Sharpen Your Passing Attack: The Uncovered Receiver Drill
The Uncovered Receiver Drill is a dynamic tool designed to refine communication, recognition skills, and execution between quarterbacks and wide receivers. It emphasizes capitalizing on defensive misalignments and exploiting those weaknesses with a quick and decisive automatic pass play.
Purpose
- Misalignment Recognition: Trains quarterbacks to identify defensive miscues and breakdowns in coverage.
- Exploiting Weaknesses: Develops the ability for quarterbacks and receivers to exploit those defensive weaknesses with a well-timed automatic pass.
- Communication and Readjustment: Enhances communication between the quarterback and receiver, allowing them to adjust their reads and execution based on the defensive alignment.
Description
Drill Setup
- Offensive Formation: Align your offensive players in the desired formation you want to practice.
- Defensive Mimicry: Utilize your offensive skill players to mimic a defense:
- Wide Receivers: Replicate cornerback positions.
- Slot Receivers: Assume outside linebacker / strong safety roles.
- Running Backs: Simulate inside linebackers.
- Quarterback: Function as the safety.
- Coach-Signaled Misalignment: The coach intentionally signals one defensive player (mimicked by the offensive player) to be out of position, creating an uncovered receiver.
Drill Execution
- Defensive Alignment: The “defense” aligns based on the coach’s instructions, including the designated misalignment.
- Read and React: The quarterback scans the defensive alignment and identifies the uncovered receiver.
- Automatic Pass Execution: Upon recognizing the uncovered receiver, the quarterback executes the pre-determined “automatic pass” play.
- Uncovered Release: The identified receiver uses a quick outside release technique, taking two steps with a “show numbers” footwork pattern (displaying their jersey numbers to the quarterback) to create an immediate target.
- Audible Option: The quarterback has the option to call an audible at the line of scrimmage to alert the receivers (and potentially the center for a quicker snap) of the defensive misalignment.
- Receiver Call Option: If the receiver is the first to recognize the uncovered situation, they can also call an audible to alert the quarterback.
- Covered Receivers: If a receiver is not identified as uncovered, they should execute their route assignments as designed in the original play, potentially transitioning to blocking duties if necessary.
Progression
- Defensive Adjustment: Once the offense executes the automatic pass successfully, the coach can instruct the “defense” (offensive players mimicking defenders) to “recognize” their misalignment (potentionally on coach’s signal, so he can control how much time the offense has to recognize the misalignment and react to it) and hustle to correct it before the snap. This challenges the offense to react even faster with their reads and execution.
Coaching Points
- Emphasis on Quickness: Stress the importance of quick recognition and reaction from both the quarterback and receiver. A speedy identification of the misalignment and a decisive execution of the automatic pass are crucial for success.
- Uncovered Release Technique: Instruct receivers on proper uncovered release technique, utilizing the two-step outside release with “show numbers” footwork to create an immediate target for the quarterback.
- Clear Communication: Reinforce the importance of clear communication between the quarterback and receiver. Encourage the use of audibles at the line of scrimmage to ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to exploit the defensive weakness.
- Versatility: Emphasize that not all receivers will be uncovered on every play. Receivers who are not identified as the primary target should execute their play duty as usual but be prepared to adjust their routes and potentially transition to blocking assignments depending on the play design.
Equipment
- Footballs
By incorporating the Uncovered Receiver Drill into your offensive practice routine, you’ll cultivate a more dynamic and adaptable passing attack:
- Sharper Reads: Develops quarterbacks’ ability to identify defensive misalignments and make quick decisions.
- Exploiting Weaknesses: Equips the offense to capitalize on defensive mistakes and create scoring opportunities.
- Enhanced Communication: Fosters clear communication between quarterback and receiver for seamless adjustments based on the defensive alignment.
- Increased Confidence: Builds confidence in both the quarterback and receiver to recognize and exploit defensive weaknesses, leading to a more potent passing attack.
The Uncovered Receiver Drill is a valuable tool for any offensive unit looking to elevate their passing game. It sharpens recognition skills, communication, and execution, ultimately preparing your team to exploit defensive miscues and put points on the board.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Mike Emendorfer, Head Coach at University of Wisconsin at Platteville – he retired in November 2021 after the conclusion of the 2021 season – The Platteville Pioneers are playing in the NCAA III – Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
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