Mega Clinic Lecture Notes Long Beach, CA

Ron Jenkins#1: NFL QB Mechanics for the HS QB - I/A#2: Receiver Mechanics & Spread Off Attack SwitchSchemes - I/A

Lecture Notes from Topics Top Ten Key Points of Quarterback Mechanics QB Drop Depth under Center QB Drop in the Gun Quarterback Checklist Essentials Cheat Sheet for Recognizing Coverage's Receiver Mechanics Wide Receiver Route Mechanics Receiver Check List Essentials

1 - Ball Carriage

Holding the ball correctly on the dropback helps keep themovement smooth and efficient and will actually improvethe rotation of the football. Here, Carson Palmer does agreat job of carrying the ball in a relaxed and efficientmanner.

2 - Shoulders on Dropback

The shoulders should be slightly open to the field withthe facemask down the middle of the field. This allowsthe quarterback full vision of the field and does notallow the defense to see where he is going with thefootball.

3 - Plant-foot

The back (plant-foot) should be perpendicular to thetarget area just as the quarterback is stepping into thethrow. This greatly increases the accuracy of the throw.

5 - Target-step

The target step should be short and across animaginary line just to the inside of the plant-step. Thisshorter step will keep the throwing motion quick,compact, and allow the athlete to use more of his legsand shoulders during the throwing motion, therebyincreasing the accuracy and velocity of the trajectory.

4 - Forward Shoulder

The forward shoulder should be pointed at thetarget area just before the quarterback steps into thethrow. By waiting until the throw, the QB will hold thedefense and not allow them to read where the ball isgoing. Pointing the front shoulder to thetarget area increases the accuracy of the throw.

Top 10 Key Points of Quarterback Mechanicsby Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. www.TopGunQBAcademy.com

6 - Throwing Elbow

7 - Vertical Head

8 - Throwing Hand

9 - Throwing Shoulder

10 - Trail Foot

During the throwing motion, keep the throwing elbow at,or above the throwing shoulder.

The head should be kept as vertical as possiblethroughout all throws.

The throwing hand should pronate (palm down) during theend of the motion, and should end up at theopposite front pocket area. This is Marc Bolger of theN.F.L.s St. Louis Rams. Marc also does a great job ofusing the shoulder-spin to get more rotation and velocityon the ball (see-below).

The throwing shoulder should end up pointing at thetarget area after the throw (shoulder-spin). Thisproduces results immediately, and increases therotation of the football.

The trail foot should stay close to the ground throughoutthe throw, and end up even with thetarget step after the throw.

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Line of ScrimmageQB Toes @ 1 yard

1 Step @ 3 yards3 Qk or 3 Roll @ 4 yards

3 Big @ 4.5 yards

5 Qk or 5 Roll @ 6 yards

7 Qk with a hitch @ 8 yards5 Big with a hitch @ 7.5 yards

7 Big with a hitch @ 9 yards Play-action depth

The quarterbacks drop needs to time out so that the football can be released before the receiver makes his break.The quarterback needs to base his drop on who he is throwing the football to.

3 Tap @ 3.5 yards

1 step1 step3 tap3 tap

3 quick3 roll

3 big, (hold)5 quick5 roll

5 hitch5 big, hitch

7 quick7 quick, hitch

7 big hitchSprint action

3 yards3 yards

3.5 yards3.5 yards4 yards4 yards

4.5 yards6 yards6 yards7 yards7.5 yards8 yards8 yards9 yards

5 yard minimum

Bubble screen5 yard goal line Fade

Quick FlatQuick Slant (dbl. slant)

Quick Hitch, Slant Flat KeyQuick Speed-out by WR

StickSpot & Quick Switch Routes

Speed-out by WRCurls

7 step comeback by WRDrags, Smashes

Digs, Square-ins & Switch RoutesPost-corner routes by WR

Play action 9 yards Add 5 yards to normal route depth

LOS

Sprint Right Option

Throwing from the gun presents a problem for quarterbacks who are used to the rhythm that throwing using normal dropsprovides. This is primarily because they are not used to waiting for receivers to get open. In other words, from the gun thequarterback is usually ready to throw before he is suppose to, which in turn takes him out of his rhythm.

