Mega Clinic Lecture Notes Long Beach, CA

#1: NFL QB Mechanics for the HS QB - I/A

Ron Jenkins #2: Receiver Mechanics & Spread Off Attack Switch
Schemes - 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

Top 10 Key Points of Quarterback Mechanics

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

Holding the ball correctly on the dropback helps keep the

movement smooth and efficient and will actually improve
the rotation of the football. Here, Carson Palmer does a
great job of carrying the ball in a relaxed and efficient
manner.
2 - Shoulders on Dropback
The shoulders should be slightly open to the field with
the facemask down the middle of the field. This allows
the quarterback full vision of the field and does not
allow the defense to see where he is going with the
football.

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

4 - Forward Shoulder
The forward shoulder should be pointed at the
target area just before the quarterback steps into the
throw. By waiting until the throw, the QB will hold the
defense and not allow them to read where the ball is
going. Pointing the front shoulder to the
target area increases the accuracy of the throw.
5 - Target-step
The target step should be short and across an
imaginary line just to the inside of the plant-step. This
shorter step will keep the throwing motion quick,
compact, and allow the athlete to use more of his legs
and shoulders during the throwing motion, thereby
increasing the accuracy and velocity of the trajectory.

6 - Throwing Elbow
During the throwing motion, keep the throwing elbow at,
or above the throwing shoulder.

7 - Vertical Head
The head should be kept as vertical as possible
throughout all throws.

8 - Throwing Hand
The throwing hand should pronate (palm down) during the
end of the motion, and should end up at the
opposite front pocket area. This is Marc Bolger of the
N.F.L.s St. Louis Rams. Marc also does a great job of
using the shoulder-spin to get more rotation and velocity
on the ball (see-below).
9 - Throwing Shoulder
The throwing shoulder should end up pointing at the
target area after the throw (shoulder-spin). This
produces results immediately, and increases the
rotation of the football.
10 - Trail Foot
The trail foot should stay close to the ground throughout
the throw, and end up even with the
target step after the throw.

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.
Line of Scrimmage
QB Toes @ 1 yard

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

3 Tap @ 3.5 yards

3 Big @ 4.5 yards

5 Qk or 5 Roll @ 6 yards
5 Big with a hitch @ 7.5 yards

7 Qk with a hitch @ 8 yards

Play-action depth

7 Big with a hitch @ 9 yards

1 step
1 step
3 tap
3 tap
3 quick
3 roll
3 big, (hold)
5 quick
5 roll
5 hitch
5 big, hitch
7 quick
7 quick, hitch
7 big hitch
Sprint action
Play action

3 yards
3 yards
3.5 yards
3.5 yards
4 yards
4 yards
4.5 yards
6 yards
6 yards
7 yards
7.5 yards
8 yards
8 yards
9 yards
5 yard minimum
9 yards

Bubble screen
5 yard goal line Fade
Quick Flat
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
Quick Hitch, Slant Flat Key
Quick Speed-out by WR
Stick
Spot & Quick Switch Routes
Speed-out by WR
Curls
7 step comeback by WR
Drags, Smashes
Digs, Square-ins & Switch Routes
Post-corner routes by WR
Sprint Right Option
Add 5 yards to normal route depth

LOS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Throwing from the gun presents a problem for quarterbacks who are used to the rhythm that throwing using normal drops
provides. This is primarily because they are not used to waiting for receivers to get open. In other words, from the gun the
quarterback 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 using
a 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 the
quick-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 will
focus on timing, so we are more concerned with the steps we take than the depth of the drop, because we already have
depth due to the fact that we are in the gun..

Line of Scrimmage

QB Toes @ 4.5 yards

1 step
1 step
3 tap
3 tap
3 quick
3 roll
3 big, (hold)
5 quick
5 roll
5 hitch
5 big, hitch
7 quick
7 quick, hitch
7 big, hitch
Sprint action
Play action

Must be under center

Must be under center
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, throw
Catch, punch-step, hold, throw
Catch, punch-step, 3 quick
Catch, punch-step, 3 roll
Catch, punch-step, 3 hitch
Catch, punch-step, 3 big, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 5 quick
Catch, punch-step, 5 quick, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 5 big, hitch
9 yards minimum
9 yards minimum

