DB Drill Series: 180° Turns

The 180° turns drill is a zone and off man drill that is very important for defensive backs. Efficiency in this drill and movement will save you from getting beat deep by wide receivers.

The drill is to help when a wide receiver closes a defensive back’s cushion suddenly and a quick turn is needed to get up field with the receiver so that you can remain on his hip.  It is also helpful for safeties who may need to get vertical on the hash or in the post suddenly.  Being efficient in this move will get a defensive back where they need to be in the least amount of time possible.

The drill is a simple one, but as I always say, the devil is in the details. Here’s how the drill works:

1– The defensive back starts from the sidelines and is aligned on a yard line. Using the yard line helps the DB understand where he is on the field both before and after the turn.

2 – The defensive back then starts on his pedal along the line staying on the balls of his feet and his weight over his toes. You should be peddling with all of the same efficiency and skill that you use when doing a normal pedal drill.

3 – At a certain point during the pedal, a coach or a training partner yells out “turn” and the defensive back must make a 180° turn that puts him running in the opposite direction.

4 – To execute the turn, the defensive back must remain low, drive his opposite foot into the ground and generate the turn from his hips. By opposite foot I mean if you are turning right drive your left foot into the ground and if turning left,  drive your right foot into the ground. Doing this generates power in the turn and allows the defensive back to execute with greater quickness.

5 – Do not over emphasize throwing the elbow in the turn as it may throw you off balance when you complete the turn. It’s fine to throw the elbow but be sure that you keep it in tight and don’t allow your arms to spread out from your body. Keep your arms in tight to maintain balance.

6– After the turn, the defensive back should sprint through the hashmarks.

7 – You should then repeat the drill from the #to the sidelines and execute, the turn to the opposite side. If no coach or partner is present,  you will simply have to generate the turn on your own command.  Focus on your foot placement, upper body, location, and efficiency on the turn.

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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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