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How To Teach Press Man Coverage

Press man coverage is a very effective tool that defenses can use to neutralize some of the most potent passing attacks.  Many feel that superior athletic ability is required to be effective in press man but that is not entirely true.  The over arching thing that is necessary to be effective in press man is technique.  When combined with proper deployment of coverage,  even a team with slightly above average athletes in the secondary can be very effective in press.  In this article,  I will lay out the basic and effective ways coaches can teach press man coverage to their defensive backs.

Stance and Alignment

Start by teaching your defensive backs the proper stance for press man coverage. They should have a balanced stance with their feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. An important image to give your defensive backs who are just starting out is to take the same stance that they would if they were in the squat rack trying to squat 225 pounds. This should involve them having their feet up under them with their chest out. Whatever position you would take to best move that heavy weight, should be the same position you should take to be explosive out of your stance upon the wide receivers movement. Also, your defensive backs should find their proper depth away from the wide receiver. If the first movement by the wide receiver causes the defensive back to split his feet,  open the gate or “spaz out“ then he is too close. Start at a yard and a half away from the wide receiver and work from there. You never really want to be more than 2 yards away and never closer than a yard unless your technique is to touch the wide receiver immediately upon his first move.

Footwork and Technique

In terms of foot work, it should be emphasized that short steps and body control are optimal. Hopping, long steps, and upper body leans while working to jam a receiver at the line of scrimmage should be discouraged. A rigid upper body combined with short, smooth, controlled steps will keep the defensive back in the proper position to execute a jam and change direction when necessary. There are mainly two types of techniques when playing press. One is hard press where the emphasis is on getting hands on the wide receiver and widening his release or there is soft press where there’s more of an emphasis on using your feet to mirror the release and stay in front of the receiver. I go more in depth on the contrast between these two techniques in this post, click here.

Jamming and Hand Placement

Demonstrate the proper technique for jamming the receiver at the line of scrimmage. Emphasize using the base of the palm to strike the receiver’s chest or shoulder pads, disrupting their release. Teach your players to keep their hands active throughout the jam, maintaining contact with the receiver while redirecting their route. Emphasize keeping the eyes down while using the hands. So basically, the defensive back is going to shoot his hands above his eyes. The goal is to strike the receiver’s chest while maintaining eye contact with his waist. Also, shooting the hands to the chest is favored over, attempting to strike the shoulder while at the line of scrimmage. This prevents the defensive back from missing the jam, if the wide receiver dips his shoulder.  As the route progresses down the field,  should strikes can be deployed.

Body Positioning and Leverage

Emphasize the importance of maintaining proper leverage according to the coverage being run. Some man coverages demand that the defensive back be inside of the wide receiver. Others favor the defensive back being on the outside of the receiver. Defensive backs should make a strong effort to maintain that leverage both at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route. Making sure they know where their help is will help them achieve this objective. Also, maintaining proper body position during the route will allow them to be with the wide receiver when the ball arrives. Defensive backs should be trying to maintain a decent amount of space (no more than arm’s length) during the route and then close out that space when the ball arrives so that they can defend a pass towards any part of the receivers body.

Recovery and Transition

Emphasize the need for quick recovery when the receiver gets a step on the defensive back. Teach your players to transition their body position while staying in phase with the receiver. Drills should be set up to teach effective techniques on defending routes both when the defensive back is in phase as well as out of phase. DB’s should be taught to maintain contact with the wide receiver while looking for the ball when in phase. They should also be taught how to play the hands of the wide receiver when they are out of phase and trying to catch up.

Communication and Film Study

Teach your defensive backs to communicate with their teammates, particularly the safeties, to ensure proper coverage assignments and help with over-the-top support. Incorporate film study sessions to analyze techniques, tendencies, and strategies of both the receivers and opposing offenses. Remember, repetition, attention to detail, and individualized coaching are crucial for mastering press man coverage. Provide feedback and correction consistently to help your players refine their technique and improve their performance.

Eye Discipline

Perhaps the most important factor in press man success is eye placement. It is also the most difficult thing for them to evaluate since they can’t see their eyes. As a coach, your biggest emphasis should be on correcting their eyes when they are out of place. Correct placement is largely a function of habit and repetition. Coach every rep as it pertains to eye discipline. Never let a rep with incorrect eye placement go by without correction.

These are the basic things that you will need to teach your players on how to be effective in press man coverage. Of course, there are other little things that are a part of it and you will notice what those things are as you begin teaching your players the technique. In addition, some of what you do will relate to the type of coverages you run as a defense. Following the steps outlined in this article will give your players a tremendous start to being very effective press man defensive backs. For more in depth articles with videos on press man coverage, consider joining the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

Fix Your Eyes on More Interceptions with these 5 Techniques

In the realm of sports, the ability to maintain sharp eye discipline and unwavering focus is often the difference between success and mediocrity. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a seasoned competitor, honing your visual skills can significantly enhance your performance. In this article, we will delve into effective techniques and exercises that can help improve your eye discipline and focus, enabling you to track moving objects with precision, anticipate plays, and make split-second decisions on the field.  I’m going to show you ways to get your hands on that football.

