University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Wide Receiver Teaching Manual

Jason McManus
 Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Stance/Starts)

Stance:
A proper stance is the key to a quick start and release off the
ball. An effective stance and start is the most fundamental component of
being a complete wide receiver. We will work stance and starts everyday.

2 Basic Stances:

1. Base Stance: This will be our fundamental stance. We will use

this stance verses open access.
2. Bunch Stance: We will use this stance verses press access or
press-man coverage. You will slightly close your stance (60 front
foot-40 back foot weight distribution) in order to achieve rapid
foot-fire and bring the feet to a parallel position before
releasing off the line of scrimmage.

Lower Body:

Feet should be slightly shoulder-width apart with either foot

leading depending on the play call. Set your feet in a comfortable
front and back stagger. Your feet should be wide enough to give you a
strong base, but not so wide that you will false step. Our toes and
shoulders should be pointed straight ahead if at all possible. Your
weight should be on the balls of your feet. Approximately 90% of your
weight should be on your front leg and 10% of your weight on your
back leg. When you release, you should drive off your front foot
without lifting it (rolling start). Lean your chin over your front
knee and your front knee should be slightly bent. Sink your butt and
hips to prevent high pad level. Always hide your numbers, keep your
back leg flexed, and keep your shoulders down. RELAX and NO FALSE
STEPS!

Upper Body:
Keep a slight bend in the waist with your chin over your front
knee. Keep your head up so you can survey the defense and watch the
ball. We will always go on ball movement and not on the snap count.
Keep you shoulders square to the LOS. Keep your arms in an attack
position. This will allow you to use your hands to combat the
defensive back when you are getting press coverage.

Wide Receiver Vocabulary

1. Stack defender: Once you beat a defender, get back into his line
of travel so it makes it harder for him to defend you on a ball
that is thrown downfield.
2. Replace: Run to the spot that was previously occupied by a
defender and stop there.
3. Push Vertical: Get down the field as fast as (get vertical first)
as you can. Do not waste time.
4. Step on defenders toes: Get into the defender before you make a
break. You should be able to touch him before you break.
5. Plant: The foot that you use to drive into your break or route.
6. Sell the route: Deceive the defender by making the route look like
another route.
7. Set up defender: Gain the proper position on the defender before
you make your break. This will allow you to get open.
8. Feel defender: Know where and what the nearest defender is doing
at all times. You should be able to see him without looking
directly at him.
9. Open access: When you release off the ball and nothing is
obstructing your line of attack.
10. Closed access: Your line of attack is no longer open. A defender
is trying to prevent you from releasing freely.
11. Press access: The defender is in a press coverage alignment. He
is preventing your release off the LOS.
12. Bump and run: The defender is in your face from the time of the
snap of the ball and stay with you.
13. Press bail: The defender shows press-man technique and then backs
off of you.
14. Run it route: This type of route does not convert. We will run
this route verses any type of coverage.
15. 1 high safety: Only one safety is deep in the middle of the
field.
16. 2 high safeties: Two safeties are deep.
17. Throttle down: Slow your speed down to get open or stay open.
18. Stay friendly to the QB: Adjust your speed so you are under
control and an easier target for the QB.
19. Stick: This movement is made by a hard jab and upper body
movement in the opposite direction in which you want to make a break.
It is used by the QB as a break indicator.
20. Sink hips: Lower your center of gravity before you make your
break. Maintain your arm drive and keep your eyes downfield.
21. Be under control: Keep your arms and other body parts within the
framework of the body.
22. Illusion of speed: Refers to the continuous movement of the arms
during the route and during the breakpoint of a route.
23. Weave: Attack the defender by weaving to set up the route and
getting in good position prior to your breaking point.
24: Shoulder to shoulder: Refers to the wide receiver gaining the
proper leverage on the defensive back. The wide receiver will put his
proper shoulder on the opposite shoulder of the defensive back in
order to gain inside or outside leverage.
25. Look,catch,tuck, and cover: Look the ball in, catch it, tuck it
away, and cover it up.
26. Secure the catch: Protect the football after you catch it. Make
sure you catch the ball no matter what the situation.
27. Quick to the tuck: Refers to the wide receiver quickly tucking
the ball away after he has made the catch.
28. Peeking: Looking for the ball before you reach the end of your
route.
29. Stem: The main and middle part of your route.
30. Go move: Burst at the end of the route to sell a quick move.
31. MDM (most dangerous man): A term used in a blocking progression
that means to block the most dangerous man or defender.
32. Head priority: Positioning your head during a block.
33. Throwing: When executing a cut block, try to throw your arm
across his downfield leg and then finish by rolling through.
34. Double move: This refers to setting up a defender with two moves.
Try to get him out of position before making your plant and break.
35. Cut off block (Touchdown block): A term used in a blocking
progression that means you are going to work off the ball inside and
try to block either the near safety of far safety.
36. Stair step: Once you feel a defender trailing you on a crossing
route, give him one downfield stick to try and lose him and gain
separation.
37. Force: Refers to the defender that would show first in a run
play. During a MDM block, you would block whichever defender shows
first because he would be able to attack first.
38. Windows (dead area): Open areas created by defenders moving and
adjusting. We want to find these areas and settle.
39. Hands in an attack position: This term refers to the WR having
his hands up so he can fight the press defender in man coverage.
 Wide Receiver Rules and Expectations

