Football games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. While this is usually said of offensive and defensive linemen in the trenches, it also applies to wide receivers and defensive backs.

Creating separation at the line of scrimmage can be the difference between getting open for a big gain and allowing the defender to jump the route for an interception. There are different techniques for maximizing a receiver’s advantage at the line, whether facing press, man-to-man or zone coverage.

Geneo Riley played two seasons as an NFL wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions. He has coached high school and youth football since his retirement in 1991, working with young wideouts at the NFL Combine to get them ready for the next level.

He focuses on four important traits young wide receivers need to gain the advantage off the snap.

Presnap reads

“Make sure you hustle up to the line of scrimmage so you have as much time as possible to look at the alignment of the defensive back and figure out what move you can use to get open,” Riley said. “If the DB is closer to the sideline, he’s trying to prevent you from getting outside. If you can fake an outside route, that freezes him and allows you to get into your route.”

If a defender is playing press coverage, the receiver should shorten his stance on the line of scrimmage and create a lower, wider base to drive through the defender and quickly get into his route.

Quick, efficient footwork

A quick first step can be the difference between creating separation and being saddled with pressure from the defensive back.

Riley recommends the ladder drill as a way to improve lateral footwork and practice exploding with the first step. He also recommends using cones to practice route running and making crisp, clean breaks.

“Getting off the line with positive steps is very important,” Riley said. “You don’t want to get your feet crossed or make a wrong step because that can throw off the quarterback’s timing. You’ve got to have quick feet to get off the line so you can be where the QB expects you to be when he throws the ball.”

Strong hands

When faced with press coverage, the hand battle is critical to determining who gains the advantage at the line and who ultimately wins the play. Techniques such as dip and rip and swim require arm strength to outmuscle the defensive back as well as leg strength to drive forward and not let the defensive back disrupt the route.

Receivers get open using dip and rip by dipping the shoulder and ripping through the defender’s contact with the opposite arm in an upper cut motion. In a swim move, the receiver initiates contact with the defender similarly but then brings his arm over the top like a swimming stroke to get past the defender.

“You want to keep your moves simple on the line,” Riley said. “You want to get into your route as soon as you can and don’t let the DB push you off it. You want to keep that timing with your QB and not have to take any extra steps.”

If the defender is not in press coverage, a receiver wants to close the gap or cushion between himself and the defender before going into his break. Use moves such as a hitch or out and up to get the defender to turn and open in his hips in one direction, leaving the receiver free to make his break and blow by him in the other direction.

Effort and preparation

Top level athletes attest to the importance of effort and preparation. Watching film might reveal a tendency in the defense that can be exploited, while maximum effort on the field limits the chance for the defense to gain a tactical advantage.

“Run every route with the same intensity,” Riley said. “Don’t take plays off, whether it’s a run or a pass. If you’re lollygagging around, the defense will know it’s a run and that might blow up the play.”

That mental toughness combined with the necessary physical tools will give young wide receivers the chance to create separation and make some plays in the passing game.