I have developed a way for the Gun QB to get the ball to the receiver at exactly the same time he would normally do usinga traditional drop. The key in this technique is to catch the football, then begin the drop exactly as he would from center.He will catch the ball, take his punch step, and proceed with the drop. We can also throw the ball on-time throwing thequick-passing game from the shot-gun.

The basic premise is minus two-steps for every under-center drop For example, a normal 5 step drop will be Catch,punch-step and then 3 step drop from the gun. Now, because we are in the gun, we will not worry about depth. We willfocus on timing, so we are more concerned with the steps we take than the depth of the drop, because we already havedepth due to the fact that we are in the gun..

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Line of Scrimmage

QB Toes @ 4.5 yards

1 step3 tap3 tap3 quick3 roll3 big, (hold)5 quick5 roll5 hitch5 big, hitch7 quick7 quick, hitch7 big, hitchSprint action

Must be under centerMust be under center

Catch, punch-step, throwCatch, punch-step, throwCatch, punch-step, hold, throwCatch, punch-step, 3 quick

Catch, punch-step, 3 hitchCatch, punch-step, 3 big, hitchCatch, punch-step, 5 quickCatch, punch-step, 5 quick, hitch

9 yards minimum

Bubble screen5 yard goal line Fade

Quick FlatQuick Slant (dbl. slant)Quick Hitch, Slant Flat KeyQuick Speed-out by WRStickSpotSpeed-out by WRCurls, corners by inside rec.7 step comeback by WRDrags, SmashesDigs, square-insPost-corners by the WRSprint Option

Play action 9 yards minimum Add 5 yards to normal route depth

1 step

Catch, punch-step, throw

Catch, punch-step, 3 roll

Catch, punch-step, 5 big, hitch

Catch, punch-step, throw

LOS

QUARTERBACK CHECKLIST ESSENTIALSPHASE I FOOTWORK

Polymeric Stretch RoutineStretch core for flexibility, stability and strength

Form RunningHigh knees prevents being tackled from behind

Reach StrideTeach open shoulders, proper foot placement

Ball CarriageFor balance and good visual stability during drops Improves accuracy and allows for quicker release

Shot-gun Quick-throw MechanicsCatch, punch-step, plant and throw great technique in order to throw quick-passes from the gun

Receiving Snap from CenterHand placement nudge upward ride center punch-step versus staggered-step

Hurdle FootworkBalance quick feet teach proper technique to hitch up in pocket balanced ball carriage for centered gravity front handpressure relaxed shoulders working back and forward in a straight line

Drop to DepthGet proper depth in a straight line with balance teach good ball carriage learn balance throughout drop for better passing andbetter accuracy

PHASE II THROWING MECHANICSWrist ThrowTeach snapping of wrist improved ball rotation helps the point of ball turn upwards better flight of football

Dart ThrowBetter control of wrist which leads to a lighter grip and better spiral of football

Quick Release ThrowHelps develop a quicker, more compact throwing motion creates the ability to get rid of the football more quickly andefficiently

Line Throw with Shoulder SpinDevelop a shorter stride for more velocity and more compact throwing motion with better use of the whole body for the throw Shoulder spin creates increased rotation of the football, increased velocity and better accuracy and control of the pass elbowshould be at or above shoulder when passing keep trail leg close to the ground keep eye on target throughout the throw untilthe ball is caught

Release Over Front FootTeaches high release better use of legs and body to create velocity squares hips on throws

Quick Passing FootworkShort 3rd step prevent over striding plant-step perpendicular to target short step across midline work with shoulder-spinfor velocity and accuracy

Bubble-screen Footwork1st step at 6-OClock 1-second time-limit

PHASE III DROPBACK PASSINGHitch ProgressionBalanced throughout wait until plant-step to declare target area Hitch last crossover hitch, backside hitch, front sidetargets Let feet tell you when to go from 1 to 2 to outlet

Quick Feet, Turn SwingGive it to hot back right now

Reset, Pop Feet, Hit SwingBe able to throw the swing route accurately to the back

Different types of throws1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Screen Drops & ThrowsBait and throw accurately and safely

Deep Throws 2.5 SecondsTilt shoulders short stride across midline focus on target, not on football

Hot Throws Off Back FootAccurately and safely with firm pass and great rotation on football

QUARTERBACK DROPS & DISTANCES (MEASURED FROM LINE OF SCRIMMAGE)ANTICIPATE THE RECEIVER GETTING OPEN THROW TO SPOTS DONT WAIT!

