This is part 2 of Coaching the Receivers. Click here to read: Coaching the Receivers Part 1
Facts to Remember:
Schemes vs Running Game; The following information is used when explaining schemes that deal with the running game.
Crossfield:
Type of block used on plays away. Take an angle at the deep middle 1/3 of the field and get in a position to block the defender responsible for that area. If the receiver cannot block man responsible for this area, turn back and block first wrong color you see. Avoid clipping the defender. If defender fills quickly, the receiver may use quick technique. Always eyeball the defender because he will tell your receiver where the ball is being run.
Inside Quick:
Type of block to be used when you want to prevent a defender from getting inside. A receiver will generally use this type of block on run plays hitting between tackles. The receiver will drive the defender off, aiming at his inside shoulder. Because this type of play hits quick, the receiver cannot maintain a cushion on the defender. Must be able to attack the defender with the intention of running through him. Might have to block the defender 3 to 4 times as the receiver makes contact and recoils. Must be able to keep your feet as long as possible.
Stalk Block:
Type of block used on plays coming outside and towards you. Must push the defender over you and down the field until he reacts to the run. Let the defender pick a side, screen him off, hit and recoil. The running back will read your block and will cut accordingly. The receiver must keep a 3 to 4 yard cushion on the defender. Receiver will break down once the defender comes out of his back pedal. Stalk and harass the defender until the whistle blows.
Arc Block:
Type of block used on option, sweep, and toss plays vs. a hard corner. Outside release or arc around the hard corner, this will force him to widen. Try to avoid contact, but be able, slam the corner and continue upfield for the safety.
Receiver Releases
The following information and terms deal with the release off the line of scrimmage by receivers. Receiver releases are very important to the success of the passing game. Releases will vary at times according to the type of coverage the receiver faces.
Release vs Zone:
A receivers release vs zone coverage is a aiming point to the outside shoulder of the defensive back. This will force the defensive back to widen, creating separation in the seams of the underneath coverages.
Release vs Man:
When facing man coverage the aiming point will be the inside shoulder of the defensive back. This squares the defensive back and gives you more field to work with.
Escaping a Hard Corner:
Once the receiver recognizes a hard corner, he should initially adjust his split depending upon an outside or inside release.
Inside Release:
As the receiver explodes off the line of scrimmage, he will attack the outside shoulder of the defensive back. Once the receiver is within 1 1/2 yards from him, dip your outside shoulder, allowing the defensive back to touch only the backside of the receivers shoulders. After contact is made, the receiver will simultaneously rip the outside arm through, with shoulders and weight geared upfield. (Work to get vertical after releasing from the defensive back)
Outside Release:
As the receiver explodes off the line of scrimmage he should attack the middle part of the body of the defensive back. Once the receiver is within 1 1/2 yards from the defensive back, grab his outside hand with your outside hand. The receiver should then force it across his body as quick as he swims his inside arm over the top of the defender. (Work to get vertical after releasing from the defender)
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.