Game version
Route cards: a partner calls a route (post, slant, out), you run it and catch the pass, then swap. The pair counts routes completed.
Option Route Reads
Choose your cut based on where the defender stands.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Run 5 yards toward a defender.
Core: Jog. Beat your own best.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- You and 2 partners
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, flag football, 2 partners
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Route Running
The steps
How it works
- Run 5 yards toward a defender.
- If they are inside, break outside; if outside, break inside.
- If they back off, stop and turn.
- Run 12 routes and say your read after each one.
Coaching point
Read the defender, break away.
Safety: Warm up first and run on flat, non-slip ground. Stop if a muscle feels tight. Wear a mouthguard in any partner or game drill (and soft headgear if your league requires it). Keep your head up, call for the ball, and give way in traffic.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (walk the route), Core (jog), More (add a quick change of speed). Beat your own best.
Story
You are following a treasure map with an X at the end.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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