One-step: Get 1st step at 6-oclockBubble screens (Wide routes), and quick swing routes. Also, fade routes from the five-yard line.

Three-tap: No cross-overDouble slant routes, quick flat routes

Three-quick: Timing is more important than depthHOT routes, hitch routes, slant routes, and Red Zone fade routes.

Three-roll: The QB drops back about 4 yards.Quick-out routes run by the outside receiver.

Three-big: The QB drops back about 4 1/2 yards.Flat - Slant route combinations.

Three-big, hold: The QB drops back about 4 1/2 yards.Stick routes, some slant routes and open-field fade routes.

Five-quick, hitch: The QB drops about 6 yards.Go-routes, skinny posts, spot-routes, stab-routes, and flat routes.

Five-roll: The QB drops about 6 yards.Twelve-yard speed-outs run by the outside receiver.

Five-big: The QB drops about 7 yards.Swing routes, inside corner routes, and drag routes.

Five-big, hitch: The QB drops about 7 7 1/2 yards.Curl routes and 14-yard comeback routes

Seven-quick, hitch: The QB drops about 8 yards.Dig routes, square-in routes, drag routes, smash routes, and corner routes inside the Red Zone.

Seven-big with a hitch-step: The QB drops 9 yards.Counter routes, post-corners and 18-yard comeback routes run by the outside receiver.

PHASE IV ACTION MECHANICS

Proper Handoff TechniqueDeal ball from beltline always follow through and FINISH!

A Fake Show ballFOX 2 & 3 Open to hole Suck defenders up

B Fake Show ballZEBRA 6 & 7 SNAKE 6 & 7 Move defense horizontally and up

C Fake Flash ballFLASH 3 & 4 Hold defender still for split second

D Fake Back to defense show ball 1st then just give a quick hand fake!COUGAR 4 & 5 Move defenders vertically and horizontally

Hound Fake Back to DefenseHOUND 2 & 3 Reverse to hole and give hand fake keeping your back to the defense for as long as possible

PHASE V THROWING ON THE RUNWalk at TargetTeaches foot / throw coordination

Jog at TargetStand up shorten stride breath out and follow through

Quick Flat Throw1st step at 6 oclock

Medium Distance ThrowsLong step into throw to generate power and balance

Deep ThrowsCrows hop

PHASE VI SHOTGUN MECHANICS

3-step Quick GameCatch, punch, step and throw5-stepCatch, punch 3-step (hitch) and throw7-stepCatch, punch 5-step, hitch and throw

PHASE VII CONTINGENCY PLANNINGContingency Pattern of ReceiversDeep, comeback & horizontal

Route of Quarterback ReleaseGain depth before turning up also see throwing on the run

Pump Fake as a SignalWhen and why

PHASE VIII MENTAL PROCESS READS & PROGRESSIONSTHINKING PROCESS

FIVE SPECIFIC MENTAL STEPS DURING A SINGLE PLAY1 After a play, what went right and wrong what could you do better think current down & distance and be objective thenforget the previous play.

2 Next, as the play-call comes into you (either by signal, messenger, or verbally from the coach), your focus becomes locked ongetting the play and the snap count to your team in an efficient manner.

3 Next, analyze the playcall, realizing how your offense will execute the play, what your specific responsibilities are (throw, play-fake, run), and you are communicating the play call and the snap count to your team in the huddle.

4 Once the huddle breaks, go through your procedures for run, do you need to opposite the play? (See below for passingsituations).

5 The final and most important mental task you will perform in this sequence is to put your mind into automatic processing(reacting and letting all of your practice, preparation, talent, and skill take over.

Thinking isreplaced by to what you see and what the situation dictates allowing you to be in the zone.

