An out route is a break toward the sideline. The receiver runs upfield, plants at 10 yards, and breaks at 90 degrees toward the sideline. This teaches the plant and break footwork.
What you need: Three cones. One football. Open field.
Setup: Place one cone at the start line. Another cone 10 yards away where the plant happens. Mark the sideline.
How to run it:
- The receiver runs upfield to the plant cone at game speed.
- At the plant cone, they plant their outside foot and break at 90 degrees toward the sideline.
- They run 5 more yards on the out.
- The QB is 20 yards back and throws to them on the break.
- Do 5 reps with the break going right, 5 reps going left.
What to watch: When they plant, is the foot planted firmly or does it slide? A firm plant means a sharp break. A sliding plant means a lazy route.
If they’re struggling: Have them walk through the plant and break first. One step at a time. Once the footwork is right, add speed.
If they’ve got it: Add a defender covering them. They’re running the out against coverage.