Mirror drill

Purpose

To improve the ability of the receivers to stay in front of the DB they are supposed
to block.

Description

1. Pair your receivers up between cones (which are about 5-8 yards apart.

2. Let one receiver be the DB and have the other one mirror him.

3. Let them go for 6-8 seconds, then switch duties.

4. The 'DB' may turn his hips and do everything to fake the blocker. The DB might
take one or two attempts to pass the receiver, but should step back as soon as he
feels contact from the receivers hands.

Coaching Points

The blocker should always keep a good balanced body position in front of the
defender, and never cross his feet or turn his hips.

The blocker should have his hands ready to fire out if DB tries to pass him.

Equipment

Cones

Stalk block
Purpose
To teach and improve the run blocking of receivers vs. DBs lined up on them
Description
Coaching Points

Receiver has to take off hard as if going deep, first to drive the DB deep and
second to close down on him as quick as possible.
 Receiver has to watch the feet of the DB. As soon as they stop he has to slow
down and be ready for a move by the DB.
Side to side
Purpose

Conditioning

Description

1. This drill starts with two players standing on the goalline facing each other and
about five yards apart.

2. On the command "GO", both players start running sideways tossing the ball back
and forth until they reach the endzone.

3. They get a quick rest and start back up the field.

4. Some type of time can be used

Front and back

Purpose

Conditioning

Description

1. Two to six players can be used for this drill.

2. The drill with one player lining up on the five yard line facing a second player.

3. The second player is standing on the goalline.

4. The player on the five yard line starts running backward and at the same time the
player on the goalline starts running forward.

5. The ball is tossed back and forth and caught in their hands.

6. After they reach the endzone, they get a quick rest, switch places and start back.

7. The coach stands at mid-field.

Footwork
Purpose

Warm up

Precision Footwork for different cuts

Description

1. Line up all receivers on one line next to each other about 2 yards apart.

2. Receivers get into their stance on the line.

3. On command they run the announced cut (only last 3-4 steps before cut)
 4. After the cut they continue for about 4-5 steps

5. Then they line up again for the next cut.

Coaching Points

Increase speed (start off jogging) as the players warm up

Start with the acceleration cuts (slant, post, corner)

Continue with the 90 Cuts (In and Out)

Finish with stop-cuts (hitch, hook, comeback)

Make smaller groups (so you can make corrections) if players are still in the early
learning phase.

Also increase repetitions speed as players get better

Last Tip: make sure all players know which side is considered inside (where the
QB is)

Equipment

None

End Releases
Unless the called route for the Tight End is designed for an inside release and the Defender give the Tight End
an inside release right away, the Tight End should always step outside. Exceptions might be covered head-up
by a man defender.

Slap and Swim Technique

Mainly used when the Tight End has a slight edge on the defender or he hesitates - also on man defense.
Tight End always steps for outside shoulder of defender and with hand open, slap hard for upper elbow of
defender. Slapping it down and inside. (Don't use defensive technique of grab and pull because there's no time
and also possible for defender to still get his hand on the Tight End and delay his route.) At the same time, TE
brings his free hand over in swimming motion by shooting/reaching his inside hand just over the outside
shoulder of the defender. (The in older times taught whole circular motion also take too much time, and
endangers the TE of rising too much and getting caught in his armpit by the defender, losing his balance). This
is to ensure that if the slap wasn't successful, then the Tight End has another chance to free himself. It is
important that the TE does not rise up during this technique. He must be fairly low and always coming forward
so the defender has less time to react. The feet always step forward and never cross over.
This technique can also be used to the inside after an outside step has been taken.
 Dip and Rip Technique
Mainly used on down linemen or counter move when locked up. Tight End steps quickly outside (about 6
inches to a foot), then steps back inside but also no more than 18 inches laterally and 12 inches forward. At
the same time slapping quickly the inside arm of defender (this is just a real quick slap just in case the
defender has his arm out). Then the TE steps through with his outside foot, trying to stay as tight as possible
to the inside log of defender. At the same time ripping up through the inside arm of defender. Rip must go full
circle (elbow way higher than shoulder!) to dislodge any holding on by the defender.
TE might also switch up steps vs covered man defenders.

Shoulder block progression

Purpose
To teach and improve the crack blocking ability of receivers vs. LBs

Description

Surface
Fit into bag with shoulder and forearm of block.
The blocking surface is the shoulder, chest plate and forearm, keep butt down, back straight and eyes up.

