WR Terms You Need To Know

Summary

This video breaks down essential wide receiver techniques to improve performance, focusing on terms like 'getting skinny,' 'restacking,' and 'kick step.' The coach explains how getting skinny means running tight to the defender to create space for the quarterback to make a successful throw, especially on outside or inside breaking routes. Restacking refers to regaining position behind the defender to create separation, while a kick step is a technique for quickly creating separation on press coverage. The coach also introduces the rocker step, used at the top of a route to fake an inside break and create separation from defenders.

Takeaways

• 😀 Getting skinny means running tight to the defender to give the quarterback space for a better throw, especially on outside or inside-breaking routes.
• 😀 The goal of getting skinny is to run hip-to-hip with the defender, creating space for the QB to make an accurate throw.
• 😀 Restacking is the technique where the receiver moves directly in front of the defender, gaining better positioning for separation.
• 😀 A wide receiver should always strive to stack on every route, but when a defender is on their hip, a quick push-off (without a flag) can still create separation.
• 😀 Kick step is a quick release move where the receiver takes a back foot step to generate explosive momentum, crucial against press-man coverage.
• 😀 The purpose of the kick step is to set up a quick release and make the defender think the receiver is running a drag or slant route.
• 😀 A rocker step involves a two-step motion at the top of the route, first stepping outside, then cutting inside to deceive the defender into thinking it's an inside-breaking route.
• 😀 The first step of a rocker step should be a short, hard cut to help the receiver push off and gain separation from the defender.
• 😀 The rocker step is especially effective on deeper routes like posts, corners, or deep outs where a more aggressive break is needed.
• 😀 A disciplined DB will watch the receiver’s hips closely, making it crucial for receivers to load their hips properly during releases for believable fakes and separation.

Q & A

What does 'getting skinny' mean in wide receiver terminology?

Getting skinny refers to running as tightly as possible to the defender (DB) to give the quarterback enough space to throw a fade, corner, or comeback route. The goal is to run 'hip to hip' with the DB to allow the QB to lead the receiver into open space.

Why is it important for a wide receiver to get skinny when running an out route?

Getting skinny is important because it allows the quarterback to lead the receiver to the sideline without crowding the sideline. By running tightly to the DB, the receiver ensures the QB has room to make the throw, even if the DB is on the receiver's hip.

What does 'restacking the DB' mean and why is it essential?

Restacking the DB means getting the DB to trail behind the receiver, typically after an inside release on a route like a corner route. This technique helps maintain separation and gives the quarterback a clear throwing lane.

How does 'getting skinny' help with restacking a DB?

'Getting skinny' helps with restacking because it allows the receiver to run tightly to the DB, creating the necessary conditions to stack over the top or make the DB trail behind. This tight running also ensures the receiver can get into a position where the QB has a clear passing window.

What is the purpose of a kick step in a wide receiver's release?

The kick step is used to create separation by making the DB think the receiver is running an inside route, such as a drag or slant. The wide step to the inside forces the DB to bite on the inside move, allowing the receiver to break to the outside.

Why should a wide receiver avoid just stepping straight forward during their release?

A wide receiver should avoid stepping straight forward because it doesn't generate enough momentum. The kick step, by stepping behind the front foot, helps load the hips and creates a more explosive release to deceive the DB.

How does the wide receiver's hip movement relate to the kick step?

When executing a kick step, the receiver's hips should move in sync with their foot. This motion makes the DB believe the receiver is running a drag route, which helps create separation when the receiver quickly changes direction.

What is a rocker step, and when should it be used?

A rocker step is a technique used at the top of a route where the receiver takes two quick cuts—first with the outside foot and then with the inside foot—to deceive the DB into thinking they are running an inside route before breaking outside. It's typically used on routes like posts, corners, or digs.

How does the rocker step help a wide receiver get separation from the defender?

The rocker step creates separation by making the DB bite on the inside move, believing the receiver is going for an inside-breaking route. Once the DB is off balance, the receiver can quickly break to the outside, gaining separation.

What is the difference between a speed cut and a rocker step?

A speed cut is a one-step break at the top of the route, typically rounded, while a rocker step involves two cuts—first stepping with the outside foot, then the inside foot. The rocker step is designed to deceive the DB more effectively by selling an inside route before cutting outside.