Do you know what we mean by football? The term represents wide receiver, a football receiver lining up some yards to the side of the offensive formation. Let’s dive into the article to know what WR means in football.
What Does WR Stand For?
Want to know what WR means in football? It indicates the wide receiver position. These represent offensive players positioned away from the line. Generally, their major task is to work as a pass receiver.
Their primary job is to catch forward passes from the quarterback. The receiver tries to avoid, outmaneuver, or outrun the cornerbacks or safeties, trying to defend him during passing plays.
But if the receiver has become open on his pass route, the quarterback might throw a pass to him.
WR is the abbreviation of wide receiver. All positions can be abbreviated in two letters to display on score sheets and rosters. These short terms are beneficial for many people for reading. In addition, these can provide pleasure visually.
Slot and outside receivers are the two types of wide receivers. Slot players are small but have excellent route running abilities with speed.
Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Larry Fitzgerald are some players who used to play in this position. Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, and Terrell Owens are examples of some outside receivers.
What Does A Wide Receiver Do In Football
WR represents the offensive player whose task is to catch the football thrown by the quarterback and run the ball. Their job is to line up on the scrimmage line, which is outside of the offensive line.
In addition, they create breaks downfield through open lanes and want to get open for a pass.
These players always run downfield to catch a throw from the quarterback. Apart from the play and formation, these players can line up “wide” on the field outside.
It is a process of how they can get their name. A wide receiver is a position where players need to run constantly. In addition, they are used in plays also. It is one of the reasons why they are probably one of the fastest players on the team.
These players are the first ones that quarterbacks look to after catching the snap. Besides, they work to outrun the defensive opponents. In addition, they use fast turns on receiving routes.
Moreover, they must prepare themselves in the best position to receive a pass easily. If a receiver catches the ball, it is tallied as a reception. Receivers might need to give the ball in the backfield and rush downfield like a running back.
Usually, these players are under massive stress while the defense’s pressure is high. In addition, the receivers must be good catchers because their primary objective is to catch passes. Hence, it does not matter how hard it is.
Regarding great wide receivers, they must withstand hits or blocks from defensive members. In addition, they can hang onto the ball while hitting it after catching it.
Moreover, they must adequately understand their positions on the field to ensure they stay in bounds while catching passes.
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Important Wide Receiver Skills
There are many wide receivers in football. In the next section, we have given ten names of wide receivers in football. However, you should know that this game is known as Flanker Pass Receiver, Primary and Secondary Receiver, Receiver, Split End, Wide Out, X and Z Receiver, etc.
Agility: It is one of the best skills for wide receivers because their job is to move as fast as possible to find openings in an opposing defense. These players are a few of the most agile players on the field.
Body Control: These players must come with exceptional body control characteristics. For instance, they need to run fast and jump high to make a reception successfully. The best receivers have excellent body control after catching passes. It enables them to remain in bounds.
Strength: It is essential for any position in football, mainly for wide receivers who need to fight off defenders and withstand the heavy tackles after catching the ball.
Quickness: It is crucial for this player because they must be able to release fast off the line of scrimmage to beat their defender and get open for a pass. The quick speed of a receiver allows him to be separated from a defender.
Soft Hands: If they have soft hands, they can catch the ball with cushioning fingers & joints and bending elbows slightly. It enables these players to secure the ball without it flying out of their hands.
Physical Stamina: Wide receivers must have sufficient physical stamina to be quick. They play almost every down on the offensive side of the ball. In addition, these receivers can run routes and create blocks throughout the game.
Concentration/Focus: These players should be able to concentrate enough to catch difficult passes, even under high pressure. Football stadiums are a few of the loudest atmospheres in sports. Therefore, a receiver must be able to drown out the noise and make plays.
Hand-Eye Coordination: It is one of the significant factors for WR players. The reason is that they have to plan their path carefully. After that, they need to make changes on the fly to create the reception. Besides, it can help you to make catches in high-pressure situations.
Field Awareness: This characteristic is important for these players as they must be in the correct position at the right time. Receivers who have proper field awareness always know the best positions on the field and the positions of their teammates and opponents.
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Top 10 Wide Reciever
In football history, there have been multiple powerful wide receivers. A few of the famous players are:
Calvin Johnson: He is a former American WR player who played in the National Football League for nine seasons with the Detroit Lions.
Lance Alworth: He is the receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League and National Football League.
Marvin Harrison: He is an American professional wide receiver who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League.
Larry Fitzgerald: He is an American professional wide receiver who played seventeen seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Cris Carter: This American wide receiver played in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Steve Largent: He is an American professional wide receiver who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League with the Seattle Seahawks.
Terrell Owens: This American professional wide receiver played sixteen seasons in the National Football League.
Randy Moss: He played fourteen seasons in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, etc.
Don Hutson: He was an assistant coach in the National Football League and a former American wide receiver.
Jerry Rice: This American professional wide receiver played for twenty seasons in the National Football League with Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1.How wide is a goalpost in football?
These come in square, rectangular, round, or elliptical shapes which are not harmful to players.7.320 m is the distance between the posts. Besides, 2.44m is the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground.
12cm is the width and depth of goalposts and the crossbar.
2. How can I become a college football wide receiver if my parents don’t let me play football?
It is tricky, but you need to put effort into it. Whether you are in high school and want to join any weightlifting team, go ahead. Ensure you should have a good base of strength and speed.
You can play with your friends to practice. It is beneficial for hand/eye coordination. However, you should tell your parents about it to have a good relationship.
3. How can I never drop passes as a wide receiver?
A coach can write different numbers on the tips of other footballs to help players run before making the catch.
When the coach throws a ball to a wide receiver in a training drill, he should yell out the number on the ball to focus on it during the short period before making the catch while the number is visible.
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