/ Why this drill
What it teaches.
At the 7/8 division, defenders will press your receivers at the LOS. A receiver who can't beat press is functionally useless — every route arrives late, every read times out. Press Release drills the three releases (swim, rip, stutter) until the receiver can pick the right one in real time.
/ How to run it
Step by step.
- Set up at the LOS with a receiver and a defender (no contact).
- Defender plays press leverage — 1 yard off the LOS, square shoulders.
- Coach calls the release type: swim, rip, or stutter.
- Receiver executes the release and runs a 10-yard route. Defender mirrors but cannot grab.
- Run 5 reps of each release type. Switch leverage (inside vs. outside).
/ Coaching points
What to watch for.
- Swim: lead arm goes over the top of the defender's near shoulder.
- Rip: arm comes from low to high, ripping past the defender's hip.
- Stutter: stutter-step at the LOS, then explode in the chosen direction.
- First step decides everything. Plant hard, push off explosively.
/ Variations
Progress the drill.
Receiver picks
Receiver chooses their own release. Coach evaluates the choice based on defender leverage.
Live press
With light contact (or jam mitts) — closer to game speed.
Two routes
After the release, coach calls the route. Receiver must execute both.
/ Common mistakes
Where it goes wrong.
- Receivers using the same release every time — defenders learn it fast.
- Releases too slow — gives the defender time to recover and reroute the runner.
- Crossing feet during the stutter — destroys explosiveness off the next step.
- Going through the defender instead of around — illegal contact.