Third-and-short in 7v7 lives or dies on the quick out. This drill gets the receiver to the sticks and the QB to make a fast read.
Equipment needed: Two cones marking the line and the sticks (5 yards apart), a football, one receiver, one quarterback, one defender (optional).
Setup: Cones set the route. The receiver runs from line to sticks, plants, and turns to the sideline.
How to run it:
- Receiver releases on the snap. Six hard steps to the sticks cone.
- On the sixth step, plant and turn out, hands ready.
- QB takes a three-step drop and throws to where the receiver is going, not where they are.
- Catch should happen at or just past the sticks marker. Six reps.
What to look for: A clean break, no rounding the corner. The receiver should snap their head around at the same time they plant. The ball should arrive on the outside shoulder, away from where a defender would close from inside.
Variation: With a defender, the receiver works on selling the inside before breaking out. Without one, focus on timing.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Youth rubber football → — Wilson youth rubber ball for rec and practice.
Agility cones → — for field setup and route markers.
Full football 7v7 gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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