What's the difference between a good receiver and an elite one? It's not just speed or hands – it's the ability to create separation at the top of the route that transforms average plays into explosive ones and dramatically makes your quarterback's job easier.
In the video below, Coach Chris Buckner, Offensive Coordinator, Prairie View A & M, shows 3 drills from his Glazier Drive clinic on Winning at the Top of Route for WR’s.
The video demonstrates three main drills:
- Icky Shuffle/Retrace Drill
- Receivers practice quick footwork using "icky shuffle" technique
- Emphasis on maintaining forward lean (avoiding leaning back)
- Works on vertical choice routes where receivers can either fade or work back down the stem
- Curl/Comeback Route Drill
- Incorporates hand-to-hand combat and high arm bar techniques
- Focus on pad level and body control
- Emphasis on being "quarterback friendly" by maintaining proper angles
- Practice breaking at the right angle (avoiding 90-degree breaks that allow defenders to undercut)
- Fight Pressure with Pressure Drill
- Designed for receivers facing man coverage
- Teaches receivers to lean into defenders and create separation
- Works on legal ways to create space without drawing offensive pass interference
- Emphasizes working back to the ball
Throughout all drills, the coach emphasizes key technical points:
- Maintaining proper pad level (chest over knee, knee over toe)
- Creating separation through body positioning
- Working at "negative angles" to protect the quarterback's throw
- The importance of vertical push before breaks
- Efficient movement without wasting steps
The drills are practiced about twice a week and focus on developing both technique and timing for intermediate route running.
