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Drills Report: Wide Receiver Stalk Blocking

by: Luke Powell
Wide Receivers Coach Indiana State University
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Statistically, we had our best offensive season in decades, if not ever, at Indiana State in 2010. Our scoring average improved from 9.0 points per game to 31.9 points per game. A major factor in the increased production was our efficiency in the running game. In 2009, we averaged just 97 yards rushing per game. Compare that to the 193-yards rushing per game we had this season.

   Getting receivers to buy into their importance in the run game can sometimes be challenging. Receivers always want the ball to be thrown to them. However, you cannot consistently break long runs without great blocking downfield by the receivers. There are different techniques receivers can use based on the play call or situation, such as the push-crack vs. a run-support safety and the cut-block vs. an overly aggressive cornerback. Below, I will explain a drill that we use to teach the most basic WR block – the stalk block. This is the technique we use when facing a cornerback who is at least five yards from the line of scrimmage and playing a zone concept with his eyes focused in the backfield.  

1. The Get Off – in our offense, we always want to threaten the defense vertically, meaning we want them to fear we are running a deep pass route on every play. So, I teach our receivers to sprint off the ball for at least the first five yards, running at the defensive back. Usually, this will force the defensive back to get more depth in his backpedal. This puts the defensive back further from the ball carrier and gives the receiver enough time to get in the proper position to execute the stalk block. For the drill, I have another receiver act as the defensive back and stand five-seven yards in front of the receiver. At the snap of the ball, the receiver should burst off the line of scrimmage for five yards and the defensive back should backpedal about three-four yards.
2. Closing the Cushion and Coming Under Control – Once the WR gets three-four yards from the DB, he should sink his hips and chop his feet to come under control. In a game or during practice, this could occur 10-14 yards downfield. It is important to remember the WR should keep running at the DB until the DB recognizes the run and comes out of his backpedal. For the drill, I keep it between seven-ten yards. Once the WR comes under control, we now emphasize body position. We call it “sitting in the chair.” The WR should have his butt down, chest up and feet shoulder-width apart with his hands in front of his body ready to strike (See Diagram 1).

3. Shuffle to Stay Square – No good defender is going to get blocked easily. DBs are going to try to juke and dodge you to get off the block. Now, the WR must shuffle laterally to stay directly in front of the DB, with emphasis on the DB’s OUTSIDE half. I sometimes stand behind the WR and direct the DB which way I want him to go as he shuffles side to side. You should emphasize quick feet and square body position during this part of the drill. It is like the old-school basketball defensive drill. Although they have to move their feet to stay square, the WR should try to get his feet back on the ground as quickly as possible. Important: DO NOT let them cross their feet. If a WR’s feet are crossed at the time he engages the DB, he will not have the base to sustain the stalk block.

4. Engaging the DB – Once the DB reads run and reacts toward the line of scrimmage, I teach our WRs to forcefully strike their hands inside to the chest plate of the shoulder pads. Ideally, you want to actually grab the chest plate. Both hands should be inside (to avoid a holding penalty), but I teach our WRs to have the outside hand (the one closest to the sideline) to be heavier. IMPORTANT: Once the hands are in position, now the WR should drive his hips to the defender and drive him backwards or toward the middle of the field. Many young WRs are taught to run to the DB’s inside and simply shield the defender off from the ball carrier. I am constantly correcting our guys against this technique. I think it is lazy, soft, and counter-productive. A cornerback’s responsibility is, if he cannot make the tackle himself, to turn the ball carrier back inside where linebackers and safeties are moving. In my opinion, you may think you are blocking the defender, but you are allowing the defender to do his job. However, if you run at the DB, square him up, and engage him with the outside arm heavy, you will allow your ball carrier to out run those unblocked linebackers and safeties to the sideline. If the DB maintains hard outside leverage, however, use his momentum and try to drive him all the way to the sideline bench (See Diagram 2).

    If you implement this technique to your receivers, I guarantee you will see an increase in the number of long runs from your offense. Then, your receivers will see how easily passing the ball downfield will be once you have an outstanding rushing attack.

Luke Powell just completed his second year as wide receivers coach at Indiana State. He previously worked within the athletic department at Stanford, his alma mater. Powell also coached high school football in both Arizona and California. He was a first team All-American selection as a kick returner while at Stanford.






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