Bumd and run

Question
Compared to most recivers I line up against I am most of the time the bigger and stronger but not allways faster and I was wondering if you had any techniques that could help me to use this to my advantage.

Answer
Stuart -

Thanks for writing.  There are really 2 things that can be of value to you in this situation.  The first is to use your size in the 5 yard contact zone.  The WR might be faster, but if you bump, chuck, etc him when he is in the area you can contact him, it will throw his timing off big time.  By doing this, you will also throw the QBs timing off as well.  Most routes are based on an "internal time gauge".  The QB and WR work hard to get on the same time gauge at practice, and a CB who can throw that off has a much better chance of being successful.

The second isnt a physical thing at all.  STUDY THE FILMS.  Most WRs, or offenses for that matter have certain tendencies they follow.  Certain little "giveaways" that a smart defender can pick up on.  If you study your opponent enough, you will find that you will start noticing little keys that will give away the play or pass route.  Maybe the WR has his left foot forward when doing some sort of inside cut route, and right foot forward when doing an out route.  Things like that will be invaluable for you.

The fastest player is RARELY the best.  Look that up for yourself, at any level.  In most cases, it will be the most prepared player that wins the overall war.  Keep working on your physical characteristics, improve as much as possible, but do not forget about the mental side of the game.  It will make the difference, period.  The media likes to report on the amount of practice time a player puts in on the field, but what they fail to tell you is that most players put in twice that amount of time in the film room.  They dont do this because it is fun I can tell you that.  Think about it.

Best wishes

Coach Perl