Wide Receiver Route Running Drills And Tips

Wide Receiver Route Running

• Run crisp routes. The receivers must drive straight up the field then break into their assigned routes. This will disguise which way the pass pattern is going. Many times with wide receiver route running you will see the kids leaning to the way they are going to cut.
• The wide receiver must run his route straight up the field. The receiver cannot belly his route when he breaks into his pattern. Bellying or leaning to the side you are going to cut to will give the pattern away. Running straight will drive the defender up the field, making him defend the entire field. He will not know when or where you are going to break.
• Full speed route running. Routes must be ran at full speed. Full speed route running will help drive the defender up the field. Even if the kid knows he isn’t getting the ball thrown to him he needs to run his route hard.
• Timing on passing routes is vital.  Proper QB and wide receiver route running timing will develop in practice. Practice the heck out of one or two passing plays until the execution is flawless.

 Receiver Stance

• Inside foot back is what we teach. The receiver can have any foot back, whatever is conformable. 
• Shoulders square up the field. The receiver cannot look or lean. That will give away which way he is going. Shoulders straight, head turned watching the football.
• Weight more so on the front foot. If most the weight is on the back foot, the WR will get knocked off balanced against a press defender.  This will also allow your receiver to explode off the ball.
• Hands should be up and cocked, ready to beat any press defender.
• Head should be watching the ball.

(See also) Wide Receiver Stalk Blocking Technique 

Having a proper receiver stance and running crisp routes will develop with reps in practice.  On the youth football level this needs to be practice often. Click here for more Wide Receiver Drills and Coaching Tips.