Skills & Drills | Donavan Newman III, Southwest Baptist | Wide Receivers
June 11, 2025
Wide Receiver Blocking Fundamentals
Blocking is a critical skill for wide receivers, and Coach Donavan Newman, the Wide Receivers Coach at Southwest Baptist University, provides an expert approach to mastering these techniques. With extensive experience coaching at Southwest Baptist, Millsaps College, and Houston Christian, Coach Newman’s insights are invaluable for players and coaches alike.
Drill Progressions
1. Stationary Drills
The foundation of effective blocking lies in mastering basic techniques.
-
Punch Step:
-
Pair up, with one partner holding a shield.
-
Assume a strong stance with 40% weight on the front foot and 60% on the back.
-
Roll into the punch with thumbs up and elbows tight, delivering a powerful and controlled drive.
-
Stock Drill:
-
Utilize a chute and shield to transition from speed to power.
-
Maintain low pad level, control leverage, and focus on breaking down within 1-2 yards.
-
Engage with intent, setting the tone for effective blocking.
2. Movement Drills
These drills emphasize the importance of adapting to a moving defender. Receivers must learn to stay mobile, maintain leverage, and effectively control their blocks in dynamic situations.
3. Reaction Drills
Simulating real-game scenarios, reaction drills help receivers anticipate and respond to defenders. By training in these conditions, players can develop the instinctive movements needed to excel during games.
About Coach Donavan Newman
Coach Newman brings a wealth of experience, having played quarterback at North American University and East Texas Baptist University. His coaching journey includes roles at Millsaps College and Houston Christian, where he worked with quarterbacks and wide receivers.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Wide Receiver Blocking Fundamentals
Blocking is a critical skill for wide receivers, and Coach Donavan Newman, the Wide Receivers Coach at Southwest Baptist University, provides an expert approach to mastering these techniques. With extensive experience coaching at Southwest Baptist, Millsaps College, and Houston Christian, Coach Newman’s insights are invaluable for players and coaches alike.
Drill Progressions
1. Stationary Drills
The foundation of effective blocking lies in mastering basic techniques.
-
Punch Step:
-
Pair up, with one partner holding a shield.
-
Assume a strong stance with 40% weight on the front foot and 60% on the back.
-
Roll into the punch with thumbs up and elbows tight, delivering a powerful and controlled drive.
-
-
Stock Drill:
-
Utilize a chute and shield to transition from speed to power.
-
Maintain low pad level, control leverage, and focus on breaking down within 1-2 yards.
-
Engage with intent, setting the tone for effective blocking.
-
2. Movement Drills
These drills emphasize the importance of adapting to a moving defender. Receivers must learn to stay mobile, maintain leverage, and effectively control their blocks in dynamic situations.
3. Reaction Drills
Simulating real-game scenarios, reaction drills help receivers anticipate and respond to defenders. By training in these conditions, players can develop the instinctive movements needed to excel during games.
About Coach Donavan Newman
Coach Newman brings a wealth of experience, having played quarterback at North American University and East Texas Baptist University. His coaching journey includes roles at Millsaps College and Houston Christian, where he worked with quarterbacks and wide receivers.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