LOS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Bubble screen
5 yard goal line Fade
Quick Flat
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
Quick Hitch, Slant Flat Key
Quick Speed-out by WR
Stick
Spot
Speed-out by WR
Curls, corners by inside rec.
7 step comeback by WR
Drags, Smashes
Digs, square-ins
Post-corners by the WR
Sprint Option
Add 5 yards to normal route depth

QUARTERBACK CHECKLIST ESSENTIALS

PHASE I FOOTWORK

Polymeric Stretch Routine

Stretch core for flexibility, stability and strength
Form Running
High knees prevents being tackled from behind
Reach Stride
Teach open shoulders, proper foot placement
Ball Carriage
For balance and good visual stability during drops Improves accuracy and allows for quicker release
Shot-gun Quick-throw Mechanics
Catch, punch-step, plant and throw great technique in order to throw quick-passes from the gun
Receiving Snap from Center
Hand placement nudge upward ride center punch-step versus staggered-step
Hurdle Footwork
Balance quick feet teach proper technique to hitch up in pocket balanced ball carriage for centered gravity front hand
pressure relaxed shoulders working back and forward in a straight line
Drop to Depth
Get proper depth in a straight line with balance teach good ball carriage learn balance throughout drop for better passing and
better accuracy

PHASE II THROWING MECHANICS

Wrist Throw
Teach snapping of wrist improved ball rotation helps the point of ball turn upwards better flight of football
Dart Throw
Better control of wrist which leads to a lighter grip and better spiral of football
Quick Release Throw
Helps develop a quicker, more compact throwing motion creates the ability to get rid of the football more quickly and
efficiently
Line Throw with Shoulder Spin
Develop 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 elbow
should be at or above shoulder when passing keep trail leg close to the ground keep eye on target throughout the throw until
the ball is caught
Release Over Front Foot
Teaches high release better use of legs and body to create velocity squares hips on throws
Quick Passing Footwork
Short 3rd step prevent over striding plant-step perpendicular to target short step across midline work with shoulder-spin
for velocity and accuracy
Bubble-screen Footwork
1st step at 6-OClock 1-second time-limit

PHASE III DROPBACK PASSING

Hitch Progression
Balanced throughout wait until plant-step to declare target area Hitch last crossover hitch, backside hitch, front side
targets Let feet tell you when to go from 1 to 2 to outlet
Quick Feet, Turn Swing
Give it to hot back right now
Reset, Pop Feet, Hit Swing
Be able to throw the swing route accurately to the back
Different types of throws
1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Screen Drops & Throws
Bait and throw accurately and safely
Deep Throws 2.5 Seconds
Tilt shoulders short stride across midline focus on target, not on football
Hot Throws Off Back Foot
Accurately 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-oclock
Bubble screens (Wide routes), and quick swing routes. Also, fade routes from the five-yard line.
Three-tap: No cross-over
Double slant routes, quick flat routes
Three-quick: Timing is more important than depth
HOT 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 Technique
Deal ball from beltline always follow through and FINISH!
A Fake Show ball
FOX 2 & 3 Open to hole Suck defenders up
B Fake Show ball
ZEBRA 6 & 7 SNAKE 6 & 7 Move defense horizontally and up
C Fake Flash ball
FLASH 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 Defense
HOUND 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 RUN

Walk at Target
Teaches foot / throw coordination
Jog at Target
Stand up shorten stride breath out and follow through
Quick Flat Throw
1st step at 6 oclock
Medium Distance Throws
Long step into throw to generate power and balance
Deep Throws
Crows hop

PHASE VI SHOTGUN MECHANICS

3-step Quick Game
Catch, punch, step and throw
5-step
Catch, punch 3-step (hitch) and throw
7-step
Catch, punch 5-step, hitch and throw

PHASE VII CONTINGENCY PLANNING

Contingency Pattern of Receivers
Deep, comeback & horizontal
Route of Quarterback Release
Gain depth before turning up also see throwing on the run
Pump Fake as a Signal
When and why

PHASE VIII MENTAL PROCESS READS & PROGRESSIONS

THINKING PROCESS
FIVE SPECIFIC MENTAL STEPS DURING A SINGLE PLAY
1 After a play, what went right and wrong what could you do better think current down & distance and be objective then
forget 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 on
getting 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, playfake, 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 passing
situations).
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 is
replaced by
to what you see and what the situation dictates allowing you to be in the zone.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