PROCEDURE

1. IN YOUR MIND, SEE WHERE ALL YOUR RECEIVERS ARE RUNNING THEIR ROUTES AND THEIR RECEPTION POINTS,2. FIND THE SAFETIES,3. LOCATE POTENTIAL BLITZERS,4. LOCATE YOUR HOT ROUTES5. START ELIMINATING RECEIVERS6. NARROW YOUR CHOICE OF RECEIVERS TO TWO AND THEN FIND YOUR KEY

BASIC READS

DRAG

SLANT

STICK

CURL

SIDELINE

DEEP OUT

DIG

SQUARE-IN

DEEP

4-VERTICALS

Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. www.TopGunQBAcademy.com

CHEAT SHEET FOR RECOGNIZING COVERAGES

Get to the line of scrimmage with 18-seconds left on the clockWith less than 10-seconds, all called shifts and motions are offThe Center will make the following callsOdd Center covered or shadedEven linebacker covering centerClear There is no one over the centerSolid Center and both guards are covered

THERE ARE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF ZONE COVERAGEThree-deep coverageTwo-deep coverageQuarters coverageRotation coverage

COVER THREE ZONETHREE-DEEP FOUR-UNDERNEATH COVERAGEGREAT FOR COMPLETING BALL-CONTORL PASSESFree safety: 12-yards deep he can get as far as 2-yards outside the hash mark for disguise anyfurther than that and he wont be able to get back at the snap of the ball, he will fly back to themiddle of the coverage (triangle with the two widest receivers).Strong safety: Lined up outside the tight end at 5 x 5 (or outside the TE) looking into thebackfield. He has the flat coverage on the strongside, and the Will Backer has the flat coverage tothe weakside.

COVER TWO ZONETwo-deep five-underneath coverage Reading Free-safeties Check their Depth Check their Hash mark relation Look strong safety alignment and position this determines man or zone Free safety depth if hes at 12-plus he is a deep back. If hes at 10-minus, be alert for blitz

Open there is NO defender in the deep middle of the fieldClosed there is a defender in the deep middle of the fieldFree safety: 12-yards deep and on the hash mark (or within three yards outside of the hash mark).Strong safety: 12-yards deep and on the hash mark (or within three yards outside of the hashmark).

Four defenders in the secondary means you DONT have eight in the box Two safeties will be deep and usually more than 11-plus yards from the line of scrimmage At the snap of the ball, they will immediately move backward The corners will usually be outside the #1 receiver at about 4 to 6-yards deep looking into

the backfield Rotation means a secondary man lines up deep but ends up playing an underneath coverage When a safety gains width, the corner on that side now takes the flat

Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. www.TopGunQBAcademy.com

NOTE: COVER TWO READ ZONE Two safeties will be deep and usually more than 11-plus yards from the line of scrimmage At the snap of the ball, they will immediately move backward The corners will read the #2 receiver; if he goes to the flat area, the corner will stay in the

flat area. If the corners flat area is not threatened, the corner will drop deep they will not cover

space without a receiver threatening that spaceo This may look like cover 4 (each defensive back covering 25% of the field deep)

NOTE: HARD COVER TWO ZONE Two safeties will be deep and usually more than 11-plus yards from the line of scrimmage At the snap of the ball, they will immediately move backward As the receivers pass the cornerbacks, the corner backs will either try to funnel them into the

middle of the field, or force them out of into the sidelineo The corners will then sit at about 9 to 12 yards off the line of scrimmage to the

outside

QUARTERS COVERAGE Two safeties will be deep and usually less than 11 yards from the line of scrimmage At the snap of the ball they will be hang almost flat-footed (they will not drop back deep)

The safeties will read the number two receiver if he goes vertical, the safety isresponsible for covering him if #2 goes flat or drags, the safety will double the # 1receiver along with the corner

The safeties are responsible for the run first that is to say that they will come up hard onall runs and / or play action passes

COVER ONE-FREEFree Safety: 12-yards depthStrong Safety: Inside the number 2 receiver looking at him rather than looking in the backfieldConfirm coverage by looking at the corners they should be looking at the receivers and notlooking in the backfield.Blitz: Look for a 5-6 man rush. Someone is coming on a blitz.

COVER ZERONo safeties in the middle of the field!The safeties will be within 10-yards of the line of scrimmageThe safeties will either come on a blitz, or will be covering a receiver because the linebacker(s) or acorner is coming on the blitz.Blitz: Expect a minimum of a seven-man rush.

Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. 1

by Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. www.TopGunQBAcademy.com

Here is a diagram of the footwork involved in the Speed-cut which isused to create separation primarily from a defender who is still in hisback-peddle. We use this when running a 7-yard out, 12-yard out, andsome breaks across the middle of the field.

Here a receiver is breaking to his left and has just started his Speed-cut by using a Pressure-Step, which is placed at a 45-degree anglerelative to the LOS, or in this case, you yard line itself.

