Wide Receiver Alignment From the Defensive Perspective

Coaches please make sure that your defensive players are able to Identify the different alignment (split & depth) of a wide receiver.

A receiver’s split (distance from the offensive line) generally hints at whether they will run an in-breaking route (wider split) or an out-breaking route (closer split).

The reason why it is critical for defenders to know this is because it acts as a pre-snap indicator of likely route concepts, allows defenders to set proper leverage & dictates the necessary cushion needed to defend the pass.