Visual Tracking Exercises

Visual tracking exercises are invaluable for developing eye discipline and improving your ability to follow moving objects. Incorporate activities such as tracking a ball with your eyes as it moves from hand to hand or tracking the flight of a bouncing tennis ball. Another helpful exercise is using a partner or coach to move their hand or an object in various directions, requiring you to track its movement accurately. These exercises strengthen the connection between your eyes and brain, allowing you to react quickly and precisely to fast-paced movements during competition. Another great drill I like to use is “eye trigger”.   This would be either moving slowly (in a back pedal for instance) or standing still and then by the move of a hand you come out of your break or take off into a sprint based on the hand movement.  So if I point to the ground make a zero degree break straight back down or make a 90 degree break left or right depending on the movement of my hand.

Peripheral Vision Training

Peripheral vision is essential in sports, as it allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings while focusing on a specific target. To enhance your peripheral vision, perform exercises that involve scanning the environment while maintaining focus on a central point. One exercise is the “Clock Drill,” where you imagine a clock face around you and practice looking at specific numbers without moving your head. Additionally, engaging in sports that require quick reactions, such as basketball or soccer, can naturally improve your peripheral vision over time.

Visual Focus Techniques

In sports, the ability to maintain focus on the task at hand is paramount. Incorporate techniques that aid in maintaining visual focus, such as setting specific visual goals during training sessions. For example, you can focus on a logo or patch on a wide receiver’s hip when playing press man.  Engaging in mindfulness or meditation practices can also help improve overall concentration and focus. By training your mind to stay present and focused, you’ll be better equipped to ignore distractions and make accurate decisions during intense competition.

Hand-Eye Coordination Drills

Hand-eye coordination is a fundamental aspect of many sports. Improving this skill can significantly enhance your performance. Engage in drills that require precise coordination between your visual input and motor response. Activities like juggling, catching and throwing drills, or hitting a moving target with a racket or bat can help refine your hand-eye coordination. These exercises not only strengthen your visual-motor connection but also improve reaction time and spatial awareness, leading to better overall performance in your chosen sport.  Believe it or not,  defensive backs that engage in games of whiffle ball where you are using a plastic bat to hit a plastic ball that can make all kind of darting moves as it approaches you can help you focus in press man.  If you don’t focus your eyes in whiffle ball, you want hit it.  It can be really frustrating.  That frustration and determination to hit the ball will force you to dial in with your eye discipline.  That skills can be directly translated into your need as a defensive back to use eye discipline in man coverage.

Visualization and Mental Imagery

Visualization and mental imagery techniques allow athletes to create vivid mental pictures of their desired outcomes. Take time to visualize successful performances in your sport, picturing yourself executing specific skills with precision. Focus on details such as body position, technique, and the desired outcome. Regularly engage in mental imagery sessions before practices or competitions to strengthen the neural pathways associated with your sport. By repeatedly visualizing successful outcomes, you enhance your confidence and reinforce positive muscle memory, leading to improved execution on the field or court.  When I was a coach,  I made a routine to tell my players after our final film session to go home that night,  put aside 10 minutes and visualize themselves making the plays based on what they saw on film all week.  For something to happen in the physical,  you must first play it out in the mental.  Don’t take this for granted at all.  Visualize success and don’t be surprised when it happens.

In the world of sports, enhancing eye discipline and focus is crucial for peak performance. By incorporating visual tracking exercises, peripheral vision training, visual focus techniques, hand-eye coordination drills, and visualization exercises into your training regimen, you can sharpen your visual skills and gain a competitive edge. Remember, just as physical training is vital for athletic success, dedicating time and effort to improve your eye discipline and focus will propel you towards achieving your goals in your chosen sport.  Suddenly,  you are a ball hawk that is pulling down interceptions at an All American clip.  See it,  Believe it and GO.

Avoid these Top 5 DB Coach Mistakes

Coaching Defensive Backs: Avoiding the Biggest Teaching Mistakes

Whether you have been at it for a while or you’ve just been given the tall task,  coaching the last line of defense can be quite the challenge.  Outside of quarterback and left tackle,  no other position on the field gets more attention and draws more fire than the defensive backs.  Developing an entire unit can be a challenge with so many steps involved especially when you consider that most of your group spent their early years playing a different position.  As you consider what lies before you along with the varying types of skills and mental approaches by those you are in charge of,  take note of the following mistakes that many coaches make.  Perhaps you have been guilty of these in the past but even if you were,  there’s no better time than the present to fix them and have your unit benefit.

