A deep ball requires the receiver to run forward, look back over their shoulder, and catch the ball behind their head. This is a different catching position from chest-high catches.
What you need: One football. Open field. 20 yards of space.
Setup: Stand at one end of the field. Line the receivers up 10 yards away facing away from you.
How to run it:
- The receiver runs forward at half speed.
- They turn their head to look back over their shoulder. Eyes on the ball.
- When they see the throw, they reach up with both hands. Thumbs together for a high catch.
- They catch the ball and tuck it.
- Start with easy throws. Do 5 reps.
What to watch: Are they looking back early or late? They should look back when they hear you release the ball. Eyes up through the chest on the incoming ball.
If they’re struggling: Have them jog slower or even walk. It’s easier to catch when you’re not running full speed.
If they’ve got it: Throw it deeper and make them run harder. Or put a defender behind them trying to knock it out.