/ Why this drill
What it teaches.
The most common pass in 6v6 flag football is some version of a curl or comeback at 8-12 yards. Comeback Curl drills the exact mechanics: push hard vertically, sink the hips, come back to the ball at full speed. Master this route and you'll convert third downs all season.
/ How to run it
Step by step.
- Place two cones — one at the LOS, one at 12 yards.
- Receiver pushes vertically at full speed to the 12-yard cone.
- At the cone, receiver plants the outside foot, sinks the hips, and breaks back toward the QB to 10 yards.
- Coach throws the ball back to where the receiver will be.
- Run 5 reps each side.
/ Coaching points
What to watch for.
- Sell the vertical first — the defender must believe you're going deep.
- Sink the hips into the break — don't stand up tall.
- Come back to the ball at full speed. Don't walk back.
- Hands up before the break is complete. Catch in front of the body.
/ Variations
Progress the drill.
Hitch instead
Same drill but only push to 5 yards before coming back. Tests the shorter version.
Comeback at depth
Push to 15 yards, come back to 12. For 7/8 division.
Live press
Add a press defender at the LOS. Tests the release plus the route.
/ Common mistakes
Where it goes wrong.
- Not pushing vertically far enough — defender doesn't bite, route is covered.
- Standing tall in the break — slow recovery, late to the ball.
- Walking back to the QB — defender catches up.
- Hands down at the catch — ball arrives before the receiver is ready.