7 Must-Read Books to Elevate Your Defensive Back Skills and Football IQ

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Chad Wilson

January 8, 2025

1. 101 DB Tips by Chad Wilson

Why It’s Great: A complete guide specifically for defensive backs, written by a seasoned coach and trainer. It covers stance, press technique, footwork, backpedal, alignment, and ball skills.

Where to Find It: 101 DB Tips

Who It’s For: High school, college players, and DB coaches.

 


2. Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0 by Pat Kirwan

  • Why It’s Great: While not exclusively for DBs, this book enhances football IQ by breaking down the game’s complexities, including defensive strategies and schemes.
  • Where to Find It: Amazon or online bookstores.
  • Who It’s For: Players and coaches who want a deeper understanding of football.

3. The Art of Smart Football by Chris B. Brown

  • Why It’s Great: Focuses on understanding offensive and defensive concepts, helping you anticipate plays and react better.
  • Where to Find It: Amazon, Kindle.
  • Who It’s For: DBs looking to improve football IQ and scheme recognition.

4. Football Skills & Drills by Tom Bass

  • Why It’s Great: Covers the essential techniques for all positions, including defensive backs. It includes drills and skills for tackling, coverage, and ball skills.
  • Where to Find It: Amazon or local online bookstores.
  • Who It’s For: Players at any level.

5. Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover

  • Why It’s Great: Focuses on mindset, which is critical for DBs who need confidence and resilience. Written by a legendary performance coach.
  • Where to Find It: Amazon, Audible.
  • Who It’s For: Athletes looking to develop mental toughness.

6. Gridiron Genius by Michael Lombardi

  • Why It’s Great: Offers insights into building a winning mentality and understanding how great defenses operate, including DB play.
  • Where to Find It: Amazon, Audible.
  • Who It’s For: Players and coaches looking for strategic inspiration.

7. Building the Best DBs: A Coach’s Manual by Kenny Wilhite

  • Why It’s Great: Offers step-by-step coaching techniques for defensive backs, focusing on fundamentals, drills, and situational awareness.
  • Where to Find It: Online football coaching resources or Amazon.
  • Who It’s For: Coaches and advanced players.

Bonus Resource: All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area

Why It’s Great: Exclusive access to defensive back-specific training, tutorials, and drills tailored for DBs looking to excel.

Where to Find It: All Eyes DB Camp

Who It’s For: Players and coaches who want premium DB content.

Author: Chad Wilson

Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "<a href="http://101dbtips.com">101 DB Tips</a>". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.

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