Over-the-Shoulder Catch Drill (youth flag football drill)
Receivers track a reachable pass over the outside shoulder while keeping a clear downfield running lane. Begin with a jog and a short lofted throw, then increase speed and distance when the receiver can find and secure the ball.
Setup
Set three cones in a line, 5 yards in from the sideline, at the line of scrimmage, 7 yards and 14 yards downfield. The receiver (A) lines up 5 yards to the inside of the first cone and runs straight downfield, keeping the cones on the right. The coach or QB (Q) stands 3 yards behind the line and 4 yards to the receiver's left.
How to run it
- The receiver sprints straight downfield.
- At about 8 yards, the receiver turns the head to look over the outside shoulder (the sideline side) without turning the body.
- The thrower drops the ball over that shoulder, 12 to 14 yards downfield.
- The receiver catches with pinkies together, thumbs out, and tucks the ball.
- Jog back up the sideline and hand the ball to the thrower. Switch to the left side after everyone has had 3 turns.
Coaching points
- Keep running at full speed while looking back. Slowing down is what lets the defender catch up.
- Turn the head, not the shoulders. Hips stay pointed downfield.
- Hands go up late, just before the ball arrives, so the arms do not slow the run.
- Look the ball all the way into the hands.
Choose a reachable throw before asking for full speed
Start with a receiver jogging and a short lofted throw. Look for the head turning toward the ball while the running direction stays steady. If the receiver stops or spins around, reduce speed and distance. A ball placed beyond the player's comfortable reach does not teach the tracking skill.
Move the catch into the team's deep concept
Use the side and distance needed for Post Wheel or Four Verticals. Give each runner a clear lane and return outside it. Add a trailing defender only after the receiver can find and secure the ball consistently, keeping the rep free of contact.
Common mistakes
- Turning the whole body around to face the thrower and stopping.
- Catching with the thumbs together on a ball over the shoulder, which lets it slip through.
- Drifting toward the sideline and running out of bounds.
Make it easier
- Have the receiver jog and use short tosses at 6 to 8 yards.
- Use a smaller or softer ball for younger players.
Make it harder
- Add a defender trailing one step behind.
- Throw to the inside shoulder on some reps, so the receiver has to find the ball.
Used in these practice plans
- 12U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 minutes)
What this drill builds
The skill in this drill shows up in these plays. Run the drill first, then install them the same week.
- Bunch Slant-Flat-Corner (5v5 pass)
- Double In (7v7 pass)
- Double Pass (5v5 trick)
- Levels (5v5 pass)
- Mesh (5v5 pass)
- Scissors (7v7 pass)
Related drills
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