Wide Receivers would almost surely be included on the list of the best football players in history.

We have seen several incredible scores and unbelievable catches over the years, the majority of them involved wide receivers (or “WR”). Some of the top wide receivers were also some of the most well-known athletes, whether it was due to their exceptional abilities, outgoing personalities, or both.

Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Largent, Marvin Harrison, and Michael Irvin are just a few of the names on the list. What, though, distinguished these athletes from every other receiver in the sport’s history?

The majority of people believe that all it takes to be a great wide receiver is quickness to elude defenders and deft hands to catch the ball. These characteristics undoubtedly matter, but there is a lot more that sets apart competent receivers from great ones.

Here is our comprehensive guide for wide receivers trying to improve their game: 

What does a football wide receiver do?

When it comes to passing plays, quarterbacks’ primary targets are wide receivers. Wide receivers typically line themselves up out wide as the offense prepares for a play, giving the position its name.

These players will run routes after the snap and attempt to gain some distance from their defenders before collecting the pass. Their major responsibility is, as you might expect, to find an opening and grab the ball when it is given to them. Wide receivers can outrun, outrun, and outjump defenders since they are often tall, quick, and fast.

But being able to jump high over defenders and having good hands are not the only requirements for playing this position. A player needs to be tough, adept at running precise routes, and willing to assist in the running game in order to be a genuinely excellent wide receiver (since not all plays will be passes).

Position of the Wide Receiver on the Field

Usually, wide receivers are positioned in wide alignment on either side of the quarterback. Depending on the play that the offense will run, at least two wide receivers will often be used. Strong passing teams might run more plays out of various spread formations, choosing to overload receivers.

While offenses that rely heavily on the run can choose to prioritize size over speed by switching out some receivers for running backs or tight ends. Following that, receivers will either run routes to try to find an opening for a pass, act as a decoy, or support the running game. Wide receivers are essential on nearly every down, regardless of the offense’s play.

A wide receiver is responsible for a variety of tasks.

Some of them are as follows:

1. Take the Best Routes

A wide receiver’s main responsibility is to find openings on passing plays. He can only have a significant impact on the passing game if the quarterback can find him open and throw the ball to him. And running precise, efficient routes is the only way to gain access. The nine fundamental routes in what is known as the Route Tree must be learned by all wide receivers. No matter which team he plays for or what kind of offense they employ, all wide receivers will typically run these routes. It’s okay if he performs certain routes better than others. The most crucial element is that he practices the routes frequently so that he can run them efficiently. He must learn how to run them.

2. Catch the Ball

Running a fantastic route and opening up is just the beginning of the journey. The football must be caught as the next action. A wide receiver shouldn’t play this position if he can’t consistently catch the ball well.

In addition to being able to grab the ball, wide receivers need to be able to make adjustments. While they are running their course in stride, not every ball will be tossed to them precisely. To make the catch, they may occasionally need to reach up, down, left, or right. The ball will occasionally be violently flung right at their chest. The wide receiver will need to corral the ball in various ways depending on the pass. The fact that he makes the catch successfully is all that matters in the end, though.

3. Acquire extra space after the catch

The first step is to run a clear path. Step two involves catching the ball. Step three is gaining ground after the catch. If all a wide receiver does is catch the ball and then get tackled right away, he will undoubtedly have limited options. He can be a dependable target for the quarterback, for sure, but the best wide receivers are even more valuable once they have the ball in their possession. After making a catch, they need to move quickly and with considerable explosion in order to execute this. Additionally, players need to be agile, juking, spinning, and deceiving defenders to get to open areas of the field. Additionally, they must be able to avoid contact, break tackles, and stay on their feet.

4. Block As Necessary

Some wide receivers only make an effort when it appears as though the ball will be thrown in their direction. They frequently take a playoff and don’t give their utmost effort when running plays are involved.

These athletes don’t develop into excellent wide receivers. Even if there is no chance that you will receive the ball, you must work hard on every play to excel at the position. A wide receiver must put in the same amount of time and effort on running plays as he does on passing plays if he wants to excel at the position. He must learn how to block appropriately for his position, which entails taking the proper angles to protect the ball handler from defenders.

The greatest wide receivers ever

Many outstanding wide receivers have made incredible receptions, plays, and touchdowns over the years.

Although ranking them all is a difficult undertaking, here are my rankings of the top 10 wide receivers of all time (so far):

• First, Jerry Rice
• Randy Moss 2.
• Steve Largent 3.
• Don Hutson 4.
• Terrell Owens, 5.
• Calvin Johnson 6.
• The 7th Larry Fitzgerald
• Cris Carter 8.
• 9. Lance Alworth, 
• 10. Marvin Harrison

Conclusion

With good reason, wide receiver is frequently regarded as one of the most showy positions in football. Both their raucous personality and exceptional football talents are frequently associated with wide receivers. However, truly outstanding wide receivers are more than just pass catchers. They put a lot of effort into daily wide receiver exercises, are committed to giving their all on every play, and are devoted scholars of the game.

WR in Football FAQs

1) In football, what do RB and WR mean?

Wide receivers and running backs are essential to an offense’s ability to advance the ball downfield. The objective of both the wide receiver and running back positions is to score points. Running backs carry the ball while wide receivers catch it. This is the main distinction between the two positions.

2) In football, what does a WR or CB do?

The wide receiver will line up with a strategy to get past the defender and to the area where he has to be in order to catch the ball from his quarterback. It is the cornerback’s responsibility to imitate every move the receiver makes and maintain contact with him throughout the whole play.

3) What does a football DB do?

Defensive backs (DBs), commonly known as the secondary in gridiron football, are the players who line up furthest behind the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball.

4) In football, what do LW and RW mean?

A winger (left winger and right winger) is an attacking player positioned in a wide position close to the touchlines. Historically, they were also known as outside-left and outside-right, or outside forward.