Post by Coach Campbell on Dec 8, 2011 9:58:44 GMT
Coaching the proper fundamentals in a wide receiver stance will make it easier for a wide receiver to get off of the line of scrimmage, avoid defenders and progress up field quicker.
Walking up to the line of scrimmage to get set in your stance can also be a mind game to psych out the defense. As wide receivers, you usually carry a major sense of confidence and assurance in most cases. You see yourself as one of the best players on the field which is why you play a position that demands big time play. With this said, make the most out of your journey towards the scrimmage line. As you walk up to the line, stick your chest out, look the defenders in the eye to let them know you are in control and set up in your wide receiver stance with your arms up and fists clutched as if you were ready for battle. And if you've developed some guns (muscle), flex a little bit. Remember, the game of football is as much mental as it is physical. So start off right with a good mental game — it may just shake up your defender a bit. As a coach, this is a small tip that you should alert your players about.
The first step in coaching a receiver in proper wide receiver stance is foot positioning. The receiver should stand with his inside foot (the foot closest to the quarterback) forward. The other foot should be back and shoulder width apart in a relaxed starting position. The receiver's knees should be slightly bent with the weight evenly distributed on the front foot and ball of the trailing foot. Upon release, the receiver should avoid dropping his back heel; instead push off with the ball of the foot. This prevents the receiver from losing leverage over the defender and also maintains forward progression upon the very first movement.
Knowing how to properly set in your wide receiver stance is only the first aspect of the pre-snap. Coaches, alert receivers to scan the football field and identify where the free safeties are at along with the corners and linebackers so they can evaluate what kind of coverage the defense may be in as they break from the huddle and jog towards the line of scrimmage. They won't know precisely which defensive formation they're in at all times, but they'll have a good idea if they have studied the defense extensively during film study and practice. Also, remember to condition your players to play the swagger mind game with the defense.
Another important aspect in lining up your wide receiver stance is to never tip off the defender as to which way you plan on running or which way the play is going. For every play, regardless if your assignment is to block five yards up field or run a deep post, keep your stance the same each time. This will make it challenging for defenders to know which route your running and which way the play is being ran. Also, your eyes should always be facing either forward or in the direction of the center lineman, your outside foot (foot closest to line of scrimmage) is always back, and your hands are always in the take-off position, meaning they're up at or below your chest ready to break or deflect a defenders hands when they reach in for a jam.
To be the best at your position and to avoid any useless off-sides or encroachment penalties, top wide receivers will listen to their quarterback's cadence if it's yelled loud enough as they are set in their wide receiver stance. Aside from this advantageous technique, train your players to keep their eyes on the football under center. When the ball is snapped, the receiver is ready to burst into action and complete their assignment whether it be blocking, running a short route, long route, or being a decoy, without any disappointing penalties to follow on their part. Follow these steps and your receivers will have no trouble making big plays on the football field and properly setting in their wide receiver stance.
Another important aspect involved with a good wide receiver stance is being able to avoid a jam at the line of scrimmage with a good wide receiver release technique. .
Walking up to the line of scrimmage to get set in your stance can also be a mind game to psych out the defense. As wide receivers, you usually carry a major sense of confidence and assurance in most cases. You see yourself as one of the best players on the field which is why you play a position that demands big time play. With this said, make the most out of your journey towards the scrimmage line. As you walk up to the line, stick your chest out, look the defenders in the eye to let them know you are in control and set up in your wide receiver stance with your arms up and fists clutched as if you were ready for battle. And if you've developed some guns (muscle), flex a little bit. Remember, the game of football is as much mental as it is physical. So start off right with a good mental game — it may just shake up your defender a bit. As a coach, this is a small tip that you should alert your players about.
The first step in coaching a receiver in proper wide receiver stance is foot positioning. The receiver should stand with his inside foot (the foot closest to the quarterback) forward. The other foot should be back and shoulder width apart in a relaxed starting position. The receiver's knees should be slightly bent with the weight evenly distributed on the front foot and ball of the trailing foot. Upon release, the receiver should avoid dropping his back heel; instead push off with the ball of the foot. This prevents the receiver from losing leverage over the defender and also maintains forward progression upon the very first movement.
Knowing how to properly set in your wide receiver stance is only the first aspect of the pre-snap. Coaches, alert receivers to scan the football field and identify where the free safeties are at along with the corners and linebackers so they can evaluate what kind of coverage the defense may be in as they break from the huddle and jog towards the line of scrimmage. They won't know precisely which defensive formation they're in at all times, but they'll have a good idea if they have studied the defense extensively during film study and practice. Also, remember to condition your players to play the swagger mind game with the defense.
Another important aspect in lining up your wide receiver stance is to never tip off the defender as to which way you plan on running or which way the play is going. For every play, regardless if your assignment is to block five yards up field or run a deep post, keep your stance the same each time. This will make it challenging for defenders to know which route your running and which way the play is being ran. Also, your eyes should always be facing either forward or in the direction of the center lineman, your outside foot (foot closest to line of scrimmage) is always back, and your hands are always in the take-off position, meaning they're up at or below your chest ready to break or deflect a defenders hands when they reach in for a jam.
To be the best at your position and to avoid any useless off-sides or encroachment penalties, top wide receivers will listen to their quarterback's cadence if it's yelled loud enough as they are set in their wide receiver stance. Aside from this advantageous technique, train your players to keep their eyes on the football under center. When the ball is snapped, the receiver is ready to burst into action and complete their assignment whether it be blocking, running a short route, long route, or being a decoy, without any disappointing penalties to follow on their part. Follow these steps and your receivers will have no trouble making big plays on the football field and properly setting in their wide receiver stance.
Another important aspect involved with a good wide receiver stance is being able to avoid a jam at the line of scrimmage with a good wide receiver release technique. .