By Kyle Woody
See the issue: September 2008

Blazing speed and sticky hands aren’t the only skills scouts drool over when evaluating WR prospects. Accelerating quickly into your route and continuing to perform it precisely create separation between you and the DB, as well as between you and other wideouts who want the same scholarship you do.

“One key benefit of proper route running is the precise timing you develop with your quarterback,” says Kansas City Chiefs WR Chris Chambers. “That creates an advantage because you have to stay controlled, and [it] makes your transition after the catch much smoother.”

Below, the one-time Pro Bowler provides three different cone pattern drills—Out, Comeback and Curl— to enhance your route-running technique, which will slow the game down and give the QB more confidence when looking to throw your way.

*Needed for each drill: 1 football, 3 mini cones, and partner to throw passes. Circle indicates where WR should expect QB to deliver ball

Out Pattern
• First two cones are five yards apart
• You must break inside final cone, which helps flatten route

Comeback Route
• First two cones are five yards apart
• Perform a two-step chop at top of route
• Aim for final cone when making your break

Curl Pattern
• First two cones are five yards apart
• Perform two-step chop at top of route
• You must break between second and third cones, which helps to finish route back to QB

Chambers’ Coaching Corner:
• Perform each pattern 2 or 3 times, once per day
• Run all routes and in and out of cuts at controlled speed and shortened yardage
• Perform a five- to 10-yard burst after every catch
• Concentrate not only on route-running technique, but catching ability too

Benefits of Route Drills:
• Develops explosion in and out of routes
• Enhances route transition after catch
• Increases footwork on out-cutting routes when working the sideline [toe drags]

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