Running routes effectively is a crucial skill for wide receivers in football. This detailed guide breaks down the art of route running into manageable phases, offering insights into stances, releases, stems, and breakpoints. Let’s explore how receivers can master this technical aspect of the game and gain an edge over their opponents. Find expert advice and detailed explanations at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Enhance your football IQ with precise techniques, receiver route strategies, and advanced receiver skills.
1. Understanding Defensive Techniques
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential for receivers to recognize and understand the various defensive techniques they’ll encounter. According to a study by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the ability to quickly identify defensive alignments significantly improves a receiver’s success rate. Here are some common defensive techniques:
- Press: Defender aligned tight, aiming to jam the receiver.
- Quick-Jam: A more aggressive press, with the defender lunging to jam.
- Soft-Press: Defender aligns in press but retreats or aligns slightly back.
- Squat Defender: Plays off, 4-10 yards, waiting to initiate contact.
- Off Defender: Plays at depth, backpedaling and watching the receiver.
- Bail Defender: Corner turns inside, dropping deep with eyes on the quarterback.
Recognizing these techniques is critical because it dictates how each route is run, adapting to the defensive coverage. Film study becomes indispensable for understanding opponent tendencies, providing a competitive advantage.
2. The Four Phases of Route Running
We can break down route running into four key phases:
- Stance
- Release/Start
- Stem
- Breakpoint
Each phase builds upon the previous one, requiring attention to detail and precise execution.
2.1. Stance: Setting the Foundation
The receiver’s stance varies based on the defender. When facing an off or bail defender, the goal is to quickly close the gap. The stance should be:
- Inside foot slightly forward, toe pointed straight.
- Feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
- Slight stagger to avoid a drop-step.
- Weight on the front foot to prevent a false step.
- Straight back, leaning forward with chest over knees and knees over toes.
- Arms in a comfortable position.
- Head up to scan the defense before focusing on the ball.
Receiver Stance
Facing a press or soft-press defender requires a wider base and less stagger for better balance, along with raising the chest and hands in preparation for a physical hand fight.
2.2. Release/Start: Beating the Defender
The defender’s technique dictates the release. Against off or bail defenders, receivers burst off the ball to close the cushion, driving off the front foot. However, against press, soft-press, or squat defenders, receivers close the space to create a release point before working their release.
According to a study by the NFL Players Association, effective releases correlate strongly with receiver separation and catch percentage.
There are three types of releases:
- Press Release: Used against press defenders.
- Space Release: Used against soft-press defenders.
- Secondary Release: Used against squat defenders.
2.2.1. Press Release: Mastering the Hand Fight
Against a press defender, widen the stance to maintain balance. If the defender has inside or outside leverage, use a crossover step to get head-up, creating a balanced position. Once balanced, there are three possible releases:
- Speed Release: Burst up-field immediately to win with speed (least used, sets up curls, stops, and comebacks).
- Single Move: Balance, stick foot, head nod one way, then burst the other (most common).
- Double Move: Balance, small step and head fake one way, then a big step and head fake away before releasing in the initial direction (used after the single move).
When executing the release, there are two possible hand moves:
- Swim: Swipe, then swim over the top, then clear (Swipe-Swim-Clear).
- Rip: Swipe, then rip under, then clear (Swipe-Rip-Clear).
If the defender doesn’t engage hands, neither should the receiver.
Press Release vs. Quick Jam:
Anticipate a quick jam if the defender’s feet are staggered or closer to the line. Instead of moving the back foot, slide the front foot back to be even with the back foot for balance, then execute the release as with normal press coverage.
2.2.2. Space Release: Closing the Gap
Against a soft-press defender, close the space by foot firing, power-skipping, hopping, or short strides. Maintain control and balance upon reaching the release point. Stem at the defender’s leverage to maintain a two-way go. Treat the new release point as a press release, usually employing a single or double move.
2.2.3. Secondary Release: Attacking the Squat
Against a squat defender, stem straight at the defender to attack their leverage. Close the space near the defender by power-skipping, foot-firing, or shortening strides. Treat the new release point as a press release, typically using a single move.
2.3. Stem: Guiding the Route
The stem is the portion of the route following the release, and proper execution is critical for creating separation. Following a release against press, soft-press, or squat defenders, the receiver aims to “stack” the defender, ending up in one of three positions:
- Stack: Successfully getting on top of the defender, who is now trailing.
- Leverage/No Leverage: Running side-by-side with the defender, either inside or outside. The receiver leans into the defender, staying as close to the intended line as possible.
- Regardless of leverage, be ready for a hand-fight.
After the release, receivers can use “chop” and “wipe” techniques to defend against hand placement by the defender. If the defender attempts to put their hands on the receiver below the elbow, the receiver will chop down fully extending his arm to remove their hand from himself. If the defender attempts to put their hands on the receiver above the elbow, he will raise his arm and wipe their hand off of himself.
Stair-Step Technique:
If the receiver releases inside against press or soft-press and is running a crossing route, they can use a stair-step technique to gain separation. Plant the inside foot and push vertical, leaning into the defender, before planting the outside foot and separating. For a shallow cross, use one step; for a deep cross, use three steps.
When attacking an off defender, burst off the line and stem directly at them to attack their leverage. On vertical routes, stem straight without losing speed, using the chop technique if they throw hands. If the defender remains over the top, stem with a pressure step.
