Yards After Catch: Catch, Turn and Evade

After catching a pass, the receiver turns upfield and must gain ground by evading two defenders trying to pull a flag. It works on the switch from receiver to runner and on contact-free evasion.

How to play

1. Catch and turn toward open space, at a walk, in pairs (3 min).
2. Groups of four: quarterback, receiver and two defenders who start 5 m away on the catch (5 min).
3. Cones every 5 m mark yards gained; each attempt scores its zone (5 min).
4. Defenders may now start as soon as the quarterback releases the pass (4 min).
5. Group challenge: best total in five attempts, rotating all roles (3 min).

Rules

• The receiver may not guard the flag or push off with a hand.
• Defenders only pull flags; if anyone collides, redo the rep.
• Dropped pass: zero yards and rotate.
• Groups work in lanes at least 3 m apart.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: flag on the chair and defenders who may only walk.
• Students with low vision: short, announced passes and defenders in high-contrast pinnies.
• Hesitant students: start at quarterback or defender and choose when to receive.

Learning goals

• Go from catching to running without stopping.
• Pick the open side after the catch.
• Evade with no contact and no flag guarding.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flag belts: 30
• flag footballs: 6
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Keep each group of four in its own lane and rotate every rep. Common mistake: the receiver catches and freezes; ask for an immediate first step into space.

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