Teach Receivers to Win at the Second Level with the Shoulder Drop Release - DJ Steward

Use the shoulder drop technique to teach receivers to create separation when the defender is playing five to seven yards off at the line of scrimmage.

Towson University Wide Receivers Coach DJ Steward discusses the shoulder drop technique, with practice film and game footage.  This segment is taken from his Glazier Drive Clinic: 

Winning at the Second Level: Shoulder Drop, Stretch, & Slip

In all the DJ Steward Wide Receive System has 6 lessons on Wide Receiver play.

 

The shoulder drop technique works at both the first and second levels.

The first level is when the defender is pressed two to three yards off the wide receiver.

The second level is when the defender is playing 5 to 7 yards off of the receiver at the line of scrimmage.  This often is what a slot receiver faces.  He is running routes on linebackers and safeties.  

If the receiver is lined up outside (not in the slot), and the conerback is six or so yards off playing bail zone technique, that is another example of a receiver needing a second level release.

Coaching Points:

  • Receiver should not drop his head and shoulders at the same time.

  • The shoulder drop should be used instead of the chop technique if the defender's hands are chest level or higher.

  • Close the cushion by making your shoulders skinny.

More Free Resources!

Related Posts

3 Explosive Down-Field Throw Concepts (All Tags Included) - Josh Niblett

The ability to throw the ball down the field isn't just about having a strong-armed quarterback –...

Simple Drill Makes RBs See Holes Like Never Before | Tite Zone Development - AJ Steward

AJ Steward, Offensive Analyst, Kansas teaches an essential Tite Zone development drill that teaches...

7 High-Impact RPO Drills: Add More Yards Per Play - Ryan Larsen

Ryan Larsen, Head Coach, Carnegie Mellon University has used RPOs to add more than 3 yards per play...

GLAZIER SEASON PASS - $499

UNLIMITED COACHES - UNLIMITED IN-PERSON & ONLINE EDUCATION
The Glazier Season Pass gives all your coaches access to these resources:

2025-Glazier-Map-RGB-500x310

Unlimited Nationwide Clinics

Each clinic has 100+ sessions of practical Xs & Os for your entire staff. Network and brainstorm with some of the best speakers and coaches in the game.

Find a clinic near you
Drive desktop + mobile small

Digital Coach Education Glazier Drive

Join 30,000 coaches on Glazier Drive and learn anytime. Glazier Drive has 48 complete systems, online clinics, 2,000+ videos, and forums.

Learn more about Drive
Get Your Season Pass

TRUSTED GLAZIER PARTNERS