IN YOUR MIND, SEE WHERE ALL YOUR RECEIVERS ARE RUNNING THEIR ROUTES AND THEIR RECEPTION POINTS,
FIND THE SAFETIES,
LOCATE POTENTIAL BLITZERS,
LOCATE YOUR HOT ROUTES
START ELIMINATING RECEIVERS
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

CHEAT SHEET FOR RECOGNIZING COVERAGES

Get to the line of scrimmage with 18-seconds left on the clock
With less than 10-seconds, all called shifts and motions are off
The Center will make the following calls
Odd Center covered or shaded
Even linebacker covering center
Clear There is no one over the center
Solid Center and both guards are covered
THERE ARE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF ZONE COVERAGE
Three-deep coverage
Two-deep coverage
Quarters coverage
Rotation coverage
COVER THREE ZONE
THREE-DEEP FOUR-UNDERNEATH COVERAGE
GREAT FOR COMPLETING BALL-CONTORL PASSES
Free safety: 12-yards deep he can get as far as 2-yards outside the hash mark for disguise any
further than that and he wont be able to get back at the snap of the ball, he will fly back to the
middle 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 the
backfield. He has the flat coverage on the strongside, and the Will Backer has the flat coverage to
the weakside.
COVER TWO ZONE
Two-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 field
Closed there is a defender in the deep middle of the field
Free 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 hash
mark).
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 space
o 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 sideline
o 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 is
responsible for covering him if #2 goes flat or drags, the safety will double the # 1
receiver along with the corner
The safeties are responsible for the run first that is to say that they will come up hard on
all runs and / or play action passes
COVER ONE-FREE
Free Safety: 12-yards depth
Strong Safety: Inside the number 2 receiver looking at him rather than looking in the backfield
Confirm coverage by looking at the corners they should be looking at the receivers and not
looking in the backfield.
Blitz: Look for a 5-6 man rush. Someone is coming on a blitz.
COVER ZERO
No safeties in the middle of the field!
The safeties will be within 10-yards of the line of scrimmage
The safeties will either come on a blitz, or will be covering a receiver because the linebacker(s) or a
corner is coming on the blitz.
Blitz: Expect a minimum of a seven-man rush.

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

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

Here is a diagram of the footwork involved in the Speed-cut which is

used to create separation primarily from a defender who is still in his
back-peddle. We use this when running a 7-yard out, 12-yard out, and
some breaks across the middle of the field.

Here a receiver is breaking to his left and has just started his Speedcut by using a Pressure-Step, which is placed at a 45-degree angle
relative 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 his
left foot is now at the Parallel-step in the route.

Here is a diagram of the footwork involved in the Comeback-cut which is

used to create separation primarily from a defender who is now out of
his back-peddle. We now have to break away from him and come back to
the football. We use this when running a 12-yard curl, seven-step
comeback, 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 just
started his 4-step breakdown technique with his inside foot. Notice
that his stride is actually longer than his running stride. This is one of
the advantages to breaking down using this technique.

On the receivers second step of the breakdown, we tell him to curl up

and get compact. These specific words allow the brain to translate
the instruction to actual practice much faster than saying get your
shoulders over your toes.

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

This receiver is running a seven-step comeback route (14-yards) and is

breaking to his left. On the receivers forth step of the breakdown, the
receiver is utilizing a Pressure-step which is placed at a 45-degree
angle relative to the LOS, or in this case the yard line.

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

Here is the normal stance with defenders off of the receiver.

The outside foot is always back, regardless of the play, the
situation, the defense, or the route called.

Here is the stance of a receiver facing a bump and run

defender. This stance is essential for quickness, and assists
the receiver in getting into his route extremely quickly and
efficiently without getting touched by the defender. (I realize
this is hard to believe.)
Here the receiver is using a double-move to get the
defender to jump out of the receivers path. The receiver
is releasing to the right (inside) to run a corner route to
the outside. The defender only gets a hand on him as the
receiver releases vertically very quickly.