Strike a blow
6 point stance in front of bag with helmet 6" away from bag. Push off with legs delivering blow with forearm
and shoulder sliding head to side of bag. Roll hips so belt buckle hits ground first - eyes up.

Step and Hit

2 point stance 1 step from bag. Step with opposite foot of shoulder block, deliver blow and hold. Coach check
for correct position. Butt down, back straight, eyes up.

Run and Hit

2 point stance 5 yards from bag. Run to bag, deliver blow and drive through bag. STAY LOW!
Want to do 3 reps each shoulder for this drill

Coaching Points
Make sure blockers make initial contact above the waist and don't block in the back.

Equipment
One or more large standup Dummies (depending how many players should do the drill simultaneously).

Freeze & quick tuck

Purpose
To work on hand and eye position in catching the ball and tucking the ball away.
Description
Four receivers pair up with four QB's, facing each other about 10 yards apart.

1. Ready - alerts QB to get in a throwing position

2. Go - QB's release ball to receiver

3. Catch - Receiver catches ball and holds that position until next command

4. Tuck - Receiver secures ball away, and keeps head and eyes locked into ball

5. Toss it back - Receiver tosses ball back to QB

On the Quick Tuck Drill the coach controls the drill with only three commands:

1. Alert - QB to get in a throwing position

2. Go - QB's release ball to receiver

3. Toss it back - As soon as the ball touches receiver hands he tucks it away.

The coach should have receiver catch three balls on each level. High ball - Median - Low ball.
Coaching Points
Make sure in drills, a receiver catches ball out in front of body and holds ball there checking hand position with eyes.
Also when he tucks ball away, his head and eyes follow the ball into Tuck position.
Circle drill
Purpose
This drill is designed to improve player quickness and reaction to the ball.
Description
The coach lines up five players with four of them making a small circle. The fifth player is inside the circle. The player
in the middle is three yards from each player. Each player in the outside has a ball. The drill starts when the man in
the middle faces one of the outside players and the ball is tossed to him. The player catches the ball, flips it back to
that player and turns quickly to his right. The next player does the same thing and the player in the circle goes one
around to his left and to his right.
Coaching Points
Emphasize quickness in turning and catching the ball in the hands.
Equipment
Ball(s)
Circle drill

Elimination
Purpose
This drill is designed to improve the player's quickness and reaction to the ball.
Description
This drill is somewhat like musical chairs. The coach lines up four or more players. The coach has them kneel on one
knee and face him. The drill starts when the coach flips the ball to any player, using a basketball chest pass. When a
player drops a ball, he must leave the drill. The drill ends when there is only one player left.
Coaching Points
Emphasize following the ball and catching it in their hands.
Equipment

Ball(s)

Elimination
Reaction drill A & B
Purpose
The purpose of these drills is to develop quick hands.
Description
"A"
"B"
In this drill the player lies on his back with his arms down by his side. The coach stands right at the players feet.
Using a basket chest pass, the coach flips the ball toward the player. The player raises just his arms and catches the
ball in his hands. Each player should catch at least four balls.
Coaching Points
Emphasize quickness with hands and good body control.
Equipment

Ball(s)

Reaction drill A & B

Globetrotter
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to improve the player's quickness and reaction to the ball and quick hands.

Description
The coach stands about ten yards apart in a ready position. The coach then flips the ball back and forth to the players,
taking the ball behind his back and through his legs. The players do the same thing, slow at first but gradually picking
up the pace.

Coaching Points
Make sure the players try to keep their eyes on the ball.

Equipment

Ball(s)
Globetrotter

Grab ball
Purpose
This drill is designed to help the player become aware of tucking the ball away after catching it and covering it up
when contact is nearing.
Description
The players line up parallel, facing each other about two yards apart. A receiver stands at each end and on the
command "GO", the coach tosses the ball to him. The player runs between the two lines covering the ball. Players on
both sides try to pull the ball from the ball carrier.
Coaching Points
Emphasize holding on to the ball and use of good body control.
Equipment

Balls

Grab ball

Kneeling catch
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to demonstrate to the players the correct way to dive and catch a ball and fall properly.
Description
The players line up ten yards from coach in a kneeling position. The player has to dive from this position, stretch out
and catch the ball. He should fall on his side and not on his stomach. This drill is done from both sides.
Coaching Points
Instruct the player to get a good push-off and try to time the catch so when he falls, he will land on his side and not
on his stomach.
Equipment

