With the proliferation of spread passing systems, defensive coordinators are tasked with formulating game plans that combat these high-octane aerial attacks.

One common way defenses have tried to do this is through press coverage schemes where defensive backs get physical with receivers coming out of their breaks. The goal is to knock them off their routes and disrupt the timing of the play.

Unlike the NFL, there is no 5-yard contact zone at the high school or NCAA levels. Defenders can bump and push receivers all the way until the ball is in the air.

While this presents a challenge for wide receivers, there’s no shortage of ways to work around aggressive schemes. Here are 16 strategies that Bill Hewitt, a former NFL scout and college coaches shared with AFCA Weekly to help receivers beat press coverage.

1. Preparation. Receivers must do their homework ahead of time. By knowing what types of coverages they’re going to see, they will be better prepared to handle it. Studying film also allows offenses to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of a secondary.
2. Stance. An upright stance gives receivers a better view of the entire field, which in turn allows for easier communication with the quarterback.
3. Feet spacing. A balanced stance and close feet spacing are essential as they provide more mobility and allow for quicker movement in any direction.
4. Master at least three releases. Receivers must learn to make proper use of their hands, feet and body, all of which help them get a good release off the snap.
5. Getting “on top” of a defender. One of the best ways to get through tight coverage is to run directly at the defender, known as “getting on top.”
6. Mastering fundamentals. Running a crisp, fundamentally sound route help get receivers open nearly every time. Keep the head and eyes up at all times. Don’t lock hips, and make sure not to take unneeded steps.
7. Know how to cut. Receivers master a variety of cuts. The most common are: hard cuts, speed cuts, vertical cuts and angle cuts.
8. Trust the quarterback. Receivers have enough to worry about, so being concerned with the quarterback just adds unnecessary stress. He knows where to throw the ball, so trust him to get it there.
9. Speed, change-of-direction. Don’t hesitate. Run routes hard and learn to change direction at full speed.
10. Precision. For a route to be successful, it must be precise. Concepts can vary with a receiver’s specific technique. Always be ready to spring at full speed, slam on the breaks and look for the football.
11. Release. Most wide receives can gain an advantage if they know their releases and by leaning into a defender.Learning a multitude of techniques helps. One technique young receivers might not be familiar with is the rip-through, which means driving through a defender and ripping up with the hand and arm to shoulders.
12. Use your hands. A receiver must learn how to hand fight while shuffling his feet to release. Nothing disrupts a route quicker than when a defensive back gets his hands on you.
13. Master the arc release. On an arc release, a receiver must open one foot to the sideline then follow with the other foot while keeping the head up, looking for the ball.
14. Practice reps with QB. A receiver and quarterback on the same page makes the route and ball delivery far smoother. The duo must become familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
15. Tactics. Using presnap motion, stacked formations, option calls and crossing patterns are some of the best ways to disrupt a defense’s coverage.
16. Practice makes perfect. Receivers can never put in enough work. The best wide outs in the game are the ones who are always striving to get better.