Neglecting Fundamentals 

One of the most significant mistakes coaches make is neglecting the fundamentals when teaching defensive backs. It’s crucial to lay a solid foundation by emphasizing proper stance, footwork, and technique. Without a strong fundamental base, defensive backs may struggle with coverage, tackling, and overall execution. Coaches should prioritize teaching and reinforcing fundamental skills regularly, incorporating drills and repetitions to develop muscle memory and ensure proper execution in game situations. There tends to be a focus on teaching scheme and making sure players are where they need to be the varying coverages that coaches run.  However,  if doing this leaves little to no time for giving your players the tools they need to run those coverages then you are doing too much schematically.  They say less is more,  consider that in this case.  A player without tools and in this case that means technique,  will not be able to complete the job.

Lack of Individualized Instruction 

Every defensive back is unique in terms of their physical abilities, skill sets, and areas for improvement. Coaches sometimes make the mistake of employing a one-size-fits-all teaching approach, failing to provide individualized instruction to cater to each player’s needs. To maximize player development, coaches should evaluate each defensive back’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor their coaching techniques accordingly. By focusing on specific areas of improvement for each player, coaches can help them grow and excel in their roles.  I think we have all be guilty of this one.  Perhaps coaches have had success using certain techniques as a player or as a coach of other players.  That does not necessarily mean that it will be successful for all of the players you coach.  It is difficult for coaches to coach multiple techniques either because they don’t understand them or they have fear of losing the core of their philosophy.  Sure,  it is a fine line but ultimately,  you have to give your players the tools they need to go to work on game day.  Don’t take away the abilities of a potentially great player because you do not have the ability to tweak a technique to allow him to have success.

Inadequate Film Study Guidance

Film study is an essential aspect of developing defensive backs’ football intelligence. However, coaches often make the mistake of not providing sufficient guidance and structure in this area. It’s crucial to teach defensive backs how to study film effectively, including how to analyze opponents’ tendencies, formations, and individual player traits. Coaches should offer clear instructions on what to look for, how to break down film, and how to apply the insights gained to on-field performance. By providing proper film study guidance, coaches can help their defensive backs become more prepared, instinctive, and adaptable on game day.  So many players leave high school and go through college lacking in this area.  After so many years of training,  I would dare say that it is one of,  if not the main reason why players struggle at the pro level.  You have to understand your opponent to defeat them.

Failure to Foster Communication and Cohesion 

A cohesive and communicative secondary can greatly enhance a team’s defensive performance. However, coaches sometimes overlook the importance of fostering communication skills among defensive backs. This includes teaching effective verbal and non-verbal communication, such as proper signaling, recognizing offensive formations, and making split-second adjustments. Coaches should create an environment that encourages open communication, emphasizing the role of defensive backs as on-field leaders. By prioritizing communication skills, coaches can improve the overall coordination and effectiveness of their defensive backfield.  If you are a majority zone based defense,  this point can’t be emphasized enough.  Use your walk-through periods to emphasize communication.  It is the best time to get your players to understand this aspect of your pass defense.  While things are slowed down,  make sure they talk to each other and put everyone on the same page when the ball is snapped.

Lack of Player Development Plan 

To optimize the growth of defensive backs, coaches need to have a well-defined player development plan. This plan should include progressive skill development goals, specific drills, and measurable milestones. Neglecting to establish a clear roadmap for individual player development can hinder their progress and limit their potential. Coaches should regularly assess their defensive backs’ strengths and weaknesses and design targeted training sessions to address areas that need improvement. By implementing a structured player development plan, coaches can facilitate continuous growth and ensure their defensive backs are on the right track towards achieving their goals.  Herein lies one of the major reasons defensive backs transfer.  Sometimes it’s not just about them being a backup.  If they feel neglected as a backup then they are forced to go elsewhere.  Players progress at different levels.  Make sure that you are showing proper attention to those who are not yet ready to play.  Give them feedback, put them on a schedule and allow them to see improvement towards their goals.  There’s nothing worse than being second and having no plan available to become first.  

Coaching defensive backs requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to continual improvement. By avoiding common mistakes such as neglecting fundamentals, providing individualized instruction, offering proper film study guidance, fostering communication, and having a player development plan, coaches can enhance their teaching effectiveness. Empowering defensive backs with a strong foundation, personalized coaching, effective film study techniques, and a cohesive communication framework will contribute to their growth and success on the field. 

Off Man / Zone DB Workout

I am often asked for defensive back workouts, and so I will look to provide some of those for you here in this members area. For this reason over the last couple of weeks, I have been posting drills in here with explanations.  To get an explanation and video of each drill,  click on the link for the drill.

