I often get asked via DM on Twitter or Instagram by a young DB about how to cover a specific route like a slant or a curl. The way you cover these routes is simple. Study film study so you can have some anticipation and then by having solid coverage skills overall.
We are in an era where we are constantly being sold on “hacks” and quick fixes to problems. I get it, some problems in life can be solved by simply adding baking soda to water and ta-dah. Playing defensive back offers few solutions that are that simple.
The way you cover a curl route is the same way you cover an out route. The way you cover a slant route is the same way you cover a fade. It’s by having sound technique, great eyes, good feet and solid hands. Stop seeking a way to stop one route that may be giving you trouble and seek to improve your overall skills. Also, you aren’t always going to be able to cover every route. Some defenses are designed to give up certain routes while being tough on others. It’s all about anticipating where the offense may try to attack and defend it. Sometimes the offense wins.
Focus on your technique, film study and knowing your defense. Know where your help is on a coverage and maintain your leverage. If a player is hitting you on a route, hopefully your coach gives you some relief by changing the call or you go and communicate to the coach that this is happening. Coaches do tend to listen more often to guys that they know put the time in and know the playbook. So be that guy.
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". 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.
