QB Rollout Throw Drill (youth flag football drill)

The QB rolls out to the right along two cones and throws on the run to a receiver breaking toward the sideline. Against a rusher, a QB who can throw while moving turns a sack into a completion.

Player movingBall carrierCone

Setup

The QB (Q) starts in the middle, 3 yards behind the line, with a ball. Set two cones just behind the QB's path to mark the rollout lane, 2 yards and 7 yards to the QB's right. A receiver (A) lines up on the line of scrimmage, 9 yards to the right of the QB. Place a target cone 10 yards downfield, 3 yards from the sideline.

How to run it

On "Hike", the QB runs right along the cones with the ball held high at the chest.
The receiver runs 6 yards straight up, then angles toward the target cone.
The QB turns the shoulders to face the receiver, points the front shoulder at the target, and throws before passing the second cone.
The receiver catches and runs past the target cone. Rotate receivers each rep and switch QBs after 6 throws.
Run it to the left side too, once the right side looks good.

Coaching points

Square the shoulders to the target before the ball comes out. The feet can keep moving.
Throw a little ahead of the receiver, toward the target cone.
Stay behind the line of scrimmage. Leagues penalize a pass thrown from past it.
If the receiver is covered, keep the ball and reset. Do not throw across the body into the middle.

Score the throwing position as well as the catch

Watch whether the quarterback turns toward the target while remaining behind the line of scrimmage. A receiver may rescue a poor throw, so a completion alone does not show that the rollout was controlled. Begin with a walk or jog and increase speed while the quarterback can keep the same throwing direction.

Teach what to do when the receiver is covered

Add a defender who sometimes closes the target. The quarterback can reset behind the line while time and pressure allow, or follow the league's permitted incomplete-pass option. Do not turn tucking the ball into a QB run across the line where that is prohibited. Review your league's passing and rushing rules.

Common mistakes

Throwing with the shoulders still facing the sideline, so the ball sails wide.
Rolling out too deep, which makes the throw longer.
The receiver drifts to the sideline too early and runs out of room.

Make it easier

Have the QB walk the rollout first, then jog.
Move the target cone to 6 yards downfield.

Make it harder

Add a rusher who starts 7 yards away.
Add a defender on the receiver so the QB decides whether the throw is available. A tucked ball does not permit crossing the line where QB runs are prohibited.

Used in these practice plans

12U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 minutes)
14U 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)
Curl-Flat (5v5 pass)
Double Pass (5v5 trick)
Drive (5v5 pass)
Flood (5v5 pass)
Halfback Pass (7v7 trick)

Content updated October 5, 2026