The same receiver is now in the second step of his Speed-cut and hisleft foot is now at the Parallel-step in the route.

Here is a diagram of the footwork involved in the Comeback-cut which isused to create separation primarily from a defender who is now out ofhis back-peddle. We now have to break away from him and come back tothe football. We use this when running a 12-yard curl, seven-stepcomeback, 18-yard comeback, and, to some extent, a 4-step hitch route.We also use some of these principles when running some types of digs,square-ins and stick routes run primarily by the tight-end.

The receiver is going to run a curl route to his left. He has juststarted his 4-step breakdown technique with his inside foot. Noticethat his stride is actually longer than his running stride. This is one ofthe advantages to breaking down using this technique.

On the receivers second step of the breakdown, we tell him to curl upand get compact. These specific words allow the brain to translatethe instruction to actual practice much faster than saying get yourshoulders over your toes.

Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A. 2

QB

C C

QB

CC C C

QB QB

This receiver is running a seven-step comeback route (14-yards) and isbreaking to his left. On the receivers forth step of the breakdown, thereceiver is utilizing a Pressure-step which is placed at a 45-degreeangle relative to the LOS, or in this case the yard line.

The receiver is now driving out of the break (see left leg) using hisPressure-step as leverage. He can create great separation usingthis technique.

Here is the normal stance with defenders off of the receiver.The outside foot is always back, regardless of the play, thesituation, the defense, or the route called.

Here is the stance of a receiver facing a bump and rundefender. This stance is essential for quickness, and assiststhe receiver in getting into his route extremely quickly andefficiently without getting touched by the defender. (I realizethis is hard to believe.)

Here the receiver is using a double-move to get thedefender to jump out of the receivers path. The receiveris releasing to the right (inside) to run a corner route tothe outside. The defender only gets a hand on him as thereceiver releases vertically very quickly.

Wide ReceiverRoute Mechanics

ReleasesSeamBurstRoute Tree0-route (4-step hitch)1-route (4-step speed-out)2-route (3-step slant)3-route (6-step speed-out)4-route (6-step curl)5-route (7-step comeback)6-route (Dig)6-route (Square-in)7-route (post-corner)8-route (7-step post)9-Route (Go)Bump ReleasesSlant ReleaseTop Gun Move

WR

Our most used release attack the defender whereever he is lined up and runfull speed at him at a point

right between his eyesRoutes used:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

Attack Release

C

WR

Used on 1's & 3's whenDB is inside tech.

Routes used:0 (at times) 1, & 3

Vertical Release

C

WR

Vertical Release

C

C

WR

Our most used release attack the defender whereever he is lined up and runfull speed at him at a point

right between his eyesRoutes used:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

Attack Release

C

C

WR

Seam Release

WR

Seam Release

Our seam is used on basicroutes and used with stack-

formations this release canspin defenders easily if theproper techniques are used

Routes used:Stacked-formations

Spot, smash, bench, 6, 7, & 8

WR

Burst Release

Burst are used primarily withour stacked-formations

However this release worksvery well with square-in routes

Routes used:Stacked-formations0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

4-step 4th stepis a vertical

pressure step

4-step 4th stepis a vertical

pressure step

5-step 5th stepis a vertical

pressure step

WR

Burst Release

Burst are used primarily withour stacked-formations

However this release worksvery well with square-in routes

Routes used:Stacked-formations0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

5-step 5th stepis a vertical

pressure step

Our seam is used on basicroutes and used with stack-

formations this release canspin defenders easily if theproper techniques are used

Routes used:Stacked formations

Spot, smash, bench, 6, 7, & 8

Used on 1's & 3's whenDB is inside tech.

Routes used:0 (at times) 1, & 3

Now accelerate up-fieldand the defender will beset up to spin on yournext move trying to

over-compensate for thepostion you put him in

1

2

3

4

5

4th step is a verticalpressure step

This is the mostimportant step in theroute. Make sure its

vertical!

1

2

3

4

5

Seam Release

At the snap of the ball, pick upyour inside foot and place it atthe angle shownThis will prevent you fromrolling into the seam release andmake the route much moreeffective

QB

WR WR

Now accelerate up-fieldand the defender will beset up to spin on yournext move trying to

over-compensate for thepostion you put him in

5th step is a verticalpressure step

This is the mostimportant step in theroute. Make sure its

vertical!

