Receiving•intermediate•15 min
Ball Tracking Drill
WR runs downfield with their back to the QB, then turns on a call to locate and catch the ball in the air.
Ball Tracking Drill
DrillDescription
Tracking a ball over your shoulder is one of the hardest receiving skills to develop. This drill trains receivers to find the ball quickly after turning, extend their catch radius, and secure the ball while running at full speed.
How to run it
- 1
WR lines up and runs straight downfield.
- 2
WR keeps their back to the QB for 8-12 yards.
- 3
On the QB's verbal call, WR turns their head to find the ball.
- 4
WR locates the ball in the air and catches it in stride.
- 5
Practice turning over both shoulders.
Points to stress
- Find the ball early — don't wait until it's right on you.
- Turn just your head and outside shoulder first — don't spin your whole body.
- Eyes track the ball all the way into your hands.
- Run at full speed — don't slow down to find the ball.