(Make sure you complete an adequate warm up and stretch before doing this work out)

Emphasis: Off Man & Zone Footwork
Workout Time: 30-45 minutes
Equipment Needed: None
Difficulty: Beginner / Basic

Drill #1: Quick Pedal

Sets: 4
Reps: 2

Notes:  a set is the completion of going up one way and back down the other. Place an emphasis on keeping your weight over your toes and your heel low. Do you want to take tiny, quick steps in your pedal. You should strive to move your feet faster with each rep.

Drill #2: Weave N Stay Square

Sets: 3
Reps: 2

Notes: A set is going up and coming back down. You may feel some fatigue but don’t let it ruin your technique. Stay rigid up top and let your feet do the work. 

Drill #3: Hip Flip Drill

Sets: 4
Reps: 2

Notes: Another drill that may fatigue you. Take your time between sets on this one. It is important that you execute with perfection. Pay attention to the details 

Drill #4: 180˚ Turns

Sets: 4

Notes: A set is a turn to each side 

Drill #5: Weave N Get Up

Sets: 4

Notes: A set is a rep to each side

Mind on Lock; 5 Key Mental Elements You Need In Press Coverage

When It comes to training and improving your press man skills,  the emphasis is most often put on developing the physical characteristics that are necessary to stay in front of and on the hip of a wide receiver.  However,  there is a big mental component to playing press or man coverage in general.  You can give yourself a big edge if you don’t ignore this element in your training and work to develop your press man mental skills.  In this article,  I am going to tell you five very key mental aspects to press man coverage that you need to develop.

Spatial Awareness and Route Recognition

A great press man cornerback possesses a high football IQ and spatial awareness. They can anticipate route combinations, read the receiver’s intentions, and react accordingly. By recognizing route concepts and understanding the receiver’s tendencies, the cornerback can position themselves strategically and disrupt passing lanes. One big example of this is on a fade route.  Having an understanding of how much room the wide receiver has to work with gives the intelligent defensive back a clue as to which way he should look for the ball.  Should the DB look through the receiver for the ball or look inside to locate it?  This is determined by the amount of space there is between the wide receiver and the sidelines.  The more space there is between the receiver and the sidelines,  the more likely it is that you would need to look through him for the ball as location of the pass has a higher chance of being located to his outside shoulder.  Have an awareness of how much space the receiver has to work with in his route.

Confidence and Mental Toughness 

Press man coverage can be physically demanding and mentally challenging. A great press man cornerback possesses confidence in their abilities and the mental toughness to remain composed even when facing top-tier receivers. They trust their technique, physicality, and instincts, which allows them to thrive in one-on-one matchups and embrace the challenge of shutting down opposing receivers.  This mental toughness should not waver when the defensive back gets beat.  A good press man defensive back realizes that they will not win every rep and that their level of confidence should not rise and fall with the success of each rep.  The most important play after the one that just finished is the next one.  Remain confident after each play no matter what the outcome was.  If you have put in the required time training and studying,  it’s only a matter of time before you make a big play when the offense is attacking you.

Film Study and Preparation

The best press man cornerbacks understand the importance of film study and preparation. They analyze their opponents’ tendencies, route combinations, and release techniques. By studying film, they gain a deeper understanding of their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to anticipate routes, releases, and adjustments on the field.  You will often find this element working it’s way into the articles that I write on this blog.  You simply can’t excel in coverage of any kind without studying.  You put yourself at a disadvantage on the field if you are totally in reactive mode.  There has to be a certain level of anticipation while you are playing and the only way to get that is by studying your opponent.  Not only should be you be studying your opponent but you must now believe what you see in the game when it happens.  Trust your film study and be aggressive when the situation unfolds the way you expected it to.

Communication and Collaboration 

While press man coverage is primarily an individual task, great cornerbacks also excel at communication and collaboration within the secondary. They effectively communicate with their teammates, ensuring proper coverage assignments, adjustments, and pre-snap alignments. Solid communication and collaboration help the entire secondary function as a cohesive unit. Some defensive backs get the idea that the moment man coverage is called they are on their own.  This is faulty thinking.  Football is a team game and thus there is always help even in man coverage.  In certain coverages there is help in the post,  on the hash or underneath.  Even when the coverage dictates that there is no help from another member of the secondary,  the help comes from an intense pass rush,  the sidelines or the backline of the end zone.  Make it a point to know where your help is and to communicate with your teammates so that everyone is on the same page.

Competitive Mindset and Resilience

Great press man cornerbacks possess a competitive mindset and an unyielding resilience. They embrace the challenge of facing top receivers, thrive in one-on-one matchups, and bounce back from any setbacks. Their unwavering determination allows them to maintain focus and intensity throughout the game, consistently disrupting passing plays.  There is a scene in the famous movie Training Day where the main character played by Denzel Washington rolls down the window and says to his police partner “you gotta smell the streets,  you gotta love it” or something close to that.  The point is,  you have to love the challenge of getting up in a wide receiver’s face and eliminating him from his team’s game plan.  If you have a genuine love for something you will do whatever you have to do to succeed at it so you can keep doing it.  Learn to love the challenge of matching up 1-on-1 vs the man in front of you.  Once you adopt that mentality,  everything else will fall in place. 

