Route Running Precision for 5A WRs: The '5-Step Slash' Drill

This summer, West Point Green Wave WRs can improve their route running with the '5-Step Slash' drill. Divide players into pairs, with one as the receiver and the other as the defender. The receiver starts 5 yards off the line, with the defender aligned 5 yards off the line to the side. On the snap, the receiver takes 5 steps: 3 steps to the side, 1 step forward, and 1 step back. The defender mirrors the receiver's movement. After the 5th step, the receiver attacks the defender with a sharp cut. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 reps. Coaching cues: 'Keep your feet light, stay balanced, and explode into the cut.' This drill translates to game performance by improving WRs' ability to create separation and make sharp cuts in tight spaces.

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