The Gauntlet

The combine classic. A receiver sprints across the field catching a pass from each side in turn and pitching every ball back, then tucks the last one and races to the end zone. Two lanes run at once.

Setup:

• Five passers staggered on both sides of a straight lane across the field, 5 to 6 yards off the lane, each with footballs.

• Receivers line up at the sideline.

Execution:

• The receiver sprints across the field along the lane.

• Each passer throws in turn, alternating sides.

• The receiver catches with the hands, pitches the ball back to the passer and keeps sprinting.

• After the last catch, tuck the ball, turn upfield and finish in the end zone.

Coaching points:

• Stay at full speed. Don't slow down to catch.

• Hands away from the body. Look the ball all the way in.

• Get your eyes to the next passer immediately.

• Tuck it high and tight before turning upfield.

Progressions:

• Throw one ball behind the receiver to force an adjustment.

• Time each rep and compete.

• Start the receiver facing away so they have to find the first ball.