QB

QB

QB

QB

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

Wide Receiver
Route Mechanics
Releases
Seam
Burst
Route Tree
0-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 Releases
Slant Release
Top Gun Move

Attack Release
Our most used release
attack the defender where
ever he is lined up and run
full speed at him at a point
right between his eyes
Routes used:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

Attack Release
Our most used release
attack the defender where
ever he is lined up and run
full speed at him at a point
right between his eyes
Routes used:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

Vertical Release

Vertical Release

Used on 1's & 3's when

DB is inside tech.
Routes used:
0 (at times) 1, & 3

Used on 1's & 3's when

DB is inside tech.
Routes used:
0 (at times) 1, & 3

WR

WR

WR

WR

Seam Release

Seam Release

Burst Release

Burst Release

Our seam is used on basic

routes and used with stackformations this release can
spin defenders easily if the
proper techniques are used
Routes used:
Stacked-formations
Spot, smash, bench, 6, 7, & 8

Our seam is used on basic

routes and used with stackformations this release can
spin defenders easily if the
proper techniques are used
Routes used:
Stacked formations
Spot, smash, bench, 6, 7, & 8

Burst are used primarily with

our stacked-formations
However this release works
very well with square-in routes
Routes used:
Stacked-formations
0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

Burst are used primarily with

our stacked-formations
However this release works
very well with square-in routes
Routes used:
Stacked-formations
0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 9

4-step 4th step

is a vertical
pressure step

WR

4-step 4th step

is a vertical
pressure step

WR

5-step 5th step

is a vertical
pressure step

WR

5-step 5th step

is a vertical
pressure step

WR

Seam Release

Now accelerate up-field

and the defender will be
set up to spin on your
next move trying to
over-compensate for the
postion you put him in

4th

step is a vertical
pressure step
This is the most
important step in the
route. Make sure its
vertical!

WR

At the snap of the ball, pick up

your inside foot and place it at
the angle shown
This will prevent you from
rolling into the seam release and
make the route much more
effective
QB

WR

Burst Release

Now accelerate up-field

and the defender will be
set up to spin on your
next move trying to
over-compensate for the
postion you put him in

5th step is a vertical

pressure step
This is the most
important step in the
route. Make sure its
vertical!

At the snap of the ball, pick up

your outside foot and place it at
the angle shown. You will drive
at a slightly steeper angle than
you do using a seam release.

WR

WR

QB

Base Route Tree

9 Streak

8 Post

6 Square-in

7 Post-corner

5 Comeback
3 Speed-out
4 Curl
2 Quick slant
1 Quick Speed-out
2 Non-quick

0 Hitch
0 Non-quick

WR
QB

Zero-route
Breakdown Cut
(4-step Hitch)

6
5

6
4

Normally you will use an attack release

Hit your breakdown step on your 4th step
Your stride should get longer when you hit the breakdown step
Your 5th step should be a pressure step
Snap your head back to the QB as you hit your pressure step
Square your shoulders to the QB
DO NOT come back to the football the QB should put the ball on
your outside shoulder
The ball should be at least half-way to you when you make your break
Normally you will use a slight lean inside when you catch the football
and then accelerate to the outside

6
4

WR

WR

QB

1-route
Speed Cut
(4-step Speed-out)

7-yard Depth
4

4th

Hit your pressure step on your step

Your stride should get longer when
you hit the pressure step.
Snap your head back to the QB as you
hit your pressure step
3

WR

WR

QB

Quick 2-route
(3-step Slant)

As you make your break the quarterback will slow

you down a bit he will NOT lead you
He will throw it low forcing you to the ground if
there is a safety waiting to hit you after the catch. If
the ball is low go get it!

5-yard Depth
2

Stick the route on your 3th step as

you cross an imaginary line just to
the outside of your routes path.
Use a pressure-step!

Accelerate off the LOS!

1

WR

WR

QB

3-route
Speed Cut
(6-step Speed-out)

12-yard Depth
6

Hit your pressure step on your 6th step

Your stride should get longer when
you hit the pressure step.
Snap your head back to the QB as you
hit your pressure step

WR

WR

QB

4-route
Breakdown Cut
(6-step curl)

12-yard Depth
9

Hit your pressure step on your 9th step

7
10

10

Start to breakdown on your 6th step

You need to accelerate for at least the first 8-yards

when running this route use an attack release!

