Kevin Callahan Jr., Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Monmouth University, shares his wide receiver drills. With seven seasons at Monmouth under his belt and previous coaching experience at Lafayette, Columbia, and Amherst College, Coach Callahan offers valuable insights into press release drills that can help wide receivers get off press coverage.

The Importance of Press Release Drills

Wide receivers rely on precise technique to create separation from defenders. Coach Callahan emphasizes two key phases in press release drills:

1. Release Phase: From the line of scrimmage to 2 yards downfield.

2. Stack Phase: From 3 to 10 yards downfield.

The goal? Win the shoulder. By positioning the inside shoulder on top of the defender, receivers can secure a strong release, setting the foundation for route success.

Key Drills to Master

1. Vertical Foot Press
   This drill focuses on teaching wide receivers how to maintain a vertical path. Using an agile bag set at a 45-degree angle, receivers align themselves similarly, with their inside foot forward. This setup trains players to press vertically, reinforcing proper path execution.

2. Stack Hands Progression
   This drill helps receivers transition quickly from hand combat to positioning. Starting with their inside foot forward, players take a vertical step, execute a wipe and dip motion, and focus on gaining a “skinny” shoulder. This technique is crucial for efficient hand fighting and achieving ideal positioning against defenders.