Going Deep

Short and medium routes are the wide receiver's bread and butter. Catching deep balls is the icing on the cake. As a wideout, you feel a special thrill and adrenaline boost when your number gets called to go long.

The timing of deep routes will obviously require longer to develop. In order to give you time to run your route, the QB will need to drop back seven steps before throwing. The O-Line will need to block even longer. If the play is a success, there's a very high probability of scoring a touchdown.

There are two basic deep patterns to learn - the "up" and the "post".

In order to have success with either pattern, you'll need to run at full speed for the entire length of the play. The post and up are two routes where you'll be running under the ball and may even have to stretch to make a play. Try to see your fingers and the ball at the same time as you attempt to make the catch

The first of the deep patterns we'll go in-depth with is the up pattern. Prior to your release off the line, it's important to try and gauge how the defender is playing you. If he's inside, you'll want to keep him there. If he's set up outside, you'll want to try and bring him away from the sideline as you come off the line. Use a slight angle to the inside on your release, positioning the DB where you want him to be for this pattern.

Ideally when running an up route, you'll want to keep 5 yards of space between you and the sideline to allow you room to adjust to the ball in flight.

1. Drive hard off the line
2. Angle to position the DB
3. Get to full speed
4. Burst straight up field, attacking the defender
5. Angle slightly to the outside at 12 yards
6. Clear the defender
7. Spring past the DB straight upfield
8. Look over your inside shoulder without breaking stride
9. Pick up the flight of the ball

You must be prepared to adjust to the flight of the ball as it approaches and catch it at any point near you.

The second deep pattern we'll cover is the post. The post is run into the center of the field away from the sideline. Note where the defender is set up prior to the start of the play. If he sets up inside, you'll want to try and pull him to the outside via savvy angling.

You'll want to come off the line quickly. At 12 yards, roll over your inside foot and angle 45 degrees toward the center of the field.

Again, you'll probably have to run under the ball. Be ready to adjust to the ball