There are a lot of physical attributes that are necessary to excel as a press man cornerback but those tools will be of little help to you if you don’t posses the right mental aspects to defeat your opponent.  Those mental aspects are spatial awareness with route recognition,  confidence with mental toughness, film study, communication and a competitive mindset.  Devote part of your training to develop those areas and watch how it enhances your press man coverage abilities.  

How to Train for DB Speed in the Offseason

Enhancing Speed in the Offseason: Training Tips for Defensive Backs

Speed is a vital attribute for defensive backs in football, enabling them to keep up with receivers, close gaps, and make crucial plays. To excel on the field, defensive backs must prioritize speed training during the offseason. This article provides valuable insights and training tips to help defensive backs enhance their speed, explosiveness, and overall athleticism in preparation for the upcoming season. By incorporating these strategies into their offseason regimen, defensive backs can elevate their game and make a significant impact on the field.

Develop Lower Body Strength 

Building lower body strength is fundamental for improving speed. Focus on exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and calf raises to develop strength in the hips, glutes, quads, and hamstrings. These compound exercises not only enhance power but also contribute to overall stability and explosiveness. Incorporate plyometric exercises like box jumps, lateral hops, and single-leg bounds to further enhance lower body strength and explosive power.  You don’t need a weight room to do those plyometric exercises either.  A simple work out of 10 yard broad jumps followed by a 10 yard walk for the length of a football field could do the trick.  

Incorporate Sprint Training 

Integrating sprint training into the offseason program is crucial for improving speed. Perform various sprint drills such as short sprints (10-30 yards), flying sprints, uphill sprints, and resisted sprints using sleds or resistance bands. Focus on maintaining proper form, including a forward lean, driving knees, and pumping arms for maximum efficiency. Gradually increase intensity and volume as the offseason progresses, incorporating interval training and timed sprints to simulate game-like scenarios.  Be sure to have adequate rest in between sprints when training for speed.  A good rule of thumb is rest 1 minute per 10 yards sprinted.  Keep in mind when training for speed,  you are not just looking recovery in our breathing but recovery of our central nervous system.  The energy for sprinting comes from there so full recovery is necessary to complete an additional sprint at maximum velocity.

Enhance Acceleration and Deceleration 

Speed in football is not just about top-end sprinting; it also involves quick acceleration and effective deceleration. Incorporate exercises that specifically target these aspects, such as shuttle runs, agility ladder drills, and cone drills. These exercises help improve the ability to change direction rapidly, accelerate from a stationary position, and come to a controlled stop. Developing proper technique and body control during acceleration and deceleration can give defensive backs a significant advantage on the field.

Focus on Hip Flexibility and Mobility 

Hip flexibility and mobility are essential for defensive backs to maintain an optimal stride length and range of motion. Include dynamic stretching exercises like leg swings, hip circles, and hip flexor stretches in your warm-up routine. Additionally, performing exercises like hip rotations, lateral lunges, and glute bridges can help improve hip mobility. Enhanced hip flexibility allows for better body control, quicker change of direction, and a more efficient running stride.  This is where most defensive backs,  especially young ones,  come up short.  Of all the positions on the football field,  defensive back involves the most violent and no traditional stress on soft tissue.  This means groin and hip flexor injuries are most common for DBs.  Incorporating a great stretching program while boring will keep you away from the soft tissue injuries that cause you to have to take a break from all of the other exciting stuff.  You can’t win if you are not in.  Stay healthy during training.

Implement Agility and Footwork Drills 

Agility and footwork drills are crucial for defensive backs to maintain quick reactions and nimble movements on the field. Incorporate ladder drills, cone drills, shuttle runs, and reaction drills to enhance agility, coordination, and footwork. Focus on precise foot placement, quick transitions, and maintaining balance throughout each drill. Consistent practice of these drills helps defensive backs improve their ability to mirror receivers, change direction fluidly, and react to the ball effectively. You will also get a good amount of this work in your defensive back drills as well.  Check the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area for DB workouts that will help you in this area.  

To stand out as a defensive back, improving speed and agility is of utmost importance. By incorporating targeted training strategies into their offseason routine, defensive backs can significantly improve their speed, explosiveness, and overall athleticism. Developing lower body strength, incorporating sprint training, focusing on acceleration and deceleration, improving hip flexibility and mobility, and practicing agility and footwork drills are key elements to address. By dedicating time and effort to these aspects during the offseason, defensive backs can elevate their game, make impactful plays, and be valuable assets to their teams on the field.

