Statring at WR

Question
QUESTION: Hey Coach Louis, thanks for your time. I'm a sophomore in high school at the moment, and I've never been on a football team. I've played basketball, I'm a black belt in tae kwon do, and I work out regularly, about 3 or 4 times a week.

For the past few months I've been thinking about joining the football team next year. I've evaluated myself as an athlete (I'm 6'6" and 180 lbs) and I think I would be best as a WR. I know alot about the game's rules and such, how it is played, and stuff like that, but as I said earlier, I know nothing firsthand about being on a football team.

I'm moving to a new school next year, so I'm also making this decision because I would make some friends faster, being on a football team.

What could I do to prepare for trying out next year?
ANSWER: Dear James,
You are on the right track by playing basketball. Basketball is a great sport to play and it will help you get into football shape. You will be doing a lot of running back and forth, and side to side. This will help your coordination, quickness, conditioning, and help improve your foot work.

You also might want to add handball to your workout schedule. Just like in basketball, handball forces you to run back and forth and side to side.
Handball can be of great help, to a football player, for all the same reasons as basketball.

Try playing these two sports, on regular bases, and you will get into fantastic shape. And your foot work will look great.

Are you sure that you want to be a wide receiver? How about a quarterback or a tight end? You have the size for all of these positions. Let me know which position you want and I will take it from there. I can help you with the technique you need to play any of these positions. Get back to me ASAP and we can get underway. I will send you the information you will be needing.

Your friend, Coach Louis


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thought about quarterback seriously, since I was planning on trying out for that prior to 7th grade. But I took basketball instead because of height. I also have the footwork attributes of a quarterback. I can book it pretty fast and solid, but I can't really change directions that fast. Or at least not yet.

The reason I inquired into WR was because, honestly, I'm intimidated by the position of QB. It's a big responsibility (not that other positions are not important), especially since I'm moving to a place where people don't know me. The issue I have with QB is essentially a social one. I am still considering it, though.

I'm sorry for that answer not being as direct as you probably want it to be, but I really don't have anything else to say. If I was able to be a starting quarterback over a starting receiver, though... I would choose quarterback.

Answer
Dear James,
Never be sorry when giving a sincere answer. A straight answer shows that you are becoming a man and you are willing to let the chips fall where they may. I respect that. You only have one life so do what you think is best for you not what others think you ought to do.

You are right, the position of quarterback is full of responsibility and it is not an easy one to fill. It is not for everyone. I think you should think about it. Since you did not go out for football last year you are possibly not going to start. However, you can play a role as back-up quarterback. This will give you the time you need to learn the position with out the pressure. And you can still start as a wide receiver during the games. Anyway no pressure I am just giving you more options.

You may also try out for tight end. Hit the weight room hard and do a lot of running for conditioning. Coaches are always looking, for someone, to fill the position of tight end. They want guys that can block and catch the ball. You do not have to have great speed to play at the tight end position. However, you will need to block on running plays and catch the ball on passing downs. Whichever you prefer to play, tight end or wide out, you will still need to learn the same technique.

There are 3 characteristics a receiver must have. A receiver must demonstrate a strong ability to block the other guy, consistently get opened on pass patterns, and he must be able to prove (time and time again, to all) that he has sure-hands. If you can consistently turn a third-down into a first-down you will be the go to guy on any team.

Let us start with blocking; blocking is nothing more than hard work and never giving up. What you need to do is spend some time in the weight room (during the summer) this will make you stronger.

I would also work on my conditioning and my ability to react to the ball. Playing a lot of handball and basketball will help you develop these skills. Handball and basketball will make you quicker and better conditioned.

Next, I would work on pass patterns. A receiver must get opened before he can catch the ball. I would work on the quick out, slant, and the seam pass. These quick patterns are a must have on most teams. And great tight end patterns.

Remember when running your patterns, the biggest mistake you can make is to slow down when catching the ball or after making your break. If you slow down before you catch the ball or after your break, you will be giving the defensive back time to catch up with you.

You must run your pattern as fast as you can, while still keeping under control, and let the quarterback lead you. It is up to the quarterback to get you the ball when you are open.

Quick out (1):
This is a 5-8 yard route forward then the receiver cuts out towards the sideline then looks for the ball.

Slant (2):
This is a 3-5 yard route forward then the receiver breaks towards the middle of the filed on a 45 degree angle and looks for the ball.

Seam (3):
This route is run straight up the field with the receiver looking for the ball after he gets past the line of scrimmage.

The most important skill that a receiver can master is strong desire to catch the ball. A receiver should concentrate on looking the ball into his hands (all the way into his hands).

A receiver must be able to shut everything out of his mind by focusing all his attention on looking the ball into his hands.

A receiver must watch the football until he catches it and puts it away before he starts to run with it. The catch is more vital than the run after.

The last twelve inches of the flight, of the ball, are the most important of all, this is where most receivers take their eyes off the ball and drop it.

Here is a list of drill you can work on. You will need someone to play Q-B. All passes will be no longer than 3-5 yards at first. When you get good, at catching the ball, at this distance, move up to 8-10 yards.

1. Have the quarterback throw the ball over your left shoulder (catch the ball with your right hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

2. Have the quarterback throw the ball over your right shoulder (catch the ball with your left hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.  

3. Two handed catch over your right shoulder (5-10 times).

4. Two handed catch over your left shoulder (5-10 times).

Always catch the ball with your hands only (do not trap the ball against your body it will bounce off your shoulder pads. Try this for about a week or two, 20-30 minutes a day. Short passes only. At first you will drop a lot of passes but don't give up. When you are ready, move on to (a little) longer passes.

Before you start any program, make sure to get all the help you can from people that care about you and want you to succeed.

Get your PARENTS, your COACH, and your DOCTOR involved.

1. GET YOUR PARENT'S PERMISSION AND ASK FOR THEIR ADVICE. THEY CAN BE OF GREAT HELP TO YOU. THEY CAN HELP YOU BY BEING THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM. AND BY MAKING SURE YOU ARE NOT OVER DOING IT.

2. TALK TO YOUR COACH HE IS THERE TO HELP YOU. HE WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED. HE CAN GET YOU STARTED ON THE RIGHT PROGRAM.

3. BEFORE YOU START ANY PROGRAM MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR PARENT'S PERMISSION AND A DOCTOR'S OKAY. REMEMBER ONLY A DOCTOR CAN TELL YOU IF THE PROGRAM YOU ARE STARTING IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU. IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN TO BE SORRY!!!!!!!!!!

I hope this information will be of help to you. Remember, take it one step at a time there are no short cuts to being an impact player. And if you change your mind and want to play another position remember I will be happy to help you.

Your friend, Coach Louis