WR

WR

QB

5-route
Breakdown Cut
(7-step Comeback)

14-yard Depth
10

Hit your pressure step on your 10th step

10

11

11

Start to breakdown on your 7th step

You need to accelerate for at least the first 10-yards

when running this route use an attack release!
5

WR

WR

QB

6-route (Single-side Receiver)

Dig Route

15-yard Depth

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

Hit your pressure step on your 4th step and

pop the route vertically

WR

WR

QB

6-route (Two-receiver Side)

Square-in Route

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
The best way to run this route is
using a very strong vertical push!
Ideally, you want to get the safety
to think you are running a GO
route
The vertical push will ensure that
the safety isnt able to anticipate
the route and hit you as you are
catching the football
The ball should be half-way to
you as you come out of the break
Use an Attack, Vertical or Burst
release on Square-in routes

WR

WR

QB

7-route
Post-corner

11-yard Depth

Always accelerate out of the break on deep routes.

When you look back for the football, ACCELERATE!

10

10

Normally, you will stick the route on your 8th step

just like you would on a slant or a 7-step post

Hit your pressure step on your 4th step and

pop the route vertically

WR

WR

QB

8-route
(7-step Post)

As you make your break you need to

ACCELERATE out of the break

14-yard Depth
7

Stick the route on your 7th step as

you cross an imaginary line just to
the outside of your routes path.
Use a pressure-step!

Accelerate throughout the route!

5

WR

WR

QB

9-route
Go Route

DB

You want to attack the defender and run right at him keeping
him in his backpedal with his shoulders square to you
Aim for a spot right between his eyes and DO NOT pick a
shoulder
When you get within striking distance, get around him as quickly
and efficiently as possible
Anticipate that he will grab you and knock his hands away
Get back on top of the defender
As you look back for the football, make a conscious effort to
ACCELERATE! We do this because it is more natural to slow
down as we look back, so we do everything we can to train
ourselves mentally to accelerate.
You should receive the football between 42 and 44-yards from
the line of scrimmage, and no closer than 4-yards from the
sideline (when possible).

WR

DB

WR

QB

Outside Speed Release

Outside Single-step Release

1) Get outside angle right now

2) Knock down defenders hands right now
3) Use flipper to defend against the hold
4) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible
5) Run with high knees so you wont trip

1) Take a single jab-step to the inside behind the LOS

2) 2nd step should be vertically up the field
3) Knock down defenders hands right now
4) Use flipper to defend against the hold
5) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible
6) Run with high knees so you wont trip
6

4
3

3
2

C
1

QB

Outside Double-step Release

1) Take a short punch-step with your outside foot keeping it behind the LOS
2) Then take another short punch-step with the inside foot keeping it behind
the LOS as well
3) 3rd step should be vertically up the field
3) Knock down defenders hands right now
4) Use flipper to defend against the hold
5) Extremely important to get back on top as soon as possible
6) Run with high knees so you wont trip

QB

QB

Slant route
versus a bump defender
taking away your inside
Background:
Near the goal line many teams today use a bump and run technique on the wide receivers. Some will line really
inside of you taking away your inside release. They do this when the have NO HELP at all inside because the
safeties and the linebackers are crowding the LOS to prevent the running play from beating them across the goal
line. They now use the sideline and the back of the end zone as extra defenders. In other words, they limit the
routes they have to defend you cant go deep really, and you can only go so far outside before you run out of
football field. We will use this defensive strategy to our advantage. Our X receiver has to have a way to beat this
type of coverage because he is the one on the short side of the field when we are on the hash mark (about 60% of
the time).
During practice in this type of coverage, the primary route that the cornerback will defend is the fade route. If you
use a speed release outside, the defender will quickly get to full speed running with you in order to be in a position
to knock down the pass. The normal receiver will never be able to get inside the defender because there is no way
to get inside quickly off the line of scrimmage when, at the snap of the ball, the defender quickly turns his back to
the 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 is
quick and patient. What we will do is use our speed release at a flatter angle to get the defender to be more
aggressive running with us he does not want to get beat to the outside fade area. Running the fade flatter makes
the defender over-compensate to catch the receiver. The receiver will explode off the line and take three quick
steps towards the fade area while staying low. The receiver will plant on his third step (pressure-step) allowing the
defender to pass bye. The receiver now knocks the defenders hands away as he tries to grab cloth (they have to or
they will get spun around and loose you). Now get inside and come up field at an angle and catch the touchdown!
Slant-route with Top Gun Release
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.

3
4

WR

QB

WR

Top Gun

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

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

technique
4) Get compact as you go into the breakdown
5) Use a pressure-step on the 4th step of the breakdown
6) Comeback down the stem on curl routes
7) Get underneath the defender on dig and square-in routes
NOTE: The QB will be stepping into his throw as you start to breakdown
so the ball will be on you as you look for it.

