Description

Brian Flinn, WR Coach, Princeton

Watch the full video on Glazier Drive:  WR Route Running

CORE CONCEPT

The fast vertical stem uses maximum vertical speed to move defenders away from where the receiver is actually going. Instead of stemming toward the inside shoulder (which helps the defender), receivers attack vertically to manipulate defender positioning before making their break.

HOW IT WORKS

When a receiver attacks vertically at full speed, defenders naturally react by backing up or widening to maintain leverage. This locks the defender's hips in the opposite direction of the intended break, creating the optimal opportunity to win the route.

THE MECHANICS

Speed is the primary weapon. Get to the break point as fast as possible to move the defender. Once the defender's hips are locked away, only their upper body remains as an obstacle. Transition from speed to violence using sudden lower body movement and aggressive upper body technique.

BODY POSITIONING FUNDAMENTALS

The key is dropping the hips rather than just the helmet and shoulder pads. Hip flexibility and lower body power enable proper change of direction. When hips drop, the receiver maintains good body position while the defender becomes overextended. The helmet and shoulders naturally follow the hips.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This technique works on posts, slants, hitches, and double moves. On slants against inside leverage, the vertical threat forces defenders to widen just enough to create inside space. For hitches, execute "1,000 miles an hour" to the break point with same level, same speed.

RELEASE TECHNIQUE

Keep the near arm loaded and ready to counter defender attempts to grab or reroute. Since speed has moved the defender's body, hand fighting becomes the primary remaining obstacle. Power through contact because explosive plays typically await on the other side.

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