Game version
Cone-call game: a partner calls a cone and you move to it with a smooth start. Swap callers and rest fully.
Burst Through the Hole
Running back work: take a handoff, hit a gap between two cones and burst away.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Core: 10. Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Football, 4 cones, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Speed
The steps
How it works
- Set two cones 2 yards apart, 5 yards in front of you, as the hole.
- Take a handoff from your partner with your arms in a pocket.
- Press the hole, then sprint 10 yards past it.
- Do 8 each direction with the ball in the outside arm.
Coaching point
Press it, then burst.
Safety: Warm up first, run on flat, dry ground and stop if a muscle feels tight. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade, and stop if you feel dizzy or get a headache. If you hear thunder, go inside.
Step by step
The drill in 3 frames
Set two cones 2 yards apart, 5 yards in front of you, as the hole.
Take a handoff from your partner with your arms in a pocket.
Press the hole, then sprint 10 yards past it.
- Run or crawl
- Ball: pass, toss or throw
- Faint: already done
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a distance: Less (5 yards), Core (10), More (15). Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time.
Story
You are a receiver leaving the line smoothly on the signal.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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