Mega Clinic Lecture Notes • Long Beach, CA Ron Jenkins
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Top1 op10 Key Points of Quarte arterbackM ackMechanics
Top1 op10 Key Points of Quarte arterbackM ackMechanics 1- Ball Carria rriag
by Ron Jenkins, Jenkins, M.S., M.A. • www.TopGunQBAc www.TopGunQBAcademy. ademy.com 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 Carson Palmer Palmer does a great job of carrying the ball in a relaxed and efficient manner. 2 - Sho Shoulde lders on Dropbac
The shoulders should be slightly open to the field with the facemask facemask down the middle middle of the field. This allows 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-fo t-foot
The back (plant-foot) should be perpendicular to the target area just as the quarterback is stepping into the throw. This greatly increases increases the accuracy of the throw. throw.
4 - Forward Shoulde lde
The forward shoulder should be pointed at the target area just before the quarterback steps into the throw. By waiting until the throw throw,, the QB will hold the defense and not allow them to read where the ball is going. Pointing the front shoulder shoulder to the target area increases the accuracy of the throw. 5 - Target-ste -ste
The target step should be short and across an imaginary imaginary line just to the inside of the plant-step 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.
Top1 op10 Key Points of Quarte arterbackM ackMechanics 1- Ball Carria rriag
by Ron Jenkins, Jenkins, M.S., M.A. • www.TopGunQBAc www.TopGunQBAcademy. ademy.com 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 Carson Palmer Palmer does a great job of carrying the ball in a relaxed and efficient manner. 2 - Sho Shoulde lders on Dropbac
The shoulders should be slightly open to the field with the facemask facemask down the middle middle of the field. This allows 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-fo t-foot
The back (plant-foot) should be perpendicular to the target area just as the quarterback is stepping into the throw. This greatly increases increases the accuracy of the throw. throw.
4 - Forward Shoulde lde
The forward shoulder should be pointed at the target area just before the quarterback steps into the throw. By waiting until the throw throw,, the QB will hold the defense and not allow them to read where the ball is going. Pointing the front shoulder shoulder to the target area increases the accuracy of the throw. 5 - Target-ste -ste
The target step should be short and across an imaginary imaginary line just to the inside of the plant-step 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 - ThrowingElbo
During the throwing motion, keep the throwing elbow at, or above the throwing shoulder.
7- Vertica rtical Head
The head should be kept as vertical as possible throughout all throws. throws.
8 - ThrowingHand
The throwing hand should pronate (palm down) during the end of the motion, and should end up at the opposite opposite front pocket pocket area. area. This is Marc Marc Bolger of the N.F.L. N.F.L.’s ’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 - Throw rowing Shoulder
The throwing shoulder should end up pointing at the target target area after the throw (shoulder-spin). (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 quarterback’s 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
LOS 1
Q
2
3 – Tap @ 3.5 yards 3 – Big @ 4.5 yards
1 – Step @ 3 yards
3
3 – Qk or 3 – Roll @ 4 yards
4 5
5 – Qk or 5 – Roll @ 6 yards
6 7
5 – Big with a hitch @ 7.5 yards 7 – Big with a hitch @ 9 yards
7 – Qk with a hitch @ 8 yards
8
Play-action depth
9
1 – step
3 yards
Bubble screen
1 – step
3 yards
3 – tap
3.5 yards
Quick Flat
3 – tap
3.5 yards
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
3 – quick
4 yards
Quick Hitch, Slant – Flat Key
3 – roll
4 yards
Quick Speed-out by WR
3 – big, (hold)
4.5 yards
Stick
5 – quick
6 yards
Spot & Quick Switch Routes
5 – roll
6 yards
Speed-out by WR
5 – hitch
7 yards
Curls
5 – big, hitch
7.5 yards
7 – step comeback by WR
7 – quick
8 yards
Drags, Smashes
7 – quick, hitch
8 yards
Digs, Square-ins & Switch Routes
7 – big hitch
9 yards
Post-corner routes by WR
Sprint action
5 yard minimum
Sprint Right Option
Play action
9 yards
Add 5 yards to normal route depth
5 yard goal line Fade
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
LOS 1 2 3 4
QB Toes @ 4.5 yards
Q
5 6 7 8 9
1 – step
Must be under center
Bubble screen
1 – step
Must be under center
3 – tap
Catch, punch-step, throw
Quick Flat
3 – tap
Catch, punch-step, throw
Quick Slant (dbl. slant)
3 – quick
Catch, punch-step, throw
Quick Hitch, Slant – Flat Key
3 – roll
Catch, punch-step, throw
Quick Speed-out by WR
3 – big, (hold)
Catch, punch-step, hold, throw
Stick
5 – quick
Catch, punch-step, 3 – quick
Spot
5 – roll
Catch, punch-step, 3 – roll
Speed-out by WR
5 – hitch
Catch, punch-step, 3 – hitch
Curls, corners by inside rec.
