Ron Lewis, wide receiver coach at Baldwin Wallace University, has enjoyed success moving the ball through the air despite not having freakishly gifted athletic specimens up and down the roster.

He’s learned to have a thriving passing game with average or slower receivers.

A recent guest of the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast, Lewis broke down his four keys to success in the passing game with wide receivers that lack top end speed.

1.Practice hard to beat press coverage

Lewis suggests mastering the ability to get off the line of scrimmage when a defensive back is playing tight. It’s something his team practices religiously. Being able to get a clean break from press coverage is something Lewis sees as critical.

2. Maximize individual instruction

Each period can be an individual session according to Lewis. Coaches need to work with the wide receivers every chance they get, even if it’s not a specific individual period or a drill for receivers.

“Every period is individual. Every chance I got, I was working with them, whether we were in a 7on7 situation, a team, or individual period,” Lewis said.

With this approach, Lewis is able to squeeze additional coaching into the team’s practice schedule.

3. Put players in situations to succeed

Knowing a player’s limitations and strengths can set them up for success. Lewis encourages coaches to look for soft spots in the zone, which can create some opportunities for his receivers to make a catch and seek additional yards on the ground. He doesn’t ask his players to do too much. Rather, he looks for what the opposing defenses will give him and seeks to maximize those opportunities.

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4. Use your lack of speed as an element of surprise

Sometimes, a reputation as a slow team can be to your benefit for one simple reason: It creates the element of surprise.

“You can use the lack of speed to your advantage,” Lewis said. “People aren’t expecting you to go up over the top, that’s when they play a little tighter and don’t have two safeties deep.”

This allows the wide receivers to work in a deep route and catch defenses off guard.

Listen to the full USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast here.