Mastering the Release: A Tight End Release Technique Drill Series for Effective Tight End Routes
Sharpening a tight end’s release technique is crucial for their success in the passing game. This tight end release technique drill series focuses on the two primary release techniques – the Slap and Swim and the Dip and Rip – incorporating variations to challenge tight ends at different skill levels.
Purpose
- Develop Release Technique: This drill series refines the Slap and Swim and Dip and Rip techniques, allowing tight ends to practice proper hand placement, footwork, and body positioning for successful releases against simulated defenders.
- Improve Route Efficiency: By mastering release techniques, tight ends gain valuable separation from defenders quicker, leading to cleaner routes and better opportunities to catch passes.
- Build Confidence: The repetitive practice of release techniques builds confidence in tight ends, allowing them to approach situations with defenders with a more aggressive mindset.
Description
Drill Setup
- Partner Up: Divide tight ends into pairs. One tight end will act as the tight end, while the other will hold a bag to simulate the defender.
- Marking the Route (Optional): For route-specific variations, use cones to mark the intended route after the release.
Drill Execution (Slap and Swim Technique)
- Alignment and Call: The tight end lines up on the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance, facing the bag (defender). The coach calls out the release technique (“Slap and Swim”).
- Outside Step and Slap: On the coach’s signal (or snap count simulation), the tight end takes a quick outside step with their dominant foot, aiming to gain outside leverage on the defender (bag). Simultaneously, the tight end uses their open hand to deliver a forceful slap to the defender’s upper elbow, knocking it down and inwards.
- Swim Move and Route Run: While maintaining a low profile, the tight end brings their free arm across their body in a swimming motion, reaching inside just over the defender’s outside shoulder. This “swim” serves as a secondary move to free themselves if the initial slap wasn’t successful. Immediately following the release, the tight end transitions into their assigned route.
Drill Execution (Dip and Rip Technique)
- Alignment and Call: The tight end lines up on the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance, facing the bag (defender). The coach calls out the release technique (“Dip and Rip”).
- Outside Step and Dip: On the coach’s signal, the tight end takes a quick outside step with their dominant foot (about 6 inches to a foot). They then perform a quick dip inside, taking another step back inside the defender (no more than 18 inches laterally and 12 inches forward). While dipping, they may also deliver a quick slap to the defender’s inside arm if it’s extended.
- Rip and Route Run: The tight end explosively rips through with their outside foot, aiming to stay close to the defender’s inside shoulder. Simultaneously, they perform a full rip motion with their upper body, raising their elbow high above the defender’s shoulder to break free of any potential hold. Immediately following the release, the tight end transitions into their assigned route.
Variations
- Resistance: As tight ends improve, have the defender (holding the bag) provide slight resistance to simulate a defender’s attempt to jam or hold.
- Speed Variations: Start with slow repetitions to focus on technique, then gradually increase the speed to challenge reaction time and explosiveness.
- Route Integration: Once tight ends have a grasp of the individual release techniques, incorporate route variations into the drill. Use cones to mark different routes (slants, outs, posts, etc.), and have tight ends perform the designated release technique before exploding into the assigned route.
- Defender Variations: Introduce variations in the defender simulation. Start with a stationary bag, then progress to a moving bag that simulates the defender’s pre-snap movement and potential jams. For advanced tight ends, consider incorporating a live defender (with proper coaching and safety precautions) to replicate real-game situations.
- Combination Drills: Combine the Slap and Swim and Dip and Rip techniques within the same drill. The coach can randomly call out the release technique, forcing tight ends to adapt and react quickly. This develops their ability to identify defender positioning and adjust their release strategy accordingly.
Coaching Points
- Footwork: Emphasize proper footwork for each technique. For the Slap and Swim, the focus is on a quick outside step followed by maintaining a low profile. For the Dip and Rip, ensure a controlled outside step followed by a sharp dip and inside step.
- Hand Placement: Instruct tight ends on proper hand placement for both techniques. The Slap and Swim utilizes a forceful slap to the defender’s upper elbow, while the Dip and Rip may incorporate a quick slap to the defender’s inside arm if available.
- Body Positioning: Stress the importance of staying low throughout the release techniques. This makes it harder for defenders to disrupt the tight end’s route.
- Route Awareness: Remind tight ends to keep the intended route in mind during the release. The release is just the first step, and a smooth transition into the route is crucial.
Equipment
- Cones (various colors for route variations, optional)
- Bags (represents defenders, one per tight end)
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