Balls

Kneeling catch

Find the QB
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to work on quickness, and picking up the ball in mid air.
Description
The QB's stand in a circle facing each other with about 20 yards apart. The receiver stands in the middle by calling out
one of the QB's name, who then starts to throw the ball. At the same time the receiver turns and faces him. After the
receiver catches the ball he tosses the ball back to that QB and gets ready for the next name. The first time the drill is
run, the ball is thrown 1/2 speed to let the Receiver find out where each guy is positioned.
Coaching Points
Emphasis is placed on quickness, turning to QB and catching the ball.
Equipment

4 Balls

4 Quarterbacks

Find the QB

Firing squad
Purpose
To help the receivers total concentration of picking the ball up in the air, with some distraction.
Description

1. Receiver stands in front of net facing the Quarterbacks.

2. The coach stands behind the net and the receiver.

3. He starts the drill by saying "ready" which alerts the Quarterbacks to cock their
arms.

4. He then points to one Quarterback which alerts him, he is the one to throw to the
receiver.

5. On the command "GO", each QB starts his throwing motion, but only the QB that
was designated by the coach lets the ball go.

6. The receiver catches the ball, tosses it back to the QB, and the drill starts over.

(Receiver should catch about six balls.)

Coaching Points
Emphasize concentration, and looking ball into hands.
Equipment

4 Balls

4 Quarterbacks

Firing squad
Razzle A
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to help concentration and quick hands.
Description
Four receivers form a circle about five yards apart. There are two balls used. The drill starts with two of the receivers
who are facing each other toss the ball to the receiver on the right, who in turn tosses the ball to his right and etc.
After the balls have gone around several times the command "reverse" by the coach, changes the balls to the left. Two
groups can be used at the same time.
Coaching Points
Emphasis is placed on quickness of turning and catching ball in hands.
Equipment

Balls

Razzle A

Razzle B
Purpose
The purpose of this drill is to help concentration - eye and hand coordination and to help to develop quick hands.
Description
Four receivers form a circle about five yards apart. There are four balls used. The drill starts on the command "GO".
Two of the receivers, facing each other, start tossing their balls, one high and one low. The other receivers toss their
ball at each other but one goes to right side, the other left.
Coaching Points
Make sure that the receivers who are throwing their balls high and low put a high arch so the other two balls can go
through. Start drill slow and increase speed when receivers get the hang of the drill.
Equipment

4 Balls

Razzle B
Playing catch
Purpose
This is another Blurr Drill designed to help improve the player's concentration when catching the ball.
Description
The players line up parallel facing each other about two yards apart. A receiver stands at each end of the Gauntlet.
The two receivers play catch while the others try to distract them by waving their arms at the ball. Each player
catches four balls.
Coaching Points
Emphasize catching the ball in their hands.
Equipment
Balls
12th man players
Playing catch

Tap Dance

The purpose of this drill is to help improve the player's ability of catching the ball near the sidelines and
planting one foot or two feet in bound before going out.

Players will line up about 15 yards from the sidelines. On command, the receiver starts to run full speed
towards the sideline. The coach will throw the ball about five yards from the sideline. The receiver will
catch the ball, planting one or two feet in bounds before going out of bounds. The drill can be used from
left and right side.

The coach should emphasize catching the ball and then check the proper feet position in relation to the
sideline.

The "Shoulder Club" Release

Here are steps a receiver can take to create separation from the defender.
Feet - step in the direction of the release past the outside of the defender's shoulder pads.
When the defender lines up opposite the back foot, the tight end takes two steps to pass the
defender's shoulder pads.
Forearm - touches the defender's arm slightly below the top of the shoulder driving the
defender's arm down.
Opposite Arm - swings over the defender's shoulder.
Elbow - drives into the defender's back.
Hips - the receiver drives their hips past the defender's body.
As you know, the theme of the Top Wide Receiver Training site is to offer the recipe of success for a wide
receiver and cover the basics and foundation of a wide outs success. By now, you should know how your
hands, your vertical jump, your route running, your speed, your strength, your blocking technique and
your confidence come into play in order to be one of the best at the receiver position. In order to master
each of these qualities, you need to consistently train and do every drill at a high level of intensity.

Some basic notes to keep in mind during your wide receiver drills are:

All drills should be executed at one hundred percent intensity.

When performing footwork and agility drills, be sure to sink your hips in and out of your breaks.
This allows you to control your speed and maintain balance. Also, by doing so, you can change
directions much quicker and faster.