5 – big, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 3 – big, hitch
7 – step comeback by WR
7 – quick
Catch, punch-step, 5 – quick
Drags, Smashes
5 yard goal line Fade
7 – quick, hitch Catch, punch-step, 5 – quick, hitch Digs, square-ins 7 – big, hitch
Catch, punch-step, 5 – big, hitch
Post-corners by the WR
Sprint action
9 yards minimum
Sprint Option
Play action
9 yards minimum
Add 5 yards to normal route depth
QUA RTERBACK CHECKLIST ESSENTIA LS 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 I I – 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 3 rd 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-O’Clock – 1-second time-limit
PHASE I I I – DROPBACK P ASSING 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 (M EASURED FROM L INE OF S CRIMMAGE ) A NTICIPATE THE RECEIVER GETTING OPEN – THROW TO SPOTS – DON’ T WAIT! One-step: Get 1st step at 6-o’clock 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 – A CTION 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 1 st 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 R UN 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 o’clock Medium Distance Throws Long step into throw to generate power and balance Deep Throws Crow’s 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 – R EADS & PROGRESSIONS THINKING PROCESS FIVE SPECIFIC MENTAL S TEPS 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 S AFETIES, LOCATE POTENTIAL BLITZERS, LOCATE YOUR HOT ROUTES S TART ELIMINATING RECEIVERS N ARROW YOUR CHOICE OF RECEIVERS TO TWO AND THEN F IND YOUR KEY
B ASIC R EADS
DRAG SLANT S TICK 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 won’t 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 T WO 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 he’s at 12-plus he is a deep back. If he’s 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 DON’T 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 T WO R EAD 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 corner’s flat area is not threatened, the corner will drop deep – they will not cover space without a receiver threatening that space This may look like cover 4 (each defensive back covering 25% of the field deep) o NOTE: H ARD COVER T WO 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 The corners will then sit at about 9 to 12 yards off the line of scrimmage to the o 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 it self.
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 receiver’s 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.
1
This receiver is running a seven-step comeback route (14-yards) and is breaking to his left. On the receiver’s 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 receiver’s 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 uickly.
C
C
C
C
QB
QB
QB
QB
C
C
Ron Jenkins, M.S., M.A.
2
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
Attack Release
Vertical Release
Vertical Release
Attack Release
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
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
C
C
C
WR
Seam 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
4-step – 4th step is a vertical pressure step
WR
C
C
WR
WR
C
WR
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
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
5-step – 5th step is a vertical pressure step
WR
Seam Release
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
5
5
4
4
4th
3
step is a vertical pressure step This is the most important step in the route. Make sure its vertical!
2
2
1
1
WR
3
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
Burst Release
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
7
7
6
6
5th step is a vertical pressure step This is the most important step in the route. Make sure its vertical!
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
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.
1
WR
1
WR
QB
Base Route Tree
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
Zero-route Breakdown Cut (4-step Hitch)
±6 5
5
7
7
6
6 4
3
Normally you will use an attack release Hit your breakdown step on your 4 th step Your stride should get longer when you hit the breakdown step Your 5 th 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
4
3
2
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
1-route Speed Cut
1-route Speed Cut (4-step Speed-out)
7-yard Depth
±
4
4
5
5
Hit your pressure step on your 4 th 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
3
2
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
Quick 2-route (3-step Slant)
Quick 2-route (3-step Slant)
5
5
4
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!
4
3
3
5-yard Depth
±
2
Stick the route on your 3 th step as you cross an imaginary line just to the outside of your route’s path. Use a “pressure-step!”
2
Accelerate off the LOS! 1
1
WR
WR
QB
3-route Speed Cut
3-route Speed Cut (6-step Speed-out)
12-yard Depth 6
7
5
6
Hit your pressure step on your 6 th 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
7
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
4-route Breakdown Cut
4-route Breakdown Cut (6-step curl)
12-yard Depth 9
Hit your pressure step on your 9 th step
9
8
8
7
7 10
6
10
Start to breakdown on your 6 th step
6
You need to accelerate for at least the first 8-yards when running this route – use an attack release!
