The Short Answer: The most effective tight end football drills focus on a balanced combination of receiving skills (gauntlet drill, cone work, catch-rip-tuck drills) and blocking techniques (zone blocking footwork, pass protection slides, explosion drills) that develop the hybrid skills needed at the position.
As a former tight end at the University of Maryland who spent time in the NFL, I've experienced firsthand how this position demands a rare combination of skills. We're expected to block like offensive linemen one play, then run routes like wide receivers the next. The tight end position has evolved dramatically, with players like Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Brock Bowers redefining what's possible by combining size, strength, and receiving ability.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Lucas Oil Stadium, tight ends are evaluated on both blocking and receiving skills. Scouts from New York to Green Bay look for players who can handle defensive ends in the run game while creating mismatches against Sam linebackers (strong side) in the passing game. During my college career at Maryland and time in the NFL, I repped pretty much every tight end drill there is. So, the purpose of this article is to pass along my knowledge to the next generation of athletes.
Receiving and Route Running Drills
The Gauntlet Drill: A Combine Classic
Our first drill is the gauntlet drill which is one of the most famous on-field drills at the NFL Football Scouting Combine. This drill tests a tight end's ability to catch passes while running across the field. Start at one sideline, and sprint across the field while catching passes from alternating sides. The key is maintaining your speed throughout the drill while securing each catch cleanly.
During my preparation for the draft class, I spent countless hours on this drill. For tight ends, it's critical to keep your eyes up and hands ready while maintaining speed. Unlike wide receivers who might rely more on finesse, tight ends need to show they can catch in traffic while maintaining forward momentum.
Cone Drills for Route Precision
The second drill I wanted to focus on is the three-cone drill. This drill has multiple variations that are essential for tight ends looking to improve their route running. Set up three cones in an L-shape with 5-yard spacing between them. This drill improves your ability to plant, cut, and change direction quickly.
When running cone drills:
- Keep your pad level low through turns
- Drive off your outside foot when cutting
- Keep your eyes up and centered
- Maintain a tight path around the cones
These fundamentals translate directly to running crisp routes off the line of scrimmage in game situations.
Catch, Rip, Tuck, Drop-Step Drill
This comprehensive catching drill focuses on the critical moments after securing a pass. Begin by having a partner throw passes from various angles. As you catch the ball:
- Catch: Focus on catching with your hands, not your body
- Rip: Immediately rip the ball upward to secure it against defenders
- Tuck: Bring the ball into your body with three points of pressure
- Drop-Step: Execute a drop step to set up your run after the catch
This drill is particularly valuable for tight ends who often catch passes in heavy traffic between defensive linemen and safeties. Penn State and South Carolina both run variations of this drill that have produced NFL-ready tight ends.
Game-Situation Route Trees
To truly elevate your receiving skills, practice running a complete route tree. While tight end routes often start from a three-point stance with a chip block before release, it is important to learn the entire wide receiver route tree.
In particular, focus on these high-percentage tight end routes:
- Seam routes (attacking between safeties)
- Option routes (reading linebacker leverage)
- Corner routes (especially in red zone situations)
- Drag routes (as safety valves in the passing game)
Practice these routes from both a traditional tight end alignment and from the slot position to maximize your versatility in modern offensive schemes.
Blocking and Power Development Drills
The best tight ends understand blocking is more about positioning than it is about strength. Especially at higher levels of play, you will never have the strength advantage against a defensive end. During these drills, focus on footwork first—proper hand placement naturally follows good foot position.
Sled Drills for Initial Explosion
Blocking begins with an explosion off the line. Using a blocking sled helps develop the power needed to handle defensive ends and defensive linemen. Start in a three-point stance, fire off low, and drive the sled with proper hand placement inside the defender's frame.
Offensive Line Outside Zone Drill
This drill perfects footwork and hand placement for run blocking in zone schemes. Use a whiffle ball bat or similar object to practice proper stepping mechanics:
- Start in a two-point stance aligned next to an offensive tackle
- Take a proper zone step (45-degree angle) to reach your target
- Practice hand placement while stepping over obstacles
- Maintain leverage throughout the movement
The drill mimics the footwork needed when blocking for outside-zone running plays, which are staples in NFL and college football offenses. Proper execution creates running lanes for running backs and helps establish the run game.
Pass Blocking Long Slide Drill
Pass protection requires different skills than run blocking. The long slide drill teaches proper technique for pass blocking situations:
- Start in a pass-set stance
- Shuffle laterally without crossing your feet (like defensive slides in basketball)
- Maintain a strong, stable base with your weight centered
- Keep your hands up and ready to engage
To enhance this drill, find a partner to simulate defensive movements. As they move laterally and try different rush angles, mirror their movements while maintaining proper blocking position. This improves reaction time and helps develop the instincts needed when facing dynamic pass rushers.
Agility and Explosiveness Drills
Agility and explosiveness are key for every football player. The first thing we would recommend players at every position practice is ladder drills. See a common sequence of ladder drills in our infographic below:
Quick-Foot Drill for Lateral Movement
Tight ends need exceptional footwork to succeed in both blocking and route running. The quick-foot drill develops the fast, controlled movements necessary for success:
- Set up a single cone as your reference point
- Execute rapid footwork patterns around the cone (in-in-out-out)
- Gradually increase your speed while maintaining control
- Focus on staying on the balls of your feet throughout
This drill improves the foot quickness needed to release off the line against jam techniques from defensive ends and linebackers.
Lateral Explosion Drill
Developing side-to-side power is crucial for tight ends who need to block in space and make cuts as receivers:
- Start in an athletic stance
- Perform a series of single-leg lateral jumps
- Focus on explosion and balance when pushing off each leg
- Land with control and immediately redirect
The lateral power translates directly to the initial burst needed off the line of scrimmage in both blocking and receiving situations.
Three-Point Stance Explosion Drills
The ability to fire out of a three-point stance with power and control separates elite tight ends from average ones:
- Begin in a balanced three-point stance
- On command, explode forward for 5 yards
- Focus on maintaining proper body position throughout
- Vary the post-explosion movement (straight ahead, angle left/right)
Scouts pay close attention to a tight end's ability to explode from this stance during on-field drills. This initial burst is critical whether you're firing out to block a defensive end or releasing into a route against a Sam linebacker.
Transition Drills
The true challenge of playing tight end comes in the transitions between blocking and receiving responsibilities:
- Start with a block on a dummy or shield
- On command, release from the block
- Run a designated route
- Finish by catching a pass
This drill simulates game situations where tight ends must execute multiple skills within the same play.
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