‘UNGUARDABLE’ Moves All WRs Must Learn

Summary

This video tutorial breaks down three essential wide receiver moves to dominate on the field: the Square Up Crossover Release, the Rocker Step with a 'Peek Back,' and the Fake Throw By move. The Square Up Crossover Release is ideal for tight red zone situations to create separation from a DB, while the Rocker Step with a 'Peek Back' adds deception to outside routes, making defenders bite on the wrong move. The Fake Throw By is perfect for slot receivers running inside-breaking routes like digs. These techniques, explained with detailed steps and tips, will enhance a wide receiver's route running and help create more space for big plays.

Takeaways

• 😀 Square up crossover release works best in the red zone or when facing a defender lined up 3-5 yards inside shade.
• 😀 Gather steps are essential in the square up crossover release, helping the receiver slow down and regain balance before the crossover move.
• 😀 The first step of a crossover should be sudden and inside the body frame to generate explosive push and sell the outside move.
• 😀 The peak back or glance move in a rocker step adds a deceptive element, making the defender believe the receiver is running a post route.
• 😀 A successful rocker step variation involves a hard push off the inside foot to sell the corner route after a quick glance inside.
• 😀 The fake throw by move is ideal for slot receivers running inside-breaking routes like digs, allowing for separation against press coverage.
• 😀 When using the fake throw by move, a receiver should jab with the outside foot, drop their hips, and slip under the defender for separation.
• 😀 The fake throw by move works best for inside breaking routes like digs but is less effective for timing-dependent out routes.
• 😀 The goal of a square up release is to make a defender think the receiver is attacking outside, only to cut inside for a route like a slant.
• 😀 Wide receivers should focus on selling their hips and body movements, as defenders are watching the receiver's hips to anticipate their route direction.

Q & A

What is the square-up crossover release and when should wide receivers use it?

The square-up crossover release is a technique where the wide receiver squares up to the defensive back (DB), attacking the midline of the DB's body. It's especially useful in tight situations, like in the red zone or when the DB is in an inside shade 3-5 yards away. The receiver uses gather steps to balance themselves before executing a crossover move, making it effective for breaking on routes like slants or fades.

What are gather steps and why are they important in the square-up crossover release?

Gather steps are small, controlled steps that slow the receiver down and help bring their feet inside their body frame. They create balance and a change in tempo, allowing the receiver to sell their next move more effectively. They are crucial for setting up the crossover and ensuring the receiver maintains proper body alignment before the move.

How do you execute a proper crossover move in the square-up crossover release?

The crossover move is executed by taking a sudden, sharp step with the inside foot (usually the right foot for a right-handed player) in the direction the receiver wants to go. This is followed by a push off the foot to sell the move in the opposite direction. The first step of the crossover should stay inside the receiver’s body frame to maximize explosion and make the move look more convincing to the DB.

Why is the first step of the crossover move so important?

The first step of the crossover is important because it sets the direction and momentum for the rest of the move. It must be sudden and sharp, staying inside the receiver's body frame. This allows the receiver to push off effectively, which helps sell the move and mislead the DB about the receiver’s intended direction.

What role do a wide receiver's hips and feet play in selling a move?

A wide receiver’s hips and feet are crucial in selling any move. The receiver needs to make sure their hips move in the direction they want the DB to believe they are going, even if the receiver is planning to go in a different direction. Proper use of the feet, especially during the crossover, helps push the receiver's momentum in the correct direction, making the move more convincing.

What is a rocker step, and how can it be enhanced?

A rocker step is a move used by wide receivers to fake out the defensive back at the top of the route. It typically involves a quick step to one side to sell the receiver going in the opposite direction. The enhanced version of this step involves a 'peak back' or 'glance' move, where the receiver looks over their shoulder to make the DB think they are running a different route, like a post, even though they are actually running a corner route.

How does the 'peak back' or 'glance' technique work in a rocker step?

The 'peak back' or 'glance' technique works by making the receiver look inside, as if they're going to run a post route, even though they're planning to run a corner route. This visual trick forces the DB to anticipate one move, allowing the receiver to sell the opposite direction and break for their actual route.

What is the importance of a hard cut during the rocker step?

The hard cut during the rocker step is essential for selling the opposite direction of the intended route. By stepping decisively in the wrong direction, the receiver forces the DB to bite on the fake, creating space for the receiver to break in the correct direction. The more sudden and forceful the cut, the more effective the fake becomes.

What is the fake throw by move, and when should it be used?

The fake throw by move is a technique used by wide receivers when running inside-breaking routes, like a dig. The receiver uses their hand to jab the DB’s blind spot (usually near the DB's shoulder) and then drops their hips as if they are going to slip underneath the DB. This move is especially useful to create separation on routes like digs, where the receiver is aiming for an inside release.

Why is the fake throw by move particularly useful for slot receivers?

The fake throw by move is particularly useful for slot receivers because they often run a lot of inside-breaking routes, like digs. By using the fake throw by move, slot receivers can gain separation from DBs, especially those in press coverage, by making them hesitate and creating space to break inside.