How to Read Wide Receiver Plays

In order to play the wide receiver position well, you must memorize your team's playbook. In junior high and high school, the playbooks are straightforward. However in collegiate and professional football, the plays can be quite complex. Knowing what to do and when to do it are essential elements in your team's success. Running precise routes is the key to your personal success as a wide receiver, so learning to read the playbook is essential.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look closely at the playbook. Each player is represented by an "X" or a "O," and each player has a vertical line indicating his role on a particular play. As a wide receiver, you will either be a potential receiver or blocker. If there is a horizontal line at the end of your vertical line, you block. If there is an arrow at the end of your vertical line, you run a route.

    • 2

      Identify the type of pass route in the play. The most common route will be a post or flag route. In these routes, you line up on the outside and cut in toward the field (post) or cut out toward the sideline (post). Another possibility is the streak or go route. In this case, you would run straight along the sideline to try to outpace the defender. The final variation is called the hook. In this play, you run forward and quickly double back to catch the ball. All of these plays are drawn with lines and angles in your playbook.

    • 3

      Distinguish between short, medium and long pass routes. A hook route can be long or short, depending upon how much yardage is needed. Some routes are very short, such as a screen route, in which you don't run at all, but turn toward the quarterback after the ball is snapped. Streak routes are always long, as are post routes. Your coach will add as much variety as possible in order to confuse the opposition.

    • 4

      Follow the route exactly. You are one person in an 11-player formation. Your success or failure in executing a play will affect everyone else.