Color Call Routes: The Receiver Warm-Up

In lines, each student runs a few steps and breaks according to the color the teacher calls: red, cut inside; blue, cut outside; green, go deep. It warms up the class and teaches basic flag football receiving routes.

How to play

1. Jog and mobility in lines of five behind a disc cone (2 min).
2. Explain the three routes and their colors with a drawing on the ground (2 min).
3. Five-step release and a 90° cut on the called color, at a brisk walk (2 min).
4. Same drill at a jog; the color is called when the runner hits the fifth step (2 min).
5. Now one passer per line throws the ball at the end of the route (2 min).
6. Speed round: each line counts catches for one minute, then the passer rotates (2 min).

Rules

• Lines run in parallel and no one crosses into the next lane.
• "Inside" means toward the middle of your own lane, never toward another line.
• Walk back on the outside with the ball in hand.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the teacher holds up a disc of that color instead of calling it.
• Students with low vision: colors are called out and the discs are large.
• Students with limited mobility: shorter routes and catches without a full turn.

Learning goals

• Learn three basic receiving routes.
• React to a signal while running.
• Get the body ready for the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• disc cones: 30
• flag footballs: 6

Teacher tip

If you have no flag footballs, soft rugby balls work. With 25 students you get five lines of five. Common mistake: rounding off the cut; ask them to plant and turn.

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