This month’s American Football Monthly magazine had an article about incorporating WR route running into some agility drills. It got me thinking how I could use this idea and solve some early summer problems. It always seems some basic routes need extra work. This is a great way to multitask. STEP ONE: ARROW The WR lines up on the first cone with the foot closest to the cone, back. He takes a diagonal step toward the next cone and continues a straight line to it. This helps to teach the correct first steps for our ARROW route. Common mistake is for the WR to step forward then angle out. STEP TWO: BUBBLE When the WR reaches the cone, he pivots and starts a slow backpedal to the next cone. We are working on bubble with a backward technique this year. When he reaches the cone, he will plant and burst to the next cone. STEP THREE: HITCH At the end of the burst, he will plant his foot hard and pivot to simulate the end of the quick hitch. STEP FOUR: SQUARE OUT or IN Next the WR will turn and sprint to the next cone and plant hard making a square cut. STEP FIVE: SPEED OUT Finally the WR run the foot work for a SPEED OUT. He takes two steps forward then rolls to the third step to the next cone. He then gains ground with his fourth and fifth steps. After learning the progression, the WRs started looking pretty good.
