throw and instead focus on a smooth drop and a timely release. Similarly, discourage throwing too early, as this can lead to the receiver having to adjust their route mid-stride.
- Accuracy: Reinforce the importance of accurate throws, focusing on placing the ball where the receiver can catch it in stride. This not only improves completion percentage but also allows the receiver to run their route at full speed without having to slow down to adjust for an errant throw.
- Receiver Route Running: For receivers, emphasize crisp route running with sharp cuts at breaking points. They should maintain good body position and focus on catching the ball with their hands, not their body.
- Communication (Optional): For more advanced players, encourage quarterbacks to call out the receiver’s name before the snap. This helps them to memorize certain relevant specialties about each receiver, be it their way to run the route or where they prefer the ball placed (i.e. rather higher or lower.
Equipment
