(NEW) DB Tips | When to Get Out of My Back Pedal

I often get asked by young defensive backs “how do I know when to get out of my backpedal”?

Deciding when to turn and run with a WR that is blazing down the field is the key to either making a play or run into certain disaster.  It is one of those things that you definitely get better with over time as you gain experience but even the pros will,  at times,  struggle with transitioning out of their pedal to get in proper position to defend a deep ball.

Often times what you will see with defensive backs is either a turn too soon because they either don’t trust their backpedal,  don’t trust their speed or are just plain ole frightened.

It can be a scary thing to have a WR running forward at full speed and you moving at a much slower speed with your back pedal.  However,  with proper know how and technique,  you can alleviate your fears,  remain in control and make a play on the ball no matter where it is thrown.

Whether it is a back shoulder fade, a fade to the corner of the end zone or a straight up deep ball go route,  using the principles that I outline in this video will put you in the best position possible to make a play on the ball.

For starters,  I recommend making your turn out of your pedal when the WR gets to within 3 yards of you.  You can use 3 yards as your starting point.  In time,  you will learn how to judge the speed and intentions of a WR and you can play around with that cushion by either waiting longer to turn or even turning earlier.

Of course,  we should be aware of what mis-timing our turn can mean.  Turn too early and you risk the WR gaining access to your blind spot.  This will allow to him either spin your around on a deep ball or route he breaks off.  Turn too late and you will end up underneath the WR and he will separate from you on a deep ball.

Listen carefully to the tidbits of information I give you in the video and apply them the next time you are out covering a WR.  If you have any questions on this video and / or my member’s area,  feel free to email me: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com.  Thank you for being a member.

(Note: The audio on the video cuts out at about 8:35.  Unfortunately I can’t re-record it.  I think I’ve made my point by then.  Still much to learn from it.)

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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