1. We are never late (meetings/practice/weight room/training

room/class). Pay attention in all meetings and always listen to
the coach.
2. Do what is right all the time and always respect every coach. Yes
sir and no sir to all coaches.
3. No attitude problems. We are always positive (including me).
4. Great effort.

Wide Receiver Practice Policies

1. We will always take the practice field together. We will gather at

the gate of the practice field and jog to the field as a unit. No
individuals!
2. Always properly dressed.
3. All business between the white lines.
4. We are always on the move from drill to drill (seniors will lead
the way).
5. If you do not know, ask. The only dumb question is the question
not asked.

Wide Receiver Coaching Points

1. Always tuck the ball away from the defender. Always quick to the
tuck after every catch.
2. After all catches, burst up field for 5 yards and jog for 10
yards. If you fall after the catch, still get off the ground and
burst for 5 yards and jog for 10 yards.
3. Run your route like you are the only wide receiver on the field.
4. Always run to the ball (just like defensive pursuit).
5. Alignments and techniques are critical. “Technique whips talent.”
6. When catching the ball, always look, catch, tuck, cover, and roll
your head over the ball.
7. A complete wide receiver knows how to play with and without the
ball.
8. Effort and toughness (always mentally tough).

“We will be the hardest working unit on the team.”

“We will be a group of fighting brothers.”

“We cannot all be great players, but we can all want to be

great players. You have got to want it!”
 Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Releases)

Releases, along with the stance, are one of the most fundamental
aspects of becoming a complete wide receiver. A wide receiver must be
able to control press coverage and control any collisions that occur
during his route. The wide receiver must be physical and should be
prepared to win with the hands and feet at all times. Releases are an
attempt to gain leverage and separation on the defender.

Lower Body Footwork:

1. Single sick: Quick stick once with either foot and get up field.
Make a hard head and shoulder fake opposite the direction you want
to go. Get an edge on the defender.
2. Double stick: Quick stick twice with each foot (right/left/right
or left/right/left) and get up field. Get an edge on the defender.

Upper Body:
1. Quick swim: Use a strong upper body stroke and punch down on the
elbow of the defensive back. You want to break his elbow and make
his shoulders turn. You will then get skinny and quick swim by the
defensive back making sure that you do not expose your ribs.
2. Quick rip: Use a strong upper body stroke and punch down on the
elbow of the defensive back. You want to break his elbow and make
his shoulders turn. You will then throw an upper cut and release
through the defensive back.

Release Variations:

1. Slant burst release: Your outside foot will be forward. Use a

slight angle of departure inside on your immediate release and get
up field. Get depth as you get inside.
2. Must outside (clear) release: You must get the defensive back to
turn his back to the ball or get width with your release.
3. Take it release: Take the release that the defender is giving you.
You could release inside or outside. Do not waste time.
4. Punch release: Use a strong upper body stroke and punch the
defensive back in the facemask to combat aggressive press-man
coverage.
5. Clean release: Get vertical fast drawing both corners and safeties
attention. Do not waste time.
6. Space release: Release used downfield. The wide receiver must use
his release techniques down the field in order to control
collisions and reroutes by the defensive back.
7. Glide (bail release): Used when the defender is playing a soft
(glide) press technique. As he bails, close his cushion and be
ready to control the collision.
8. Counter release: Used when the defender is playing a heavy inside
technique. Release outside 2-3 steps and make the defender turn
his shoulders and run. Quick swim back inside and gain inside
leverage. This release is great for running a slant route.

Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Route Discipline)

 There are five imperative components to every route. To run precise
and effective routes you must master the following:
1. Have a great release
2. Close the defenders cushion
3. Leverage
4. Separation
5. Route personality

Take off: A great stance and start are crucial. No false steps.
Eliminate all wasted movement. You need to push vertical up field, low
pad level, and hide your numbers. Sink your hips to prevent high pad
level. We must be able to release with either foot forward. You need to
see and recognize the coverage structure and be able to read on the run.
Your hands should always be in an attack position to win the battle at
the LOS verses press coverage.

Stem: You attempt to set up the defender and attack the defender
vertically. Eye contact with defender must be established at all times.
Attack his technique with the shoulder to shoulder rule and gain the
proper leverage. You need to close the defenders cushion and make him
feel threatened vertically. Force the defender to be uncomfortable in
his initial technique and make him turn and run. Depending on the
pattern and defenders technique, you may center him up, get his hips
turned, step on his toes, and utilize a double move. Accelerate and work
the defender. It now becomes one on one basketball.

Breaking point: This is the apex of your stem which is either based on
specific footwork or on specific yardage landmarks. You need to
establish proper body position. Separation is a must. You must run in
and out of your break quickly and efficiently. Keep your arms moving to
create an illusion of speed. Keep low pad level and have great forward
lean. Do not rise up and do not peak early for the football. Finish the
route. Keep your chin out in front of your body. Defenders read your
eyes, upper body, and feet to determine your breaking point. Anticipate
route adjustments for man or zone. In zone coverage, find the windows
and stay QB friendly. Verses man coverage, separate from the defender
and lose ground to attack the football. Make the defender go through you
to get to the ball.

Coaching points:
-Free releases are a must. No false steps.
-Make the defender feel threatened. Eat up his cushion. Make him feel
uncomfortable.
-Low pad level. Hide your numbers. Have great forward lean.
-Set up the defender in your stem. Eye contact is a must.
-Use shoulder to shoulder rule to deceive the defender.
-Separate from the defender at the apex of your route.
-Acceleration to your breaking point and acceleration out.
-Be disciplined in terms of split, depth of route, footwork, and
adjustments.
-Be aggressive and control all collisions. Do not get re-routed.

Defender technique definition and recognition:

--This will help you understand the best way to attack the defender
during your stem.

1. Zone Turn: The defender is in zone coverage and his hips flip to
the QB. He keys QB’s intentions. He maintains outside leverage in
a shuffle technique.
2. Man Turn: The defender is looking at you and his hips are flipped
towards you. He keys the wide receiver. He may have inside or
outside leverage depending on safety help.
3. Backpedal race: The defender stays over the top of you and his
hips and pads are parallel to you. He his still in a backpedal
mode.

Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Ball Security)

We will always protect the ball at all costs. Ball security is a

vital component of offensive success and fumbles lead to losses. We
should never negate an explosive play with a fumble.

Coaching points:
-Secure the ball.
-There should be four points of pressure when securing the football
(Fingers, Forearm, crux of the elbow, and against the ribs).
-The ball is more important than you.
-Know the situation (need a first down, keep clock running, etc.)
-Score. Concentration leads to celebration.

Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Catching)

 As a wide receiver, we must have the mentality that when the ball
is in the air, it is ours for the taking. There is no such thing as a
free ball. We can never allow an interception and must compete with the
defender at all times, especially when the ball is thrown. Concentration
is the main component of being a complete pass catcher. A wide receiver
can never catch too many balls. The more balls that are caught, the more
natural you will become as a pass catcher.
A wide receiver must learn to look the ball into his hands. Most
balls are dropped in those last few inches before the ball hits the
hands. Always look, catch, tuck, cover, and roll your head over the
ball.
Make the routine and difficult catches ALL the time. Make the
impossible catches MOST of the time. Remember, there is no such thing as
a bad throw; it is our job to make it a good one.

Catching Fundamentals:
1. Relax your hands. Soft hands catch footballs.
2. Catch the ball with your arms extended out in front of the body
with a “slight” bend in the elbows.
3. Keep the ball off your pads, except in certain cases where wet
weather dictates otherwise.
4. General rule: Balls above the chest, thumbs in. Balls below the
chest, thumbs out.
5. Put your chin on the ball so your eyes will follow the ball.
6. Put your head and eyes on the same level of the ball.

