Matt Waldman's RSP NFL Scouting Glossary covers the route-running concept of stem manipulation with the help of a Tyler Harrell post route.

Three Methods of Stem Manipulation

Playground-style moves on moves that make defenders look silly are fun to watch. They even launch careers on Instagram and TikTok. But for most routes, manipulating a defender is a far more efficient process.

It has to be. As creative as these slick moves stacked in succession can be, there's a limited setting for where they work.

When the quarterback is at the top of his drop, he expects his receiver to be at that the right spot at the right time. Relying too much on these moves can make a receiver late to his spot.

When this doesn't happen, it can wreck a play and even ruin a drive.

There are three efficient ways wide receivers attack defenders with the route phase leading up to the break (the stem):

Running at the defender.

Diving the stem inside the defender.

Widening the stem outside the defender.

Good route runners are always trying to sell the defender on the belief (if even just for a flickering moment) that they might get behind him. These three manipulation tactics are efficient ways of forcing the defender to turn his hips in the wrong direction.

And when a defender realizes that he has turned his hips in the wrong direction, the act of righting his position requires him to stop his feet while the receiver is running past without breaking stride.

Stem Manipulation on Film

Alabama wide receiver (by way of Louisville) and NFL Draft prospect, Tyler Harrell demonstrates how a receiver efficiently manipulates his stem to force the defender out of position.

https://youtu.be/o_MfcCRij7M

You can also find more detail on this concept (and others) on my YouTube Channel, Matt Waldman's RSP Film Room and in the RSP Cast below.

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