7 Ways to Improve Your IQ as a Defensive Back

If there was one “skill” that I favored over others from a player when I was coaching it was intelligence.  Your brain controls everything else on your body when you are on the field.  What good is running fast if you don’t know where to go?  What good is being strong if you don’t know who to hit?  Smart players also rise the level of play of all the other players around them.  In this article,  I will talk about seven sure fire ways for you to improve your IQ as a defensive back. 

Improving your football IQ as a defensive back involves a combination of film study, understanding defensive schemes, recognizing offensive formations, and enhancing your overall football knowledge. Here are some tips to help you enhance your IQ as a defensive back:

1 – Film Study 

Regularly watch game film of both your own performances and those of opposing teams. Analyze the tendencies and patterns of offenses, identify route combinations, and study the techniques and movements of successful defensive backs. Focus on understanding how offenses attack different coverages and how you can counter them effectively.  Pay close attention to formations and split of wide receivers as they definitely mean something.  Notice what teams like to do with certain players along with what routes the quarterback favors.  Learning the tendencies gives you the power of anticipation which allows you to move faster on the field.

2 – Learn Defensive Schemes

Develop a deep understanding of your team’s defensive scheme and your role within it. Familiarize yourself with various coverages such as man-to-man, zone, and hybrid defenses. Understand the responsibilities of each position in your defensive backfield and how they work together to provide effective coverage.  You have often heard me say to know where your help is.  The only way for that to happen is to totally understand the defensive scheme.  It isn’t enough to just know your job.  Knowing what the other members in the pass coverages (both defensive backs and linebackers) are supposed to be doing will help you do your job better.

3- Study Offensive Formations 

Learn to recognize different offensive formations and understand the potential routes and plays that teams tend to run from those formations. Pay attention to the alignment and positioning of receivers, running backs, and tight ends as they can provide valuable clues about the intended play. One of the most important things to understand is the pass protection.  I am sure you really haven’t paid much attention to that in the past.  Well it’s time to start doing that,  it will help you understand what the offense has to do in the pass play.  The number one job of an offense is to protect the passer.  Think of it as the Queen on a chess board.  For example,  an empty set means the ball has to come out quick as there are less people protecting the quarterback.

4 – Communication and Pre-snap Reads 

Work on your communication skills with your fellow defensive backs and linebackers. Effective communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page and reduces the chances of breakdowns in coverage. Learn to make pre-snap reads, anticipating potential routes and adjustments based on the offensive formation and alignment.  A big part of knowing the defensive scheme and playbook is understanding how you will adjust to what the offense does.  What is supposed to happen the offense sends a player in motion?  What does the tight end going from one end of the formation to the other mean to your coverage?  Sometimes you can start off in one coverage and end up in another once the ball is snapped.  Understanding that makes you a more intelligent player and one that can be trusted. 

5 – Seek Mentorship and Coaching 

If possible, seek guidance from experienced coaches or former defensive backs who can provide insights and tips to improve your understanding of the position. They can help you refine your technique, provide feedback on your film study, and offer valuable advice based on their own experiences. This is one of the major reasons why I started the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  It was to provide information and mentorship to people across the globe about playing pass defense.  Take advantage of things like this.  Take every opportunity to spend extra time with your coach getting up to speed on how the defense works and what offenses will try to do to attack it.  If your coach is not available,  seek the help of a trainer,  former player or someone else otherwise knowledgeable about the game. 

6 – Stay Updated on the Game 

Follow football news, watch games, and read articles or books about football strategy and defensive back play. Stay informed about new trends, techniques, and developments in the game, as this knowledge can give you an edge on the field.  Offenses are constantly coming up with new tweaks, tricks and schemes to get behind the secondary and score touchdowns.  If you don’t stay informed then be prepared to get fooled.  Keep your ear to the streets and find out what your opponent is up to.  New routes,  releases and combinations are always being cooked up to leave you fried on the field.  Don’t get baked by something you could have seen coming if you spent a little time looking for it.  Wide receivers and quarterbacks routinely hang out on my Instagram page and this blog spying on what we’re up to.  Make sure you return the favor.  

7 -Mental Preparation 

Develop mental toughness and focus. Practice visualization techniques to imagine different game scenarios and anticipate your responses. Train yourself to read and react quickly to offensive cues and adjust your positioning accordingly. Remember, improving your football IQ as a defensive back is an ongoing process that requires dedication, study, and practical application. Continuously work on expanding your knowledge, refining your skills, and seeking feedback to become a more effective and intelligent player.  Russell Wilson was clowned for practicing his pre-game routine even down to the high fives coming out of the tunnel.  Russell Wilson is a $200 million quarterback that is also a Super Bowl champion.  Drew Brees would go on the field by himself the day before a game and practice a while drive down the field.  Some may call it corny but there’s nothing corny about something happening in the game that you already rehearsed and your body automatically moving into position to make the big play.  