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

WR

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

WR

RECEIVER CHECKLIST ESSENTIALS

PHASE I STRETCH, RUNNING FORM & STARTS

Polymeric Stretch Routine
Stretch core for flexibility, stability and strength

Form Running
High knees prevents being tackled from behind

Starts
Eliminate all false stepping and repositioning of body at snap

Other Running Drills

1. High Knees Drill
2. Pump Arms @ 90 Degrees Drill
3. Body Lead Drill
4. Strider Drills (Build up the straight -- walk the curves)
5. Ten-yard sprint drill (1.55 or less)
6. Deep Ball Transition Drill
7. Bounding Drill
8. Lunge Drill
9. Forty-Yard Dash Start Drill
10. Stadium Stair Drill

PHASE II RELEASES
Stick Drill
Help hold and turn defenders teach stick use sideline

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

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

Vertical Release
Use time for 10-yards 1.7

Attack Release
Time for 15-yards 2.3 run right at target

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

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

Play-action Release
Go Route versus pushing 5 more yards downfield

Other Release Drills

1. Bubble Screen Release Drill
2. WR Screen Drill
3. 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 Cut
Breakdown with inside foot to keep shoulders vertical get compact run curl and time for 5-yards then run
comeback and time for 8-yards

Other Break Improvement Drills

1. Last five-yards of comeback / curl drill
2. Pressure-step Drill
3. Stutter-step Drill
4. Crossing Break Drill
5. Top Of The Route Single Move Drill
6. Top Of The Route Double Move Drill
7. 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 out

Both 4-steps

Slant 3-step
Use sideline & stick

Speed-out & Curl

Both 6-steps

Comeback & Post (stick)

Both 7-steps

Dig & Post Corner (stick)

Both off of seam release

Go & Square-in
Both off attack releases

Spot & Smash & Juke

Use same release angle

Drag
Also used with rub

Other Route Drills

1. Accelerate For Deep Ball Drill
2. Accelerate Out Of Break Drill
3. Serpentine Drill
4. Tip Toe Mid-break Drill
5. 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 fingers

Never do in game this teaches focus and using fingertips

Jump to Catch Ball at Highest Point

Have 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 Drills

1. Run At QB Drill (high)
2. Run At QB Drill (low)
3. Over The Shoulder Drill
4. Wall bounce
5. Hot Potato
6. Spin Around And Catch The Ball Drill
7. Wrong Shoulder Drill
8. Swing Drill
9. Fade Throw Behind Drill
10. Distraction Drill
11. One Hand Face To Face Drill
12. One Hand Fade Drill
13. Crossing Throw Behind Drill
14. Sideline Tip-toe Drill
15. Bad Ball Drill
16. Diving Catch Drill
17. Catch And Gauntlet Drill
18. Comeback To The Ball Drill

Stance
Speed Release
One-step
Double-step
Get Back on Top
Over-the-top routes
Top Gun
Top Gun Slant

PHASE VI BUMP & RUN MECHANICS

Other Bump & Run Release Drills

1. Wrist slap Drill
2. Arm Through Drill
3. Swim Drill
4. Knock Hands Away Drill
5. Bull Release Drill
Other Bump & Run Route Drills
1. Lean and Separate Drill
2. Speed out Drill
3. Knock Hands Away While Running Drill
4. Punt Cover Vs Two Defenders Drill
5. Throw Behind The DB Drill
Motion Drills
1. Motion Across Drill
2. Shuffle Step Drill
3. Fake Motion Drill
4. First Five Yards at Snap Drill
Blocking Drills
1. Cut Block Drill
2. Stalk & Cut Drill
3. Stalk Block Drill
4. Crack Block Drill
5. Convoy Drill
6. Run-off Drill
7. Hook Drill
8. Break-down Drill
Quick Feet Drills
1. Lateral Over a Football
2. Stair Drill
3. Mirror Drill
4. Hop Side to Side Drill
5. Chatter Feet Drill
Run After The Catch Drill
1. Stick And Turn Out Drill
2. Run To Your Blocker Drill
3. Set Up Your Block Drill
4. Hop To Hand Drill
5. Hand And Spin Drill
6. Hit And Spin Drill
7. Bounce Outside Drill
8. Cut-up The Seam Drill
9. Catch and Go Vertical Drill
10. Spin Drill