One on one goal line
Why it works
The goal line takes away depth, and in flag the no-run zone takes away the run, so the red zone is a series of one on one matchups in a tiny space. Isolating that matchup lets both players learn the three throws that work there, and the score keeps it honest.
Run it
8 MINSix reps per receiver, rotating defenders. Eight minutes. Keep the score on a board and finish with the top two receivers against the top two defenders.
Say this
“Win the first step.”
In five yards there is no time to set a defender up. The release is the route.
“Defender, inside leverage, eyes on the hips.”
Most short field throws are inside breaks, so the defender takes them away first.
“Throw it where only he can get it.”
A fade is thrown to the receiver's outside shoulder, away from the defender.
Good looks like
- The receiver breaks within two steps of the snap.
- The defender keeps inside leverage until the break.
- Fades are thrown to the receiver's outside shoulder.
- Every rep ends with a catch, a break up or a pull, never a scramble.
The mistakes
A long stem before the break that runs the receiver out of the end zone. Put a cone at the back of the end zone; touching it is a loss.
Say: “Win the first step.”
Lining up head up and getting beaten on the slant every time. Give him a spot a yard inside the receiver.
Say: “Defender, inside leverage, eyes on the hips.”
Throwing the fade to the middle of the end zone where the defender can play it. Mark the back corner and throw at the cone.
Say: “Throw it where only he can get it.”
Start at the 10 and allow only one route, the slant, so the young quarterback and receiver learn the timing first.
Add a second receiver and defender on the other side so the quarterback has to choose, and let the defenders play pick or switch calls.