Wide Receiver Principles

I came across these while going through my offensive system manual. They should be a help to those creating a passing game.

Wide Receiver Principles

These rules will help receivers know what to do in any situation. This will minimize confusion and maximize reaction speed. Both QB and WR will know what to do if they master these simple rules and work together on them.

1) Clean Release – get off without contact. Try to release opposite the defender’s leverage (If he is inside, go outside. You can always weave back inside.)

2) Attack areas, not defenders – If we move to open areas in the defense, the defenders will have to move to those areas to defend us. By doing this, they will open up large areas in the zone for other receivers to move into and get open. If you attack defenders, they will simply follow and feel comfortable. Once a defender moves to cover you, then attack him using a good closure and break.

3) Run away from man coverage; Settle versus zone – When covered man to man, the receiver must get open and continue moving away from the defender, because the defender is following him. In zone, the defenders are looking at the QB and passing receivers to the next zone defender as he moves between zones. When running routes versus zone coverage, settle down and get between defenders when running short or medium routes. Settling forces defenders to find you and allows the QB time to see if you are open and throw the ball without being late.

4) Deep routes should be – (called according to the easiest release)

a) Away from deep coverage (don’t run toward a deep defender, move to an open area deep)

b) OR split between deep defenders (Seam routes vs. Cover 3)

c) NEVER outside a deep outside defender without a double move route or a quick closure of the cushion.

5) Close to your depth and then break – Don’t break too early or late or the timing can be off.

6) GO GET THE BALL!!!! – once the ball is in the air, it belongs to you. Make a play!

7) Watch the ball into your hands! – overexaggerate this in practice by taking your nose to the ball and seeing your hands squeeze every catch.

8) Remain under control – always have control over you body movements.

9) Communicate with the QB and other receivers – the hallmark of a great team is the ability to communicate quickly and effectively. If we don’t know how to work together to accomplish a task, we will fail. Communicate and be willing to let others succeed to make the team great!

In conclusion, this is not an exhaustive list, but the principles listed will greatly increase the success of any passing offense.