Game version
Catch-and-call: a partner throws and calls a color or number, and you say it as you catch. The pair counts catches, then swaps.
Route Running Basics
Run sharp routes and catch on the move.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Core: Medium. Beat your own best of catches out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, football, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Catching
The steps
How it works
- Set a cone 5 yards out and another to the side.
- Run a hitch, then a slant, then an out route.
- Plant hard, turn your head, and catch the pass.
- Do 4 reps of each route.
Coaching point
Sell it hard, break sharp, find the ball.
Safety: Warm up first. Plant carefully on wet grass.
Step by step
The drill in 4 frames
Set a cone 5 yards out and another to the side.
a hitch
Run a hitch, then a slant, then an out route.
then a slant
Run a hitch, then a slant, then an out route.
then an out route
Run a hitch, then a slant, then an out route.
- Run or crawl
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (soft toss), Core (medium), More (on the move). Beat your own best of catches out of 10.
Story
You are a receiver making the big play in the final minute.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of catches out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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