Burst Release

At the snap of the ball, pick upyour outside foot and place it atthe angle shown. You will driveat a slightly steeper angle thanyou do using a seam release.

QB

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2 Non-quick0 Hitch

1 Quick Speed-out

2 Quick slant

3 Speed-out4 Curl

5 Comeback

7 Post-corner6 Square-in

8 Post

9 Streak

0 Non-quick

QB

Base Route Tree

WR

1

2

3

4

QB

6

Normally you will use an attack releaseHit your breakdown step on your 4th stepYour stride should get longer when you hit the breakdown stepYour 5th step should be a pressure stepSnap your head back to the QB as you hit your pressure stepSquare your shoulders to the QBDO NOT come back to the football the QB should put the ball onyour outside shoulderThe ball should be at least half-way to you when you make your breakNormally you will use a slight lean inside when you catch the footballand then accelerate to the outside

Zero-routeBreakdown Cut

(4-step Hitch)

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QB

WR

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7-yard Depth

Hit your pressure step on your 4th stepYour stride should get longer when

you hit the pressure step.Snap your head back to the QB as you

hit your pressure step

1-routeSpeed Cut

(4-step Speed-out)

Quick 2-route(3-step Slant)

QB

Accelerate off the LOS!

Stick the route on your 3th step asyou cross an imaginary line just tothe outside of your routes path.

Use a pressure-step!

5-yard Depth

WR

2

1

3

4

5

As you make your break the quarterback will slowyou down a bit he will NOT lead you

He will throw it low forcing you to the ground ifthere is a safety waiting to hit you after the catch. If

the ball is low go get it!

WR

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3-routeSpeed Cut

(6-step Speed-out)

12-yard Depth

Hit your pressure step on your 6th stepYour stride should get longer when

you hit the pressure step.Snap your head back to the QB as you

hit your pressure step

WR

QB

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6

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4-routeBreakdown Cut

(6-step curl)

You need to accelerate for at least the first 8-yardswhen running this route use an attack release!

Start to breakdown on your 6th step

Hit your pressure step on your 9th step12-yard Depth

5-routeBreakdown Cut

(7-step Comeback)

QBWR

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You need to accelerate for at least the first 10-yardswhen running this route use an attack release!

Start to breakdown on your 7th step

Hit your pressure step on your 10th step14-yard Depth

6-route (Single-side Receiver)Dig Route

QBWR

1

2

3

4

Hit your pressure step on your 4th step andpop the route vertically

15-yard Depth

WR

1

2

3

4

Hit your pressure step at depth.Your stride should get longer when

you hit the pressure step.Snap your head back to the QB as you

hit your pressure step

QB

The best way to run this route isusing a very strong vertical push!Ideally, you want to get the safetyto think you are running a GOrouteThe vertical push will ensure thatthe safety isnt able to anticipatethe route and hit you as you arecatching the footballThe ball should be half-way toyou as you come out of the breakUse an Attack, Vertical or Burstrelease on Square-in routes

WRWR

Hit your pressure step at depth.Your stride should get longer when

you hit the pressure step.Snap your head back to the QB as you

hit your pressure step

6-route (Two-receiver Side)Square-in Route

7-routePost-corner

QBWR

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Normally, you will stick the route on your 8th stepjust like you would on a slant or a 7-step post

Hit your pressure step on your 4th step andpop the route vertically

11-yard Depth

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Always accelerate out of the break on deep routes.When you look back for the football, ACCELERATE!

8-route(7-step Post)

QB

Accelerate throughout the route!

Stick the route on your 7th step asyou cross an imaginary line just tothe outside of your routes path.

Use a pressure-step!

14-yard Depth

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As you make your break you need toACCELERATE out of the break

QB

You want to attack the defender and run right at him keepinghim in his backpedal with his shoulders square to youAim for a spot right between his eyes and DO NOT pick ashoulderWhen you get within striking distance, get around him as quicklyand efficiently as possibleAnticipate that he will grab you and knock his hands awayGet back on top of the defenderAs you look back for the football, make a conscious effort toACCELERATE! We do this because it is more natural to slowdown as we look back, so we do everything we can to trainourselves mentally to accelerate.You should receive the football between 42 and 44-yards fromthe line of scrimmage, and no closer than 4-yards from thesideline (when possible).

