Skills & Drills | Charles Watkins, New Hampshire | WR Releases
March 28, 2025
Charles Watkins, the Wide Receivers Coach at the University of New Hampshire, wrapped up his second season with the program in 2024. With coaching experience at Rutgers University and Southeastern Oklahoma State, as well as playing experience at Wagner College and Duke University.
Wide Receiver Releases: The Ultimate Toolbelt
A wide receiver’s ability to execute precise releases is critical to beating defenders and creating separation. Coach Watkins emphasizes the importance of a versatile “release toolbelt,” likening it to a pitcher’s arsenal. His approach equips receivers with three primary releases:
- Fastball Release: The go-to, primary release.
- Change-Up Release: A counter to defensive adjustments.
- Curveball Release: A unique move to catch defenders off guard.
Speed Release: Explode Past the Defense
Execution:
- First Step: Gain ground toward the defender, turning your chest to the outside while dipping your inside shoulder around the defender.
- Second Step: Get vertical, stack the defender, and rotate your shoulders back to square.
Single Step Release: Counter Defensive Adjustments
When to Use:
Use this release when defenders adjust to your Speed Release.
Execution:
- First Step: Same as Speed Release.
- Second Step: Counter back inside while gaining ground, mimicking a basketball crossover.
Double Step Release: Outsmart the Defense
When to Use:
Ideal for countering adjustments to the Single Step Release.
Execution:
- First Step: Same as Speed Release.
- Second Step: Same as Single Step Release.
- Third Step: Counter across the defender, returning to the direction of your first step.
Enhancing Releases with Hand Techniques
Coach Watkins underscores the importance of integrating hand movements into releases. Here are two key techniques:
Club-Swipe
- Aim the club at the defender’s elbow.
- The swipe should resemble a controlled counter jab in boxing—direct and precise, not over-exaggerated.
Club-Rip
- Club at the defender’s elbow.
- Rip with the opposite arm under the defender’s arm, finishing with a powerful upward motion to clear the defender.
Why Versatility Matters in WR Releases
Coach Watkins’ teaching philosophy prioritizes customization, allowing each wide receiver to discover the techniques that best align with their skills and game situations. By incorporating these releases and hand techniques, receivers can consistently outmaneuver defenders and elevate their performance.
Start mastering your wide receiver releases today! Whether you’re a coach or a player, these tools from Coach Watkins will give you the edge on the field.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
« « Previous PostNext Post » »
Charles Watkins, the Wide Receivers Coach at the University of New Hampshire, wrapped up his second season with the program in 2024. With coaching experience at Rutgers University and Southeastern Oklahoma State, as well as playing experience at Wagner College and Duke University.
Wide Receiver Releases: The Ultimate Toolbelt
A wide receiver’s ability to execute precise releases is critical to beating defenders and creating separation. Coach Watkins emphasizes the importance of a versatile “release toolbelt,” likening it to a pitcher’s arsenal. His approach equips receivers with three primary releases:
- Fastball Release: The go-to, primary release.
- Change-Up Release: A counter to defensive adjustments.
- Curveball Release: A unique move to catch defenders off guard.
Speed Release: Explode Past the Defense
Execution:
- First Step: Gain ground toward the defender, turning your chest to the outside while dipping your inside shoulder around the defender.
- Second Step: Get vertical, stack the defender, and rotate your shoulders back to square.
Single Step Release: Counter Defensive Adjustments
When to Use:
Use this release when defenders adjust to your Speed Release.
Execution:
- First Step: Same as Speed Release.
- Second Step: Counter back inside while gaining ground, mimicking a basketball crossover.
Double Step Release: Outsmart the Defense
When to Use:
Ideal for countering adjustments to the Single Step Release.
Execution:
- First Step: Same as Speed Release.
- Second Step: Same as Single Step Release.
- Third Step: Counter across the defender, returning to the direction of your first step.
Enhancing Releases with Hand Techniques
Coach Watkins underscores the importance of integrating hand movements into releases. Here are two key techniques:
Club-Swipe
- Aim the club at the defender’s elbow.
- The swipe should resemble a controlled counter jab in boxing—direct and precise, not over-exaggerated.
Club-Rip
- Club at the defender’s elbow.
- Rip with the opposite arm under the defender’s arm, finishing with a powerful upward motion to clear the defender.
Why Versatility Matters in WR Releases
Coach Watkins’ teaching philosophy prioritizes customization, allowing each wide receiver to discover the techniques that best align with their skills and game situations. By incorporating these releases and hand techniques, receivers can consistently outmaneuver defenders and elevate their performance.
Start mastering your wide receiver releases today! Whether you’re a coach or a player, these tools from Coach Watkins will give you the edge on the field.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