To catch the high pass:

1. Get head and eyes on the same level as the ball.
2. Reach for the ball at the last second. Never run with your arms
and hands outstretched. Utilize that last burst of speed.
3. When catching the pass that floats over the wrong shoulder, turn
and open your hips to the ball and make the catch at its highest
point.
4. Catch the ball at its top point. If you deflect it, the ball will
come down to you.

To catch the low pass:

1. Get the elbows underneath the ball and scoop the ball upwards.
2. Get your eyes on the same level as the ball.
3. Immediately get off the ground and sell the call to the officials.

To catch the pass behind the wide receiver:

1. Turn and open your hips completely to the ball and extend both
hands to make the catch. Take a picture of the ball with your belt
buckle.

Coaching points:
1. Attack the ball. Frame the ball. Catch the ball with both hands.
2. Secure the catch and quick to the tuck. Possession is important.
3. Keep your head and eyes on the same level as the ball.
4. Soften the ball with your fingers.
5. Always keep your body between the ball and the defender.
Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Blocking)
 Blocking is an attitude. There are basic techniques that will help
you to become a successful blocker. However, the most important factor
is the desire to block. Most big plays result from receivers blocking
downfield.

Coaching points:
-Release off the ball hard every play. Make the defender feel
threatened. Attack the defender. Set proper angles.
-Play low. Keep yourself between the defender and the ball carrier.
-Anticipate angles of defenders. Know where the play is going.
-Attack the defender.
-Finish on somebody.
-Never block back to or behind the ball.

Types of blocks:

1. Stalk block: Attack the defender. When he breaks down, you break
down. Keep your feet buzzing with an athletic base. Keep your feet
slightly more than shoulder width apart. Get into the defender and
drive him backwards. Never allow separation. Keep your elbows and
arms within the framework of the defenders body. Your aiming point
for your hands should be on the numbers of the defenders jersey.
Knees bent, back straight, head and eyes up. Never overextend and
never drop your head. If you want to seal the defender inside,
attack his outside shoulder. If you want to seal the defender
outside, attack his inside shoulder.
2. Most dangerous man block: Used to block primary run support verses
two deep shells, drop safeties, and rotated coverage. Take a slant
burst release and read the corner and over the top safety. When
the force defender shows, attack his technique and engage in a
stalk block. Be under control at all times and do not overrun the
force defender.
3. Cut block: The cut block is your friend. It is the equalizer. Cut
early and often to set a physical mentality. Attack the defender
and throw your body through him. Your take off point should be
right before you step on his toes. Throw your head and shoulder
through the defenders opposite thigh. Throw your eyes to the sky
to keep your head up and prevent a neck injury. Make sure your
head and shoulders are in front of the defender when making a cut
block. Do not run the risk of penalty.
4. Crack block: Do not alter your stance but you may have to adjust
your split when cracking a defender in the box. It is illegal to
crack below the waist so make sure you stay high. Run through the
defenders near number and explode through him with your forearm
and shoulder. This is a chance for the wide receiver to deliver a
knockout shot. Make the defender run underneath you when he is
pursuing the ball carrier.
5. Run-off block: Release outside the defender and make him turn his
back to the football. Stalk rules apply.

The Wide Receiver Philosophy

“Threaten and Attack”
 The wide receiver position is one where we can make a big
difference on every play. Our philosophy is to make the defense feel
threatened and to attack our opponent on every play. We must be able to
pose a threat to score each and every time we touch the football. While
utilizing great technique, we will dictate to the defender what he can
and cannot do on any given play.

By attacking the defender each play, we are creating angles for

our releases, pass routes, and running lanes for the running backs. We
need to attack the defender with the objective that we are running a
deep route on every play. It is vitally important that we learn what the
defender is taking away; and to attack him where he is vulnerable.

We will attack the football at all costs and make the great catch.
We will take pride in our blocking and be aggressive and smart. If the
defender wants to bump or press you, make him pay the price. We are
playing an offensive position, be offensive, never play it with a
defensive attitude.

Whatever it Takes

As a wide receiver, you must do whatever it takes to carry out

your assignment. Blocking, catching the football, disciplined route
running, and running with the ball are all fundamentals that you must
master as a wide receiver. To achieve success, you must do whatever it
takes to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Running, lifting weights, film study, and perfect skill practice is all
aspects of your preparation towards becoming a great football player.
The person who dedicates himself to working hard at each of these skills
will be the player who achieves success and gets the job done.

