Cone drills are a cornerstone of football conditioning. They build the change-of-direction speed and body control that translate directly to game situations. Here are five proven setups with the equipment you need to run them properly.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Sports Disc Cones 50ct | All-purpose agility | 4.8/5 |
| SKLZ Speed Cone Set | Speed and agility | 4.6/5 |
| Prism Fitness Agility Cones 20ct | Route running | 4.5/5 |
| Crown Sporting Goods Cones 12ct | Budget drill sets | 4.4/5 |
| Amber Sporting Goods Cones 50ct | Team and camp use | 4.7/5 |
Champion Sports Disc Cones 50ct — Best All-Round Set
Champion Sports disc cones are a coaching staple. The 9-inch diameter low-profile design is safe to step on and collapses flat. The 50-count set is enough to set up multiple drills simultaneously for a small team. Available in bright colors including yellow, orange, red, and blue, which makes it easy to assign different cones to different drill markers. These hold up well through outdoor use and are light enough to carry in a mesh bag. A reliable pick for coaches running regular agility sessions.
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SKLZ Speed Cone Set — Best for Speed Drills
The SKLZ set comes with 20 cones and a carry bag, along with a quick-start drill guide. The cones are a slightly taller design than standard disc cones, making them easier to spot at a distance during ladder and sprint drills. The included guide covers the 5-10-5 shuttle, T-drill, and box drill, which are the most commonly tested movements at combines and tryouts. A good choice for individual athletes training on their own or with a small group.
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Prism Fitness Agility Cones 20ct — Best for Route Running
Prism Fitness cones come in a bright mix of colors and are weighted slightly heavier than typical disc cones, which keeps them in place on windy practice fields. The 20-count set is well-suited for route-running drills where cones mark cut points for receivers and backs. The varied colors also help coaches set up color-coded decision drills, where players react to cone color rather than a predetermined path. A functional, slightly premium option with good outdoor stability.
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Crown Sporting Goods Cones 12ct — Best Budget Option
Crown Sporting Goods offers a 12-cone set at a lower price point that suits individual athletes or small household use. The cones are basic disc style in orange, and quality is adequate for non-commercial use. They will not hold up as long as Champion or Amber cones under heavy team use, but for a player doing solo drills in the backyard or driveway, they do the job. A practical starting point if you want to run the 3-cone L-drill and 5-10-5 without a large upfront investment.
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Amber Sporting Goods Cones 50ct — Best for Team and Camp Use
Amber Sporting Goods produces equipment used by schools and athletic programs. Their 50-count cone set features thicker PVC than consumer-grade options, which extends the lifespan through repeated packing, unpacking, and outdoor use. The cones are available in multiple sizes including 4-inch, 6-inch, and 9-inch disc formats. For coaches running football camps or managing a team practice schedule, the durability difference over budget cones adds up over a season or two.
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How to Choose Cones for Football Drills
For agility drills, disc cones are safer than standard traffic cones because athletes will inevitably step on them. Look for a low-profile design that collapses rather than causing a trip. Count matters: the 3-cone L-drill uses 3, but a full team session with multiple drill stations needs 30 or more. Color variety helps when running decision-based or route drills. Durability is mainly relevant for coaches who transport cones regularly. For solo or backyard use, any disc cone set in the 10 to 20 unit range is sufficient.
For related reading, see our best football training equipment and best agility ladders. You can also review our testing methodology to understand how we evaluate products.
Frequently asked questions
How many cones do I need for football agility drills?+
Most standard cone drills use between 3 and 6 cones. The classic 3-cone L-drill uses just 3 cones in an L shape and is one of the most widely used agility tests in football. A set of 10 to 20 cones gives you enough to run multiple drills and set up more complex patterns.
What size cones work best for football agility drills?+
Most coaches use 9-inch or 12-inch disc cones for agility work because they are low to the ground and will not trip a player if stepped on. Standard traffic cones can be used as targets but are awkward to weave through or cut around at speed.