A smart player is a trusted player.  A trusted player is where he needs to be when he needs to be there.  What kind of player do you want to be?  You have just been given the blueprint to becoming a high IQ defensive back.  The answer now is what are you going to do with it?  I know what a smart player would do. 

DB Drill Series: Weave N Get Up

The Weave N Get UP Drill combines a pair of essential moves for defensive backs.  First is the weave which allows a defensive back to hold their leverage against a wide receivers stem or allows a safety to move from one part of the deep field to another without sacrificing the ability to to break left or right if needed to.   The second move involved in the drill is a hip flip which allows a defensive back to keep their depth leverage on a wide receiver or allows a safety to quickly move from one area of the the deep part of the field to another.

Developing both of these skills will allow the defender to be more efficient in his moves and make more plays so here’s how the drill works (there is a video at the end of this post)

1 – Start off in a staggered stance as if you were playing off a wide receiver.  It’s ideal for you to do this drill from the sidelines of a lined field.  Align along one of the long yard marks.  Then weave at a 45° angle from one long yard mark to another,  so for instance,  from the 40 yard line over to the 45 yard line.   Keep a rigid upper body in your pedal and do not cross your feet over.

2 – Once you reach the other long yard mark,  execute a hip flip inside by planting your outside foot hard below you then swinging your hips and shoulders open to face inside.  You should not raise your shoulders to do this.  Stay on the same level as you did in your pedal.

3 – Once you have opened,  proceed towards the hash marks in the middle of the field by leading with your hips and keeping your front shoulder down.  Your front shoulder should be in line with the long yard mark.  Avoid closing your shoulder and turning your back to the sidelines.  You must stay open!

4 – Proceed to the first set of hash marks in the middle of the field in an opened cross over run.

See the video below:

7 Ways to Master Learning Your Defensive Playbook

The playbook is the foundation of a team’s defensive strategy and coordination on the field. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to the game, learning your defensive playbook efficiently is essential for success. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ways to help you grasp the intricacies of a playbook, from understanding terminology to breaking down complex schemes. By implementing these strategies, you can boost your football IQ and become a more effective player.

1 -Understand the Terminology

A defensive playbook is filled with unique terminology that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Start by familiarizing yourself with the key terms used in your team’s playbook. Study the various positions, offensive and defensive formations, and play call signals. To reinforce your understanding, consider creating flashcards or using online resources to quiz yourself regularly. Building a solid foundation of football jargon will help you quickly interpret and execute plays during high-pressure game situations. Repetition is key in this instance.  Taking 5-15 minutes on a daily basis to go over things helps to ingrain it into your brain.  Doing this beats one hour or more cram sessions.  During those type sessions,  more information gets forgotten than you would like.  Do a daily review to help the information stick better.

2 – Visualize the Plays 

Mental imagery plays a crucial role in learning a football playbook. Visualize each play in your mind, imagining yourself executing it flawlessly. Picture the movements, positions, and timing involved in every coverage. Watching game footage or highlights can also enhance your visualization skills. By repeatedly visualizing the plays, you will develop muscle memory and improve your on-field decision-making. We all learn in different ways and it also takes us a while to truly understand how we learn.  In the interim,  use all of your senses to grasp an understanding of your playbook.  This means,  visualizing is important.  If you have the luxury of seeing defenses run on film then by all means use that in conjunction with seeing the defenses being shown in the playbook. 

3 – Break Down the Playbook 

A playbook can be overwhelming, with numerous coverages, techniques, and checks. To make the process more manageable, break down the playbook into smaller sections. Focus on learning a few coverages at a time, understanding their purpose and your specific responsibilities within them. Take notes and draw diagrams to aid your comprehension. Gradually build upon your knowledge as you master each section, creating a solid foundation for learning more complex coverages.  After you have learned your responsibilities,  move to understanding those of the people around you.  Doing this aids in you having a greater understanding of what you need to do.  Eventually you will see how it all fits together like a puzzle.  Every defense has a philosophy and by studying the responsibility of each member of the defense you gain an understanding of that philosophy.  Once you have that understanding,  moving around on the field becomes easier for you. 

4 – Seek Guidance and Repetition 

Utilize the expertise of coaches, teammates, and older players to gain further insights into the playbook. Seek clarification whenever needed and ask questions to ensure you fully comprehend your role in each play. Engage in team walkthroughs, where you can practice the plays at a slower pace and receive immediate feedback. Additionally, take advantage of film study sessions to analyze successful plays and identify areas for improvement.  One of the biggest areas where new / young players struggle is in asking questions.  If you don’t understand something,  make the effort to go ask someone.  Determine the best time to ask questions and then by all means,  go and ask.  If you can not find the answers in the playbook,  in them meeting or in film study,  don’t just go on without knowing.  This will definitely negatively affect your performance and either prevent you from getting playing time or being effective when you are out on the field. 

