How to Be a Good Wide Receiver

Wide receivers hold an important role on a football offense. These play-makers are responsible for separating from defenders, catching the football and gaining extra yards. Additionally, wide receivers must be adept at blocking on run plays. Wide receivers come in all forms, from small, speedy players who can run after the catch to tall receivers expected to make plays in traffic. No matter your body type, there are a variety of areas to concentrate on when trying to become a good wide receiver.

Things You'll Need

  • Football
  • Quarterback
  • Defender
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice catching the football whenever you have the chance. Wide receivers must be able to hold on to the ball. Team with a quarterback and practice catching all types of passes: bullets, lobs, sideline passes, jump balls, to your left, to your right, low, high. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become receiving the ball in game situations.

    • 2

      Sharpen your route running skills. Running smooth, crisp routes with quick breaks helps you separate from defenders and become a viable target for your quarterback. Go through every route in the playbook: slants, crossing patterns, fades, posts, hooks, out routes. Learn how to break quickly to keep the defender guessing as to where you are actually heading.

    • 3

      Improve your conditioning by doing sprints. Wide receivers must run continuously throughout an offensive series even when they are not the intended target of a play. Sprints improve conditioning and also help you practice breaking off the line of scrimmage quickly. Sprint 10 yards and back, then increase by 10 yards each time until you sprint the length of the football field.

    • 4

      Develop a chemistry with your quarterback. Quarterback and wide receiver combinations that have great chemistry, such as Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts, increase the efficiency of an offense. Practice your routes while receiving throws from a quarterback. Over time, your quarterback will figure out the best ways to get you the ball. Timing will improve and your wide receiving skills will be better utilized.

    • 5

      Practice run blocking against a defensive back. On running plays, wide receivers still must block down field for the running back. Line up against a defensive back and when the play begins, burst off the line and engage the defender. In a proper run block, the wide receiver's stance is widened, his elbows stay near his body and his hands strike the defender in the chest.