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Anthony Sorrentino, Asst WR Coach, Minnesota Vikings

Full video on Glazier Drive:  How to Be a Complete WR: Route Technique & Top of Route

OVERVIEW

This is a coaching session focused on wide receiver route running technique, specifically covering two key concepts: the "set step" in chase mode and the "speed turn." The coach emphasizes that elite route running is about footwork above all else.

CHASE MODE & THE SET STEP

When a receiver has "stacked" the defender — meaning they've beaten him off the line and his hips are now parallel to the line of scrimmage — the DB is in "chase mode" and is essentially beat. The receiver owns the advantage and can break in any direction. The key technique here is the set step: a subtle hesitation or head fake in the opposite direction of the break, which causes the defender to commit and fall further out of position. The coach compares it to playing tag as a kid — just give a little, let them chase.

A critical detail is dealing with the DB's hands. Defenders in chase mode instinctively grab the receiver's hips or waist. Receivers must constantly knock those hands off — relentlessly, every rep.

SPEED TURN

The goal of the speed turn is to lose zero speed coming out of the break. This is not a 90-degree square cut. Key mechanics include dropping the weight, ripping the arm in the direction of the turn, and slamming off the opposite leg (inside leg on an out-breaking route, outside leg on an in-breaking route). Receivers should keep their eyes on the defender through the break — dropping the head tips off the timing of the route.

The coach stresses no "drift," meaning receivers shouldn't float away from the quarterback on the release angle. A tight, disciplined turn creates separation and sets up a clean "runner's ball" — a catch made in full stride that leads directly to yards after contact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Footwork is the foundation of everything. The set step and speed turn are repeatable, drillable skills that improve with incremental speed work. Catching the ball, the coach argues, becomes easy when the route is run correctly. Trust your hands, stay grounded, and always finish with body-ball-boundary awareness.

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