Cone Weave and Juke Drill (youth flag football drill)

The ball carrier weaves through a row of cones, then has to beat a live defender with one sharp juke before reaching a scoring gate. It builds footwork, balance and the habit of making one move and going.

Setup

Line up four cones in a row, 4 yards apart. The ball carrier (A) starts 3 yards before the first cone with a football. One defender (D) stands 8 yards upfield from the last cone. Put two cones 6 yards apart, 5 yards behind the defender, as the scoring gate.

How to run it

1. The ball carrier weaves through the cones with short, choppy steps.
2. After the last cone, the carrier turns upfield toward the defender.
3. About 2 yards before the defender, the carrier plants hard on one foot and pushes off the other way. That is the juke.
4. The carrier speeds up through the scoring gate while the defender tries to pull a flag.
5. Rotate: the carrier becomes the next defender, and the defender goes to the end of the line.

Coaching points

• Keep the hips low on every cut. Tall runners slip.
• Sell the juke with the head and shoulders, then go.
• One juke, then straight ahead. Running sideways does not score.
• Carry the ball in the arm away from the defender.

Common mistakes

• Juking too far from the defender, which gives them time to recover.
• Staring at the cones the whole time. Glance down, then eyes up.
• Stopping completely before the juke instead of cutting at speed.

Used in these practice plans

• 8U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 minutes)

Related drills