WR

9-routeGo Route

DB

WR

DB

QB

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C C

Outside Speed Release

1) Get outside angle right now2) Knock down defenders hands right now3) Use flipper to defend against the hold4) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible5) Run with high knees so you wont trip

QB

2

6

4

3

C

Outside Single-step Release

1) Take a single jab-step to the inside behind the LOS2) 2nd step should be vertically up the field3) Knock down defenders hands right now4) Use flipper to defend against the hold5) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible6) Run with high knees so you wont trip

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C

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5

QB

C

Outside Double-step Release

1) Take a short punch-step with your outside foot keeping it behind the LOS2) Then take another short punch-step with the inside foot keeping it behind

the LOS as well3) 3rd step should be vertically up the field3) Knock down defenders hands right now4) Use flipper to defend against the hold5) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible6) Run with high knees so you wont trip

1 2

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32

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C

1) Get outside angle right now make it slightly flatter than you normally would to get the DB to chase you,2) Take three quick steps while driving downfield and staying low,3) On your 3rd step (pressure-step) plant and allow the defender to go bye,4) Come underneath him and push diagonally down field and catch the football,5) Run with high knees so you wont get tripped up by the defender.

WR

Background:Near the goal line many teams today use a bump and run technique on the wide receivers. Some will line reallyinside of you taking away your inside release. They do this when the have NO HELP at all inside because thesafeties and the linebackers are crowding the LOS to prevent the running play from beating them across the goalline. They now use the sideline and the back of the end zone as extra defenders. In other words, they limit theroutes they have to defend you cant go deep really, and you can only go so far outside before you run out offootball field. We will use this defensive strategy to our advantage. Our X receiver has to have a way to beat thistype of coverage because he is the one on the short side of the field when we are on the hash mark (about 60% ofthe time).

During practice in this type of coverage, the primary route that the cornerback will defend is the fade route. If youuse a speed release outside, the defender will quickly get to full speed running with you in order to be in a positionto knock down the pass. The normal receiver will never be able to get inside the defender because there is no wayto get inside quickly off the line of scrimmage when, at the snap of the ball, the defender quickly turns his back tothe QB cutting off any angle to the inside.

The technique we will be using is our Top Gun release move which works extremely well when the receiver isquick and patient. What we will do is use our speed release at a flatter angle to get the defender to be moreaggressive running with us he does not want to get beat to the outside fade area. Running the fade flatter makesthe defender over-compensate to catch the receiver. The receiver will explode off the line and take three quicksteps towards the fade area while staying low. The receiver will plant on his third step (pressure-step) allowing thedefender to pass bye. The receiver now knocks the defenders hands away as he tries to grab cloth (they have to orthey will get spun around and loose you). Now get inside and come up field at an angle and catch the touchdown!

Slant routeversus a bump defendertaking away your inside

Slant-route with Top Gun Release

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1) Use a speed release to the outside you want him to try and outrun you.You must run at for this to work!

2) Its not necessary to get back on top of the defender just dont getpushed outside. Use a strong vertical push up-field!

3) At close to route-depth, slam on the breaks using a four-step breakdowntechnique

4) Get compact as you go into the breakdown5) Use a pressure-step on the 4th step of the breakdown6) Comeback down the stem on curl routes7) Get underneath the defender on dig and square-in routesNOTE: The QB will be stepping into his throw as you start to breakdownso the ball will be on you as you look for it.

Top Gun

The Top Gun move is one of the staples of this offense. It works at every level of football even though you willprobably only see it use at the NFL level. Get really good at this and it will open up many other routes for you.

RECEIVER CHECKLIST ESSENTIALS

PHASE I STRETCH, RUNNING FORM & STARTS Polymeric Stretch Routine

Stretch core for flexibility, stability and strength

Form RunningHigh knees prevents being tackled from behind

StartsEliminate all false stepping and repositioning of body at snap

Other Running Drills1. High Knees Drill2. Pump Arms @ 90 Degrees Drill3. Body Lead Drill4. Strider Drills (Build up the straight -- walk the curves)5. Ten-yard sprint drill (1.55 or less)6. Deep Ball Transition Drill7. Bounding Drill8. Lunge Drill9. Forty-Yard Dash Start Drill10. Stadium Stair Drill

PHASE II RELEASES Stick Drill

Help hold and turn defenders teach stick use sideline

Seam DrillReposition foot pop route helps turn a defender trying to over correct use yard lines