Traits of a Successful Wide Receiver

1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitive toughness
4. Great work habits
5. Athletic ability
6. Good speed
7. Good hands
8. Maneuverability
9. Strong desire to catch the football

Wide Receiver Fundamentals (Coverage Recognition)

 The wide receivers will be responsible for knowing specific
coverage. The wide receiver must also be able to recognize the alignment
of the free safety, strong safety, and linebackers in order to determine
coverage and possible blitz.

Coverage structure: The wide receiver must be able to recognize the

following: zone coverage, combination coverage, situational coverages
such as robber, bandit, as well as the defense’s zone blitz package,
inside dog packages, edge pressure packages, nickel and dime packages,
brackets, sky, cloud, etc.

Safety structure: The wide receiver needs to know how many safeties are
in the middle of the field. This will enable him to determine if the
defense is showing an open or closed system or what the coverage may be.
1. Open system: Middle of the field is open. Two or zero safeties are
in the middle of the field.
2. Closed system: Middle of the field is closed. One safety is in the
middle of the field.

Corner structure: A wide receiver must also be able to determine what

type of access he is seeing at the LOS and also what type of leverage
the defender is utilizing.
1. Open access: Wide receiver has no threat by the CB on his release
from the LOS.
2. Closed access: Wide receiver has a possible threat to his release
from the LOS.
3. Press access: Wide receiver has a press or bump corner at the LOS.
4. Zone: The DB is playing a loose technique and looking inside at
the QB.
5. Man: The DB is playing a tight technique and looking at the wide
receiver.
6. Ink: The DB is aligned with heavy inside leverage.
7. Ork: The DB is aligned with heavy outside leverage.
8. 0 Shade: The DB is aligned head up with the wide receiver.

*The post snap movement on coverage helps us indicate man, zone, or

coverage rotation. Movement up, flat or square indicates man or roll
zone coverage. Movement away from the wide receiver indicates zone (i.e.
linebacker drops)

Wide Receiver Daily Musts

1. Stance and Starts

2. Releases
 3. Blocking progression
4. Footwork Drills (plant and break/separation)
5. Ball drills
6. Ball security
7. Individual route teaching concepts (pre and post-practice)

Wide Receiver Drill Checklist

WR Pre-Practice drills WR Ball drills

1. Academics and film study 1. Ball-Handling drills
2. Splits and spacing/Motions 2. Jugs with breaks
3. Alignments and formations 3. Partner catch with feet buzzing
4. Individual route teaching concepts 4. Straight run
5. Agilities and warm-up drills/Ladder 5. High ball
6. Jugs machine and ball-handling drills 6. Low ball
7. Sideways DTL
WR Agility drills 8. Ball behind
1. Stick DTL (both legs) 9. Turn and locate
2. Hip warm-up 10. Fade and adjust
3. Zig-Zag 11. 45/90 degree to ball
4. 5-10-5 Shuttle (summer camp) 12. Centerfield drill
13. Distraction
WR Stance and start drills 14. Hard to head
1. Stance on air (both feet) 15. Back shoulder
2. Stance and start DTL 16. Tight rope sideline
3. Slant burst 17. Sideline foot drag
4. Stance and start with ball key 18. Dive and catch on knees
5. Chase drill 19. Blaster catch
20. Elevator
WR Release drills 21. Catch on the line (dig)
1. Bags (Pop-Up dummy) 22. End route
2. Partner releases (hand fights) 23. One hand catch
3. Hoops 24. Catch and hit with bag
25. Flat back catch
WR Blocking progression drills 26. Goal post catch
1. Stalk fit/Cut block fit 27. Head whip catch
2. Stalk fit and drive
3. Mirror stalk fit WR Ball security drills
4. Open field (3 steps) stalk (5 and 10 yards) 1. Blaster
5. Open field stalk at 45 degree 2. Catch and rip
6. MDM (most dangerous man) 3. High and tight (strip drill)
7. Shuffle, punch, and drive 4. High knees with tuck
8. Live stalk with DB’s
9. Screen drill WR Route fundamental drills
10. Crack drill 1. Shoulder to shoulder
11. Sled 2. Cushion eat verses zone turn
3. Cushion eat verses BP race
WR Footwork drills 4. Trail
1. Quick-cone foot fire/Quick cone 5. Break away (club and lean)
2. Box drill 6. Throw by
3. Star drill
4. W drill WR Post-Practice drills
5. Plant and break 90 degree/45 degree 1. Deep balls
6. Curl, out, dig, corner with cones 2. Route of the day
7. Site adjust off coach with bag 3. Red zone concepts
8. Site adjust to coach 4. Corrections and adjustments