How to Jam a Wide Receiver

Jamming a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage in football can disrupt a pass play, and provide the defense with enough time to sack the quarterback. Practicing the jam is essential to performing it correctly in a game setting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Footballs
• Football cleats
• Small orange cones
• Opponent to play wide receiver

1. Either mark off a football field using the cones or find one that is available for public use. Practicing jamming the wide receiver on a regulation size field will give you a good idea of how to position yourself.
2. Determine where you want the line of scrimmage to be, and place cones on the field marking the line.
3. Line up the wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball, while you position yourself on the defensive side.
4. Keeping your shoulders square with the line of scrimmage, bend your knees so that you get into a somewhat crouched position with your feet shoulder width apart. Make sure to keep your back at a slight angle forward, as you don't want to get caught off balance.
5. Keeping your elbows bent and at your side, place your hands in front of you with your palms facing your opponent.
6. As the ball is snapped, and the receiver moves toward you, keep your eyes on him until contact is made. You should strike the numbers of his jersey with your open palms, and attempt to keep him from moving down the field.
7. Depending on the type of defense that you're practicing it may be necessary to force the wide receiver either towards the safety or along the sideline. To do so, move your feet in the direction you want the receiver to go while maintaining the jam.
8. If you're playing man-to-man coverage, then shadow the wide receiver for the remainder of the play. If you're playing zone, then release the receiver, and focus on the quarterback and any wide receivers that might be entering your space on the field.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus your attention on the wide receiver before and during the jam. Getting caught off-balance could result in a big play for your opponent.
• If you know you have safety help in the middle of the field, then use your jam to influence the wide receiver to run toward that help.
• Practice jamming at different spots on the field. Doing so closer to the end zone where the field is shorter can really disrupt the timing of a pass play.
• Be careful not to let your hands move upward where you might strike the wide receiver in the neck or head.