MAJOR COACHING POINT: when doing wide receiver drills in relation to running routes or
catching the ball at the end of the drill, always quickly turn your head to locate the ball when
coming out of your breaks and immediately tuck the ball after the catch.

Whenever you catch the football, give an aggressive burst afterwards to develop a mentality of
attacking the end zone.

In this section you can expect to learn which wide receiver drills will improve your foot speed,
quickness, agility, and hand eye coordination.

To get started, take a look at the video with Chad Ochocinco. Chad is a top wide receiver with some
of the best footwork in the NFL. Watch as he demonstrates some of his footwork drills.

Also, take note to how he catches each ball, looking the ball in with great hand eye coordination
and practicing tucking it in after the catch. No wonder why he's able to not only do a lot of smack
talk to defenses, but also back it up. As you'll notice, even Chad Ochocinco will fumble a pass or
two. But practice makes perfect. His confidence allows him to bounce back quickly and execute his
routes and drills effectively each and every time
 Learn How to Spin Up Field After the Catch for
More Yardage
Spinning up field after the catch can add to your stats and your teams production as you gain additional
yardage and possibly score. This is also a great technique to learn so you can keep the play clock moving
if your team is trying to drain it to avoid giving the defense another opportunity to score.

If you're at this point, give yourself a round of applause! Why? Well, because this means several things:

1. You've successfully assessed the route your supposed to run

2. You ran the route effectively to get open

3. You've done the most important step - catch the football

So, give yourself a pat on the back for abusing the defensive back as a part of the first step of the play.
Your second step, given the opportunity, is to spin up field after the catch for additional yards and possibly
score a touchdown for your team.

Once you have ran a good route as the wide receiver and you have made the catch, your next step is to
spin up field after the catch to avoid being tackled and be able to gain more yardage score a touchdown.
One of the most effective ways to score touchdowns is by having your quarterback throw at short patterns
and have you as the wide receiver to get quickly up field and avoid the tackles.

As an example, I'm going to use the comeback route to explain how to effectively turn up field after the
catch but this technique can be used with any route you may run. After you have "sold" the streak route
as the wide receiver at the hike of the ball, you're going to quickly break that route off and execute the
comeback. Once you have ran the route and have come out of your break, you'll want to immediately look
for the ball and catch it once it comes your way.

Next, you want to quickly turn your shoulders up field. You can either spin to the outside putting the ball
in your outside hand so he doesn't take a hit and fumble the ball on the inside. Or, you could also spin the
other way towards the inside, and keep the ball in your outside hand. The reason this works so well is that
most of the time is that the defensive backs and linebackers come charging down field trying to make a
big hit. You can spin out of it and most of the time the defenders will run past it and miss the tackle and it
will turn into a big gain. Make sure once you make the catch you get your shoulders up field and try to run
as fast as you can to cover a lot of ground.

If youre playing against a tactful defensive back or if you haven't created significant separation as you
catch the football, you still want to quickly spin up field after the catch, but this time you want to punch
your plant foot in the opposite direction of your intended course to fake the defensive back out and then
quickly change directions and sprint up field. You'll need this fake to slightly throw off the defender and
give you a slight edge. If you still need to create space after you have progressed up field, slap the
defensive back with a mean stiff-arm and teach him a lesson about respecting your space. If done
properly, you should be able to gain significant yardage after the catch and possibly score a touchdown.

As a wide receiver, the best way to truly exhibit your talents is to develop a strong quarterback wide
receiver relationship. This chemistry helps build trust, timing and perfect execution which positively
impacts your team as a unit.

Okay, so you might be the best offensive player on your team with vice grip hands, speed, strength,
vertical ability and run routes with the best precision, but if your quarterback doesn't know you or trust
you, chances are you will be the last target on his radar at game time.
 I'm talking from experience. In the early half of my football career, I was that guy with all of the
intangibles to be the best player on the team, but one of the things that hinder my game and my stats
was my passiveness. I figured if i just simply went out to practice every day and played hard that I'd be
fine but that was not enough. It was the receivers and tight ends that took out additional time to build a
quarterback wide receiver relationship that garnered the quarterbacks attention most.

Here are some tips on how to build a quarterback wide receiver

relationship:
1. Stand-out in practice as an elite player
2. Spend time before and after practice, building a relationship with the quarterbacks. Having things
other than football in common really helps so make sure to broaden the scope of your relationship
3. Before and after practice and at times when there is no practice at all, partner with your
quarterback to work on your route timing and discuss situation adjustments
4. The most important of all - be a great wide receiver. If you possess superior talents and have done
well with developing a quarterback wide receiver relationship, the quarterback has no choice but to
acknowledge this fact and you will be blessed with endless opportunities on the field at game time.

