Today's video features a discussion of the split release. In the presentation, Towson University Wide Receivers Coach DJ Steward emphasized the importance of proper footwork, body positioning, and timing to create separation from defenders.
Winning at the First Level for WR's: Split Release & Shuffle Release is the entire presentation that the video below was drawn from. It is a part of the DJ Steward Wide Receiver System. The complete lesson also includes a breakdown of the Shuffle Release.
The "split release" technique, which has become increasingly prominent in wide receiver play.
A split release gives receivers a two-way directional ability when facing press coverage at the first level (when defenders are within 2-3 yards).
A key technical aspect is bringing the back foot even with the inside foot, creating a balanced, shoulder-width stance that allows the receiver to explode either inside or outside. Players must be quick into the stance and explosive out of it to prevent defenders from successfully jamming them.
Quality over quantity in practice. It's better to do two drills extremely well than to rush through five drills poorly. All drills are performed in one line, ensuring every player gets equal coaching attention regardless of their position on the depth chart.
Coach Steward describes his approach as a "democracy, not a dictatorship." He allows his receivers the freedom to add their own "flare" or variations based on what they're seeing from defenders during games.
Players on the field have a better feel for what's working against specific defenders than he does from the sideline, so he gives them the autonomy to adjust within the framework of the techniques he's taught them.
