How to Block Downfield as a Wide Receiver

Many pro football historians recognize Jerry Rice as the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game, and some even credit him as being the best football player ever. Rice was a brilliant receiver with moves, speed, dependable hands and a flair for the dramatic, but he was also a willing blocker who was more than happy to knock down a potential tackler for another receiver like John Taylor or a running back like Roger Craig. The willingness and ability to block often separates good wide receivers from great ones.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Play every down as hard as possible. In order to make your opponents believe the ball is coming to you, you have to play the part even if your quarterback is throwing to the opposite side of the field. You run your pattern hard and then once the quarterback has thrown the ball to a different receiver, you are in a position to throw one or more blocks.

2. Use your speed and technique to take a tackler out of the play. You have to understand angles. If you are running a slant pattern, the object is to beat the defensive back to the middle of the field. As soon as the quarterback throws the ball, you can screen off the cornerback who was covering you and then look for a linebacker to take out. You are in a perfect position to deliver at least one block and possibly two.

3. You have to want the assignment. Blocking should not be viewed as a chore. The best blocking wide receivers are good at it because they enjoy it. Your block could send a running back into the end zone or be the key to a huge run and catch. Use your arms and shoulders to blast into a potential tackler if he is closing on the ball carrier. Other blocks can be more subtle. Just getting in the way of a tackler may force him to change course or slow down and give the ball carrier the space he needs to break off a big play.

4. Leave your feet in order to knock down a linebacker. You are most likely not stronger than a 230-pound linebacker. Use your dexterity and athletic ability to get leverage on the play. Dive to get in front of a linebacker who is pursuing the ball carrier. That will effectively take him out of the play and win you praise in the film room the next day.

5. Watch as much film as possible of your opponent and yourself. If you understand the angles your opponent takes before the game starts, you will be ahead of the game. You will understand his techniques and how best to stop him. Scout yourself to make sure you are not giving anything away. Do you run differently on a pass pattern than you do when you are blocking? If so, that's a tell that the defender will pick up on as well. Make sure you don't give anything away on film by refining your technique.

Tips & Warnings

• A fearless attitude is needed to be an effective downfield blocker.
• Use your athleticism and leverage to block bigger and stronger players effectively.

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