How To Run INSANE Routes For Beginners

Summary

This video offers valuable tips for beginner wide receivers on how to master running effective routes. It covers key principles like maintaining consistent speed and stride to sell a vertical route, along with different types of cuts, including the hip drop and stick cuts, to create separation from defenders. The video also emphasizes acceleration, the importance of press releases, and how to deal with DBs in various situations. With a focus on training, body control, and strategic movements, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to improve their wide receiver skills and technique.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistent speed is key when running routes. Maintain the same pace from start to finish to avoid giving indicators to the defender.
• 😀 Stride length should remain uniform throughout the route. Avoid shortening your strides before making a break.
• 😀 Your body language should stay aggressive and forward-leaning to prevent slowing down and to avoid tipping off the defender.
• 😀 The hip drop cut is essential for sharp breaks, like curls and comebacks. Drop your hips quickly to change direction without drifting.
• 😀 The stick cut is used for routes like slants and posts. It’s important to drive your hips with the cut to accelerate out of the break.
• 😀 The acceleration phase after the break is a race to the ball. Push hard to separate from the defender and get to the ball faster.
• 😀 When facing press coverage, focus on moving your hips with your foot to sell the release and get the defender to bite on your move.
• 😀 If the defender is 2-3 yards away, close the space before making a move to prevent them from cutting off your route angle.
• 😀 To beat press coverage, aim to stack the defender behind you by staying close after your release, making it harder for them to recover.
• 😀 Practicing violent cuts at the break points will generate more energy, helping you separate faster from defenders and finish routes more effectively.

Q & A

What is the most important thing to focus on as a beginner wide receiver when running routes?

The most important thing is to focus on selling vertical, meaning you need to make the defensive back (DB) think you're going deep, which helps create separation for your routes.

What are the three principles for selling vertical effectively?

The three principles for selling vertical are: 1) Maintaining the same speed from start to finish, 2) Keeping consistent stride length throughout the route, and 3) Maintaining good body language by avoiding any unnecessary height changes before your break.

Why is maintaining the same speed throughout the route important?

Maintaining the same speed eliminates any indicators for the DB. If you slow down before your cut, the DB will notice and adjust, giving them an advantage.

What is the significance of stride consistency in route running?

Stride consistency is crucial because shortening your stride right before a break can signal to the DB that you're preparing to cut, which gives them a clue about your next move.

What should be the body position of a wide receiver when running a route?

A wide receiver should maintain a slight forward lean, similar to pulling a sled. This posture helps in maintaining speed and avoids giving away any potential changes in movement to the DB.

How does the 'hip drop' technique work for breaking in routes like curls or comebacks?

The 'hip drop' technique involves violently dropping your hips to make a sharp 90° angle cut. This helps in making a quick, controlled break without drifting into the DB.

What is a 'stick' cut, and why is it important?

A 'stick' cut is used for routes like slants or posts. It involves making a sharp, explosive break to accelerate out of the route. The harder you push with your cut, the faster you will separate from the DB.

How can a wide receiver improve their acceleration after the break?

After the break, a wide receiver needs to accelerate by pushing hard off the cut. Creating energy with violent cuts and quick movements helps outpace the DB in the race to the ball.

What is the primary focus when facing press coverage from a DB?

The primary focus when facing press coverage is to sell your releases with your hips. Your footwork must be in sync with your hips to move the DB and get past them effectively.

What should a wide receiver do if the DB is a few yards away in press coverage?

If the DB is a few yards away, the wide receiver should close the space first before making a move. This ensures that the DB can't cut off the route and allows the receiver to stack the DB behind them, maintaining separation.