Things You'll Need:
- Receiver gloves
-
Step 1
Position yourself next to the top receiver on your team to catch a pass like Wes Welker. Welker takes advantage of soft spots in zone defenses as well as mismatches with slow linebackers due to the presence of receivers like Donte Stallworth and Randy Moss.
-
Step 2
Run short routes to find pass-catching opportunities like Wes Welker. The Patriots receiver has run screens, short outs and slants throughout his career to catch retreating defensive backs out of position.
-
Step 3
Square your body to the quarterback once you find a large opening in a defense's zone. You can emulate Wes Welker by finding open space between the front 7 and the secondary to increase the possibility of gaining yards after catch.
-
Step 4
Purchase a pair of black receiver gloves before trying to catch a pass like Wes Welker. Welker uses black gloves on both hands to grab the ball better in adverse weather conditions. FogDog Sports and other online retailers sell receiver gloves that can help you focus your attention on body position instead of on getting a good grip (see Resources below).
-
Step 5
Play for high school and college teams that focus their offenses around the passing game instead of running. Wes Welker played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who are known for using 4- and 5-receiver sets under coach Mike Leach (see Resources below).
-
Step 6
Juke out defensive backs and linebackers using your shoulders like Wes Welker. This step is important for shorter receivers whose shoulder pads are at eye level with defenders in crouched stances.
-
Step 7
Lower your shoulders and tighten your grip on the football as you enter traffic. Welker has stayed in the NFL after failing to get drafted because he protects the ball while taking hits to get additional yards.
-
Step 8
Approach each passing down with a kick returner's mentality to make catches like Wes Welker. Your success as a receiver depends on using upfield blockers, finding holes in the defense and accelerating at the right times.
