AEDB Drill Video: Press Release Motor and Hard Press Drill

AEDB Drill Video:
Press Release Motor and Hard Press Drill

By: Chad Wilson – All Eyes DB Camp

In this drill video we are working releases with an emphasis on two particular techniques.

When it comes to press coverages there are a variety of techniques deployed by coaches across the country at the high school, college and professional levels.  Of those techniques,  the two that we show in this video are the two most common.

No matter the variation,  press techniques fall into two categories.  Those categories are hard press or soft press.  In this video,  I am working with two cornerbacks from the Wisconsin Badgers,  Madison Cone and Faion Hicks. Cone is the defensive back in the clip and Hicks is working as the receiver.

Hicks imitates the release of a WR while Cone works on both soft press and hard press technique.

In soft press,  it is recommended that you align further off of the WR for a couple of reasons.  The first reason is that there is no sense in trying to align nose to nose with a WR if you do not intend to put your hands on him rather quickly.  Aligning too close will put the WR on your toes suddenly and you will abandon your technique.  You will find it difficult to motor with a WR who is even with you and is pressing you vertically the second he comes off the ball.

The second reason that you align a little deeper is because in soft press you will be taking a false step to motor out as you will see in the video.  With that false step to start your motor you will be losing space between you and the WR from the beginning so give yourself some room to work with.  That room will allow you to motor and mirror the WRs release more effectively.

In hard press,  aligning closer is ok.  Some may still want to align deeper just to allow themselves to be patient,  wait for the WR to get into their space before they put their hands on him.  Others may want to align closer which is ok too if you plan on getting hands on the WR immediately or fairly early in the release.

Either way,  in hard press,  the objective is to not give up little if any room at the line of scrimmage.  You want to get hands on the WR and be physical.  If this is not possible because the WR is taking a hard outside or inside release,  the objective then is to kick slide (not crossover) as long as you can to widen the release.  Widening the release will disrupt the timing and spacing of the route and thus the play.  Daily work on your kick slide is recommended to become very proficient in using this technique.  You also have to be forceful with your hands.  Do not just lay them on the WR,  you must “bang” him up when you make contact.  You must do so without lunging.  Punch while keeping your balance. Your aim is to be physical, get into his head and “own” him.  Show him who is boss.

If you have any questions or comments on this drill video,  feel free to reach out to me via email at: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com.  Thank you for being a member.

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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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