Wide Receiver Skills and Drills

Steve Michigan and a team of former college and arena football players share wide receiver development coaching, helping you learn as a wide receiver.

Engage in the goal post series as a warmup for wide receivers during pre- and post-practice sessions, focusing on catching at the post, tucking, and hand-eye coordination through distraction drills.

Master the two-point stance with knee bend, front toe turned in, and one hand up to beat press; correct false starts using toe turned in, slide step, or front-toe pick.

Refine hip, knee, and ankle control with the angle cut drill, emphasizing bent-knee cuts, smooth in‑and‑out breaks, and a post throw to finish for added catching.

Practice the carioca sideline drill to combine five-yard footwork with a final throw, as receivers snap heads around, sprint along sideline, catch the ball, and keep two feet in bounds.

Develop escape moves to beat press man coverage by mastering swat, punch, and swim techniques, using foot fire and a two-by-five rule to stay on top of defenders.

Execute a combination drill that blends release, escape, top-of-route curl, a comeback, and catch-and-run, finished with two student athletes holding arm shields and cones to simulate pad-down contact.

Perform distraction drill around a tall dummy as the quarterback throws. Focus on locating the ball quickly with hips sunk, arms above the waist, and hands up on the break.

Improve body posture in route running with a drill keeping hips synced, arms above the waist, and chin to toes, finishing breaking point at near full speed across different depths.

Practice the low ball drill: catch below the waist with pinkies together and above the waist with thumbs together, bend knees, keep head down, and watch your fingers.

Master the high point drill by unders throwing to the outside receiver against a defensive back, teaching them to come back and catch at the highest point for game-winning catches.

Master the hitch route for outside receivers, a six to seven yard stop with three big and two small steps. Convert to a fade at five yards, 18–22 downfield.

Learn the three-step quick slant technique, emphasizing outside foot planting and full strides to avoid early chopping, and master route conversion against press or cloud coverage to an under route.

Master the speed out, a six-step, ten-yard out from inside slot or outside. Maintain proper depth and timing, turn your head, and be ready to catch to avoid interceptions.

Master the curl route, a 12 to 14 yard hook returning to the quarterback, with proper posture at the break to read the flat defender and create a throwing lane.

Master the dig route from inside and outside alignments, running 15–16 yards outside or 10–12 inside, sell depth, stick cuts, and beat man coverage or find the window in zones.

Learn the bubble screen and tunnel screen for wide receivers, using a drop step and crossover, staying two yards off the line and keeping the ball in view.

Master the tunnel screen by executing the three-step cadence—one big step, two small steps—selling upfield, coming back to the quarterback, and catching the ball to tuck and run outside.

Draw on daily drills backed by over 30 years of college and nfl coaching experience. Use these drills to benefit players and coaches, and reach out for guidance.