Burst DrillGood release angle pop route helps turn a defender trying to over correct use yard lines

Vertical ReleaseUse time for 10-yards 1.7

Attack ReleaseTime for 15-yards 2.3 run right at target

Seam ReleaseTime for 10-yards make sure there is great pop and proper foot-angle

Burst ReleaseTime for 10-yards make sure there is great pop and proper foot-angle

Play-action ReleaseGo Route versus pushing 5 more yards downfield

Other Release Drills1. Bubble Screen Release Drill2. WR Screen Drill3. Drag / Crack Release Drill

PHASE III BREAKS Speed Cut

Start with angle bob head on break the go vertical do same procedure with 12-speed out

Breakdown CutBreakdown with inside foot to keep shoulders vertical get compact run curl and time for 5-yards then runcomeback and time for 8-yards

Other Break Improvement Drills1. Last five-yards of comeback / curl drill2. Pressure-step Drill3. Stutter-step Drill4. Crossing Break Drill5. Top Of The Route Single Move Drill6. Top Of The Route Double Move Drill7. Bounding Side to Side Drill

PHASE IV RUN ROUTE TREE Focus on depth and technique dont worry about catching the football here

Stick Work On Sideline

Pop Work Between Yard Lines

Hitch & Quick outBoth 4-steps

Slant 3-stepUse sideline & stick

Speed-out & CurlBoth 6-steps

Comeback & Post (stick)Both 7-steps

Dig & Post Corner (stick)Both off of seam release

Go & Square-inBoth off attack releases

Spot & Smash & JukeUse same release angle

DragAlso used with rub

Other Route Drills1. Accelerate For Deep Ball Drill2. Accelerate Out Of Break Drill3. Serpentine Drill4. Tip Toe Mid-break Drill5. Scramble Drill

PHASE V CATCHING THE FOOTBALL

Reach out for every pass (dont worry about drops)Get them in the habit of good technique

1-hand drill focus on soft fingersNever do in game this teaches focus and using fingertips

Jump to Catch Ball at Highest PointHave someone run next to them receiver jumps up and catches ball at highest point

Run at Football catch it in front and hold it

Come down hill on in-routes

Catch ball around goal posts

Catch football directly overhead

Wrong shoulder drill

Sideline tap drill

Other Catching Drills1. Run At QB Drill (high)2. Run At QB Drill (low)3. Over The Shoulder Drill4. Wall bounce5. Hot Potato6. Spin Around And Catch The Ball Drill7. Wrong Shoulder Drill8. Swing Drill9. Fade Throw Behind Drill10. Distraction Drill11. One Hand Face To Face Drill12. One Hand Fade Drill13. Crossing Throw Behind Drill14. Sideline Tip-toe Drill15. Bad Ball Drill16. Diving Catch Drill17. Catch And Gauntlet Drill18. Comeback To The Ball Drill

PHASE VI BUMP & RUN MECHANICS Stance Speed Release One-step Double-step Get Back on Top Over-the-top routes Top Gun Top Gun Slant

Other Bump & Run Release Drills1. Wrist slap Drill2. Arm Through Drill3. Swim Drill4. Knock Hands Away Drill5. Bull Release Drill

Other Bump & Run Route Drills1. Lean and Separate Drill2. Speed out Drill3. Knock Hands Away While Running Drill4. Punt Cover Vs Two Defenders Drill5. Throw Behind The DB Drill

Motion Drills1. Motion Across Drill2. Shuffle Step Drill3. Fake Motion Drill4. First Five Yards at Snap Drill

Blocking Drills1. Cut Block Drill2. Stalk & Cut Drill3. Stalk Block Drill4. Crack Block Drill5. Convoy Drill6. Run-off Drill7. Hook Drill8. Break-down Drill

Quick Feet Drills1. Lateral Over a Football2. Stair Drill3. Mirror Drill4. Hop Side to Side Drill5. Chatter Feet Drill

Run After The Catch Drill1. Stick And Turn Out Drill2. Run To Your Blocker Drill3. Set Up Your Block Drill4. Hop To Hand Drill5. Hand And Spin Drill6. Hit And Spin Drill7. Bounce Outside Drill8. Cut-up The Seam Drill9. Catch and Go Vertical Drill10. Spin Drill