Other ways you can break the ice with your quarterback is by being knowledgeable of your position and
the offense. When you have the opportunity to talk, speak on the offense, point out weaknesses on the
defense and speak further on what the quarterback may have seen or what he looks for on certain plays.
This small step alone will help build chemistry between you and the quarterback and will prove to him that
you have a shared passion for the game.

Building a strong quarterback wide receiver dynamic is not only important to your impact on the offense, it
is also beneficial to your team mates as you and your quarterback become more productive and help the
team win games.
 Know the Route Passing Tree. Run Effective
Routes.

As a top wide receiver, you must be knowledgeable of the entire route passing tree. Here are some simple
wide receiver routes which most people refer to as the route passing tree" or "passing routes." Every
wide receiver needs to know these basic patterns and how to run them effectively. The sharper and crisper
your breaks out of your receiver routes, the easier it will be for you to get open.

In this scheme, the odd numbered passing routes go to the outside, while the even number passing routes
go inside. At the college and pro level, wide receivers will have to know the numbers that represent each
pattern, and the play will be called like "189." The three wide receivers will know which number belongs to
whom.

For the sake of throwing off defenders and in attempt to not "give away" which route(s) you will be
running, stay consistent with your starting stance prior to the hike of the ball. If your defender takes his
game seriously and watches game footage of you, it will be hard to detect which route you're going to run
initially if you stay consistent with your stance each and every time prior to the snap. On the other hand, if
you keep your feet closer together for shorter routes or drop your hands to your side when you're not the
primary receiver, smart defensive players will pick up on this and exploit it and you're weakness.

You should be an expert at performing patterns in the route passing tree and initiate them with the same
stance. Some guys line up differently for short wide receiver routes than they do for deep ones. Also make
sure you run every pattern hard, as if you are going to get the ball on every down. Every little detail
matters. Through the games duration, defensive backs will have either respect your talents each and
every play and anticipate the ball to eventually come your way, or simply tell themselves "he's not getting
the ball this time." If he goes with the ladder, which in most cases he will, you will have produced an
opportunity to catch the ball or better yet, score as defensive backs anticipate another decoy route or
blocking assignment but to their surprise, you're running a fake comeback route then taking it up field for
the streak pattern: TOUCHDOWN! In the game of football, your opportunity can and will come at any
moment and when it does, you must be prepared. By running every pattern hard consistently, its
inevitable that the ball will come your way at the dismay of your defenders.

By "selling" every route you run as if it's going to be the game winning catch of the day, you will not only
wear out defenders, you will likely gain the attention of your quarterback as a hog and receive the ball
more often than expected. That's why it's very important to understand and know the entire route passing
tree.
Here are some of the most common routes:

- Zero Route/Drag/In: One of the most common routes in the route passing tree. Also known as the
drag, this is a basic In route. To execute, go up the field typically five yards or less, then cut in toward the
center of the field at a sharp acute angle. If you're lined up on the other side of the field, simply reverse it.
This route is often classified as a Drag as well.

Zero Rout/Dig: The In route can also be run as a Dig in which You run up the field about 3 to 5 yards,
selling the possibility of a burst towards the end zone for a deep route. Then you're going to cut in towards
the hash marks at a sharp 45 degree right angle and look for the quarterback. Compose yourself and get
a solid stance, find an opening between the defense and sit there, anticipating the quarterbacks pass.

- One Route/Out: Another common route from the route passing tree. To achieve this route, you simply
run up field between 5 and 10 yards typically, followed by a sharp cut out towards the sideline of either
side of the field you initiate the route on. by perfecting the precision of this route, the defensive back will
have trouble getting to you and have less likelihood to jump the route if you know how to run it effectively
- leaving the quarterback with a direct target.

- Two Route/Slant: One of the most common and most used routes in the short passing game in
football is the Slant. Out of all of the routes in the route passing tree, this route is typically executed the
quickest and implemented to gain quick yardage for a first down typically or expose the weak part of the
field.