Pressure Step:
Stem at the side of the defender that you intend to break towards (e.g., inside shoulder on a post route). About 4-5 yards before the break, plant the foot and burst vertically, leaning opposite of the break direction while looking the defender in the eyes to influence them. Maintain verticality to hold leverage.
Jerk Stem:
Following the pressure step, use a jerk stem, stemming as if running the opposite route (e.g., stem as if running a corner route before breaking inside on a post). Follow the jerk stem with a rocker step.
Blind Spot:
Against a bail defender, stem into their blind spot, slightly outside and behind them, as they turn inside to watch the quarterback.
2.4. Breakpoint: The Decisive Moment
The breakpoint is where the receiver makes their cut. There are four primary techniques:
- Bam Step
- 2-Step
- Square Cut
- Speed Cut
Technique selection depends on the route and the defender’s position. When having a vertical relationship with the defender, lean and head-nod away from the intended break direction.
If the defender is stacked, exaggerate the head fake. If the receiver has leverage, lean into the defender and use a “chicken-wing” technique, pushing off with the elbow. Without leverage, either fake hard to make the DB fall off or use a push-by technique.
2.4.1. Bam Step: Sharp Angle Cuts
Use a bam step for 45-degree cuts (post, corner, slant, etc.). Plant the foot and elbow jam the opposite arm, rotating the body in the cut direction. With a vertical relationship, lean and head-nod away, exaggerating the head-nod if stacked. Without leverage, use a rocker step. A rocker-step is a double bam-step, using a bam step away from the break, before using a second bam-step to break in the direction you want to.
2.4.2. 2-Step: Quick Changes of Direction
Use a 2-step for 90, 135, and 180-degree cuts (in, out, hitch, etc.), typically for short routes or after a secondary release. The first step is a brake-step with the foot in the break direction, sinking hips and dropping weight with chest over knees and knees over toes. The second step is the plant step, using an elbow jam to exit the break, followed by a drive step.
2.4.3. Square Cut: Maintaining Balance
Similar to the 2-step, the square cut is also used for 90, 135, and 180-degree cuts, but when carrying more speed, requiring multiple brake steps (2-3). After the brake steps, use a plant step, elbow jam, and drive off the drive step.
Without leverage but able to work over the defender, use a hard head-fake away, using a less sharp angle on the drive step to clear the DB.
2.4.4. Speed Cut: Prioritizing Velocity
A speed cut is used for 90-degree cuts when maintaining speed is paramount, sacrificing some sharpness. It’s a 1-2-3 cut:
- Plant foot and elbow jam, starting the turn.
- Place the second step at a 45-degree angle.
- The third step gets the receiver to 90 degrees, completing the turn.
2.5. Double-Moves: Deception and Separation
The most common techniques for double-move routes are:
- 3×3 Bam
- Fake Push-By
- Stutter
When running a double-move, use a lazy release or out-leverage yourself to bait the DB into driving on the first move, gaining an advantage on the second.
2.5.1. 3×3 Bam: Corner-Post, Post-Corner, and Sluggo
Used on corner-post, post-corner, and sluggo (slant n’ go) routes. Use a bam step for both breaks, turning the head on the first break to sell the move. On the 3rd step out of the 1st break, use a 2nd bam step to get out of the break.
2.5.2. Fake Push-By: Sluggo, Hitch n’ Go, and Stop n’ Go
Used for sluggo, hitch n’ go, and stop n’ go routes against press or soft-press defenders. Take an outside release to set up the push-by. Use a few brake steps to slow down, turn the head back, and place the inside hand on the defender’s back to sell the push-by. Use the outside hand to push-by the defender in the opposite direction, continuing vertically.
2.5.3. Stutter: Hitch n’ Go and Stop n’ Go
Used when running hitch n’ go or stop n’ go routes against off defenders. Sink the hips and drop the weight using two brake steps to sell the square cut. After the brake steps, raise back up and re-accelerate vertically.
3. Route Running Checklists
Here are tables showing how the receiver should adjust their stance, release/start, and stem depending upon the type of defender they are attacking:
WR Checklist
This table shows how the receiver should adjust their break point depending upon the position they have on the DB:
Break Point Table
Remember, consistent terminology is key for effective communication between coaches and players. While various methods exist for teaching route running, the system outlined above provides a structured yet flexible framework.
4. FAQs about Route Running in Football
Q1: What is the most important aspect of route running?
The most important aspect is understanding the defensive back’s technique and adjusting your route accordingly.
Q2: How can a receiver improve their release off the line?
By practicing different release techniques against various press coverages and focusing on hand fighting skills.
Q3: What is a “stem” in route running?
The stem is the portion of the route following the release, used to set up the defensive back for the break.
Q4: What are some common mistakes receivers make when running routes?
Failing to read the coverage, telegraphing their cuts, and not being physical enough at the line of scrimmage.
Q5: How important is film study for route running?
Extremely important. Film study helps receivers understand defensive tendencies and plan their routes effectively.
Q6: What is the “chicken wing” technique?
A technique used at the break point where the receiver uses their elbow to push off the defender when they have leverage.
Q7: How does a receiver adjust their stance against a press defender?
They widen their base and lessen their stagger to maintain balance and prepare for a hand fight.
Q8: What is a “rocker step”?
A double bam-step used when the receiver does not have leverage on the defender.
Q9: What are the key components of a good release?
Plan, Patience, and Physicality.
Q10: How can a receiver sell a double move effectively?
By exaggerating their initial move and using precise footwork and head fakes.
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