Chad Wilson
April 2, 2025
One of the biggest advantages a defensive back can have is the ability to read a wide receiver’s body language. Being able to anticipate where the receiver is going before they make their move can help you stay in phase, break on the ball faster, and make more plays. Wide receivers are trained to disguise their intentions, but their bodies often give away clues. The key is knowing what to look for.
1. The Stance at the Line of Scrimmage
Before the play even starts, a receiver’s stance can give away hints about the upcoming route.
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Weight Distribution – If the receiver has more weight forward on their front foot, they may be preparing for a deep route or an explosive release. If their weight is more balanced, they could be preparing for a short or intermediate route.
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Alignment – A receiver who lines up closer to the sideline may be setting up an inside-breaking route (like a post or dig), while a receiver lined up inside the numbers could be working toward an outside-breaking route (like an out or comeback).
- Notes – This requires careful film study then awareness once the game comes. Watch film with intent, looking for clues. Then when the game comes use the early snaps to match up the study with reality.
2. Release off the Line
The first few steps of a receiver’s release can indicate the type of route they’re running.
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Aggressive Burst – A quick, hard release off the line often signals a deep route like a go, post, or corner.
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Slow Play or Hesitation – If the receiver takes a few short, choppy steps without going full speed, they may be setting up a hitch, slant, or double move.
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Immediate Inside or Outside Movement – A receiver who quickly works inside may be setting up a slant, dig, or post, while an outside release often leads to a fade, comeback, or out route.
- Notes – These cues are to be used for anticipation and not overplay. Defensive backs typically get in trouble when they think they know the route and overplay it. Though you may have a strong cue, continue to use good technique and mechanics while anticipating.
3. Body Lean and Upper Body Movement
Receivers naturally lean into their breaks, but a well-trained DB can use this to their advantage.
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Shoulder and Head Positioning – If a receiver starts leaning forward aggressively, they are likely preparing to stop (hitch, curl, comeback). If their head and shoulders stay upright, they may be staying vertical on a fade or post.
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Arms and Hands – A receiver pumping their arms aggressively usually means they are trying to sell a vertical route. If their arms slow down or get ready to push off, they may be preparing to break off their route.
- Notes: Use these cues to determine your upper body positioning. If your keys say that the route will break off, keep your center of gravity low and your chest down. If the cues say route is going vertical then start getting tall to accelerate.
4. The Three-Step Indicator
By the time the receiver takes their third step, a DB should already have a good idea of what route is coming.
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Full Speed with No Breakdown – The receiver is likely running a deep route. Stay in phase and play top-down coverage.
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A Sudden Drop in Hips – This is a key indicator of a break. Be ready for a hitch, curl, or comeback.
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Choppy Steps – If a receiver suddenly shortens their stride but doesn’t break, they may be setting up a double move (sluggo, out-and-up).
- Notes – This is also where film study becomes a powerful weapon. Take note of these indicators on the receivers you will be covering. Also, be sure hip drops and choppy steps and fake. Breakdown when they breakdown but your hips should match theirs. If they turn, you break. If they remain vertical then so should yours.
5. Late Route Adjustments
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Eyes and Hands – As the ball arrives, watch the receiver’s eyes and hands. If they start looking back early, a deep ball is coming. If their hands start creeping up, they are preparing to catch. Use this as a cue to make a play on the ball.
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Body Positioning in the Break – A receiver who leans into a break at an angle may be setting up an out route, while a more vertical lean suggests a curl or comeback.
Conclusion
Reading a receiver’s body language is an art that separates average DBs from great ones. The best defensive backs don’t just react—they anticipate. By studying film, recognizing tendencies, and training your eyes, you can gain the edge needed to make more plays and shut down your opponent.
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Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