To perform this route, when the ball is snapped, take 3 hard steps up field then quickly angle towards the
center of the field. Anticipate the ball immediately after or prior to your cut. In most cases, the
quarterback will release the ball before you even make your cut or turn around, so keep your eyes peeled.
The slant routes effectiveness is magnified when defenses tend to blitz. Proper alignment prior to the snap
is very important for this route so you can make your cut on time. If you're lined up on the left side of the
quarterback, be sure to have your inside foot (right foot) forward. By doing this, when the ball is snapped,
it should take you exactly three steps to reach your plant foot and cut inward, allowing for the most agile
and elusive cut to the ball. If done correctly, the defensive back won't have sufficient time to react or
break the play up unless hes aggressive at the line of scrimmage in which case that may be advantageous
to you as you swiftly avert him and cut inward.

- Three Route/Deep Out: The deep out is ran just like the standard Out route. The only obvious
exception is that you will run this route deeper at about 10 yards. Simply run hard straight up the field as
if you're running a streak/go route, then come to a quick stop and make a sharp 90 degree cut towards
the sideline.

Four Route/Comeback/Curl: Also known as a Curl or Deep In. To do this route, run up field at about 10
to 14 yards, then quickly do a sharp comeback towards the quarterback. The ball will be thrown quickly
after you break out of your cut or prior to you gearing down to make your cut so be prepared for the
catch. Depending on the window of opportunity, this route can be tailored into a quick Hitch or Dig which
means you will stop and sit after your break of 10 yards and wait for the ball to be thrown to you.

- Six Route/Deep In: This route is also known as the Deep Comeback. For this route, you will run up the
field about 10 yards followed by a drag across field. Search for a pocket in front of or behind the defense
and look for the quarterbacks pass.

- Seven Route/Flag: Better known as a Corner or Post Corner route, to execute it, run up field all out as
if you're headed for pay dirt. Give the defensive back a fake step in as if you're going to run a Post route -
make sure to sell this fake well. If you have open space and additional time, stick with the post until the
corner back bites then quickly plant, turn and angle towards the corner pylon/flag in the back of the end
zone.

- Eight Route/Post: The Post route is another commonly used deep route in football. To execute this
route, simply run deep up field (typically 15 yards or further), then cut towards the goal post. This is route
is typically used for a significant gain in yards usually a deep play for a lot of yards and very effective in
man coverage.

- Nine Route/Go: Looking for the route that usually equals a big-time play in the route passing tree?
This is the one for you, also known as a Streak or Fly route; this route has the potential to add points to
any score board. Especially if the wide receiver has blazing speed. To perform this route, run down the
field as fast as you can, outrunning your defender and gaining separation. This route is increasingly
effective when the defender wants to play you in tight coverage since it gives you the chance to fight him
off and get on top of him - giving you an edge and best position of the football should it be thrown your
way. This route is usually intended for the fastest receiver on the team and is often a game changing play.
If you want to be a game changer and top wide receiver, speed is a must. - Ten Route/Stop-N-Go: This
route is a hybrid mix between a Hitch and Go route. To perform this route, run up field mid-range, and
then quickly turn around as if you are going to have the ball thrown to you. The quarterback will then
pump fake (fake a pass to you) the ball in your direction. Once he does that, quickly turn back up field. If
ran properly, the defender should be thrown off by the route, giving you an edge and separation, allowing
the quarterback an excellent target to throw to. This route is also referred to as a Chair route.

- Twelve Route/Short Post: This Route falls in between a Post and Slant route. This route is designed to
get a wide receiver open in an empty space between the defense when they are playing in a cover 2
(using two safeties) set in which one safety will play short, and one will play deep. This route is also very
effective when the defensive backs and safeties are playing a short and deep zone, leaving an open space
between the defense.

Things to Remember:

Knowledge of the route passing tree will allow you to strategically work against defenders effectively.
Through effective communication and relationship building between you and your quarterback, if the
defender is playing off of you, do a quick Slant or take a fake step forward then just sit around the line of
scrimmage so the quarterback can quickly throw the ball to you.

When defenders play you in tight man-to-man or bump and run coverage, run a Go, Post, or Deep Slant
route. You don't want to deviate from your originally assigned route/play often, but if you and your
quarterback have good chemistry in regards to situation adaption, you will both be on the same page,
avoiding broken plays and making every adjustment highly successful.

By the time you have a firm grasp on the route passing tree and how to run each route associated with it,
you should be able to easily determine which route will be most effective based off of the defensive
scheme you're playing against. For instance, if you observe the defenders trying to take away the outside
of the field, take the inside with a quick In or Slant route. On the other hand, if the defenders try taking
away the inside route, go for an outside release and perform a quick Out, Hitch, Corner or Go route.

Don't forget you'll need great footwork to be an efficient route specialist.