5
4
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
5-route Breakdown Cut
5-route Breakdown Cut (7-step Comeback)
14-yard Depth 1 0
Hit your pressure step on your 10 th step
1 0
9
9
8
11
8
11
Start to breakdown on your 7 th step
7
7
6
6
You need to accelerate for at least the first 10-yards when running this route – use an attack release! 5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
6-route (Single-side Receiver) Dig Route
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
4
3
4
Hit your pressure step on your 4 th step and pop the route vertically
2
3
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
6-route (Two-receiver Side) Square-in Route
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 isn’t 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
7-route Post-corner
11-yard Depth
±
Always accelerate out of the break on deep routes. When you look back for the football, ACCELERATE!
1 0
1 0
Normally, you will stick the route on your 8 th step just like you would on a slant or a 7-step post
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
3
9
4
Hit your pressure step on your 4 th step and pop the route vertically
2
3
2
1
1
WR
WR
QB
8-route (7-step Post)
8-route (7-step Post)
9
As you make your break you need to ACCELERATE out of the break
9
8
8
14-yard Depth
± 7
6
Stick the route on your 7 th step as you cross an imaginary line just to the outside of your route’s path. Use a “pressure-step!”
7
6
Accelerate throughout the route! 5
5
4
4
3
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9-route Go Route
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).
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DB
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QB
Outside Speed Release
1) Get outside angle right now 2) Knock down defender’s hands right now
Outside Single-step Release
1) Take a single jab-step to the inside behind the LOS 2) 2 nd step should be vertically up the field
Outside Speed Release
Outside Single-step Release
1) Get outside angle right now 2) Knock down defender’s 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 won’t trip
1) Take a single jab-step to the inside behind the LOS 2) 2 nd step should be vertically up the field 3) Knock down defender’s 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 won’t trip 6
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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) 3 rd step should be vertically up the field 3) Knock down defender’s 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 won’t trip
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Slant route versus a bump defender
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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 can’t 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 defender’s 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 won’t get tripped up by the defender.
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QB
Top Gun
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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.
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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 4 th 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.
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2) It’s not necessary to get back on top of the defender – just don’t get pushed outside. Use a strong vertical push up-field!
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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!
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PHASE I – S TRETCH, R UNNING FORM & S TARTS □
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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
High Knees Drill Pump Arms @ 90 Degrees Drill Body Lead Drill Strider Drills (Build up the straight -- walk the curves) Ten-yard sprint drill (1.55 or less) Deep Ball Transition Drill Bounding Drill Lunge Drill Forty-Yard Dash Start Drill Stadium Stair Drill
PHASE I I – 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 I I I – 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Last five-yards of comeback / curl drill Pressure-step Drill Stutter-step Drill Crossing Break Drill Top Of The Route Single Move Drill Top Of The Route Double Move Drill Bounding Side to Side Drill
PHASE I V – RUN R OUTE TREE □
Focus on depth and technique – don’t worry about catching the football here
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Stick Work On Sideline
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Pop Work Between Yard Lines
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Hitch & Quick out Both 4-steps
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Slant 3-step Use sideline & “stick”
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Speed-out & Curl Both 6-steps
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Comeback & Post (stick) Both 7-steps
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Dig & Post Corner (stick) Both off of seam release
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Go & Square-in Both off attack releases
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Spot & Smash & Juke Use same release angle
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Drag Also used with rub
Other Route Drills
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Accelerate For Deep Ball Drill Accelerate Out Of Break Drill Serpentine Drill Tip Toe Mid-break Drill Scramble Drill
PHASE V – C ATCHING THE FOOTBALL □
Reach out for every pass (don’t worry about drops) Get them in the habit of good technique
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1-hand drill – focus on soft fingers Never do in game – this teaches focus and using fingertips
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Jump to Catch Ball at Highest Point Have someone run next to them – receiver jumps up and catches ball at highest point
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Run at Football – catch it in front and hold it
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Come down hill on in-routes
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Catch ball around goal posts
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Catch football directly overhead
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Wrong shoulder drill
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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
PHASE VI – BUMP & R UN MECHANICS □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Stance Speed Release One-step Double-step Get Back on Top Over-the-top routes Top Gun Top Gun Slant
