“Obstacle Course Catch” Drill: A Fun and Engaging Way to Improve Receiving Skills in Youth Flag Football

Flag football is an exciting sport for kids, offering a great mix of physical activity, teamwork, and strategy. One of the key skills in flag football is receiving, and what better way to teach this than through a fun and engaging drill? Enter the “Obstacle Course Catch” drill, a creative way to improve hand-eye coordination, agility, and focus among young players.

Setting Up the Drill

What You’ll Need:

• Cones
• Tires
• Hurdles
• Footballs
• A timer (optional)

The Setup:
Arrange the cones, tires, and hurdles in a sequence that forms a challenging but manageable obstacle course. The course should allow players to showcase different skills: weaving through cones, hopping through tires, and leaping over hurdles. It should end with a clear “finish line” near the end zone.

Running the Drill

Instructions:

1. Divide the players into small groups.
2. Each player takes a turn running through the obstacle course.
3. As they navigate the course, coaches or teammates throw footballs to them at various points.
4. The player must catch the football while overcoming the obstacles.
5. After completing the course and catching the ball, the player performs an end zone dance.

Key Coaching Points:

• Encourage players to focus on the ball while staying aware of the obstacles.
• Teach them to adjust their speed and strategy based on the difficulty of the catch.
• Remind them to stay safe and avoid colliding with obstacles.

Obstacle Suggestions

• Cones: Great for weaving and dodging, enhancing lateral movement.
• Tires: Perfect for developing balance and footwork.
• Hurdles: Ideal for improving jumping ability and agility.
• Balancing Beams: To enhance concentration and balance.

The Reward: End Zone Dance!

To add an element of fun and celebration, encourage players to perform a short end zone dance after successfully completing the course. This could be anything from a simple fist pump to a more choreographed move like the “Floss” or the “Dab.” It’s a great way to celebrate their achievement and encourage a positive, fun atmosphere.

Benefits of the Drill

• Improves Focus and Concentration: Players learn to catch while navigating obstacles.
• Enhances Physical Agility: The course challenges their physical abilities in a playful manner.
• Boosts Confidence: Completing the course and performing a dance builds self-esteem and team spirit.

Conclusion

The “Obstacle Course Catch” drill is more than just a training exercise; it’s a fun and effective way to develop essential skills in young flag football players. By incorporating this drill into your practice sessions, you’ll not only enhance your players’ receiving skills but also foster a love for the game that keeps them coming back. This drill is sure to be a hit with your young players, keeping them engaged, improving their skills, and most importantly, having a great time on the field!