A route stem is the first 10 yards of a route. Learning proper stems teaches receivers to get upfield with pace and eyes ready. This is the foundation for all route breaks.

What you need: Four cones. Mark a starting line and a line 10 yards downfield.

Setup: Line the receivers up at the start. The QB lines up 20 yards back.

How to run it:

  1. The receiver’s job is to run 10 yards straight downfield at game speed, eyes on the QB.
  2. Do 5 reps of this stem.
  3. Then run a 45-degree angle stem. Run 10 yards at 45 degrees one direction. Do 5 reps.
  4. Then run a 45-degree stem the opposite direction. Do 5 reps.

What to watch: Do they run at game speed or are they jogging? Game speed stems teach them the right pace. Jogging is wrong.

If they’re struggling: Have them run slower and focus on the path being straight. Once the footwork is right, add speed.

If they’ve got it: Add a defender covering them. They’re running stems while being defended.