5 – Physical Repetition and Simulation 

While mental preparation is crucial, physical repetition is equally important. Practice the plays on the field, focusing on proper footwork, timing, and execution. Replicate game-like scenarios by practicing at full speed and under simulated pressure. This will enhance your muscle memory and build the necessary instincts to execute plays effectively during actual games.  Most of this will be done during practice either through team period,  7-on-7 or walk throughs.  However,  there is nothing to stop you from doing these things on your own before or after practice.  When you are new,  you often are not getting very many reps.  You can up your understanding by taking those extra reps on your own.  Stay out on the field to rehearse your drops and envision your teammates taking theirs.  Visualize formations and walk yourself through the steps that are required.  On the surface,  this may seem corny.  However,  no one will be laughing at you when you make all county, all state,  all American or All pro. 

6 – Engage in Film Study 

Film study is an invaluable tool for learning a football playbook. Analyze game footage to understand how coverage unfold, the reactions of opposing teams, and successful strategies employed by your team. Observe the performance of players in your position and learn from their techniques and decision-making. Film study allows you to identify patterns, tendencies, and areas for improvement, enabling you to make better-informed decisions on the field.  This is typically a difficult part for young players.  There are just so many distractions these days to keep you away from jumping on Hudl to acquire the knowledge.  However,  if you are serious about being the best,  discipline and sacrifice are your best friends.  Put aside the time to do the film study because as we know our eyes are very important.  Being able to see what’s on the page come to life on film will amp up your understanding of the play book in a major way. 

7 – Use Online Aids and Watch Games

In this Internet / social media era,  there is simply so much information available easily.  Don’t take this for granted.  Sometimes there are videos on a platform like YouTube that can explain a defense or coverage your team is running better than your playbook does. Additionally,  tools like the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area are there to give you a full understanding of defensive football and playing pass coverage.  The same way you may look up an Algebra topic for help is the same way you can get a better understanding of quarters coverage.  Another underrated aspect of learning for new players is simply watching football games on TV.  Watch regular games with a more analytical eye.  Instead of looking to see who has the dope cleats or spending too much time marveling over a dark shield a player is wearing,  take note of how the defense is moving.  Listen to the analyst talking about the game and you will pick up clues about how things work.  Watch enough games and you will find yourself understanding things in your own playbook quicker.

Learning a football playbook is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of mental and physical preparation. By understanding the terminology, visualizing plays, breaking down the playbook, seeking guidance, engaging in physical repetition, and studying film, you can become a master of your team’s playbook. These methods will not only enhance your performance but also contribute to your overall football knowledge, making you a more versatile and valuable player on the gridiron.  Ultimately,  coaches play the players they trust and the guys they trust the most are the ones who know what they are supposed to be doing on the field. 

Understanding the Basics of Pass Defense

Understanding the fundamentals of pass coverage is essential for defensive backs at all levels of the game. In this article, we will explore the key concepts and techniques involved in pass coverage, including zone coverage, man-to-man coverage, matchup zones zone blitzes along with the roles and responsibilities of different defensive positions.

Zone Coverage 

Zone coverage is a pass defense strategy where defenders are responsible for specific areas or “zones” on the field rather than covering individual receivers. The objective is to deny passing lanes, close passing windows and make it difficult for the quarterback to find an open receiver. There are various zone coverage schemes. The most basic of those coverages are Cover 2, Cover 3, and Cover 4.

Cover 2 involves two safeties splitting the field into deep halves. The cornerbacks cover the short outside areas, while the linebackers focus on covering the middle zones. This scheme is effective against short and intermediate passes but can leave the defense vulnerable in deep areas. 

Cover 3 involves three deep defenders, each responsible for a deep zone. The remaining defenders cover the underneath zones (flat, curl, hook and low hole). This scheme provides good coverage against deep passes but can leave vulnerabilities in the intermediate areas. 

Cover 4, also known as “quarters coverage,” splits the field into four deep zones. Each defender is responsible for a quarter of the field. This scheme offers strong coverage against deep passes, but it can leave the underneath areas more vulnerable.  

Man-to-Man Coverage 

Man-to-man coverage involves defenders being assigned specific offensive players to cover. Each defender follows their assigned receiver across the field, aiming to stay in close proximity and disrupt the pass play. Man-to-man coverage requires excellent individual technique and athleticism. To execute in man coverage,  defenses use different techniques, press coverage and off coverage. 

Press coverage is a technique where the defender lines up directly across from the receiver (typically 1 to 2 yards) and aims to disrupt their route by jamming them at the line of scrimmage using a hard press technique or mirror them closely using a soft press technique. This technique is often used to disrupt timing-based pass plays.

Off coverage involves the defender giving the receiver some cushion before the snap, allowing them to react to the receiver’s route. Being able to back pedal, get out of breaks and react well to the receiver’s moves is a strong requirement to excel at this technique.  It provides more protection against deep passes but can leave the defender vulnerable to quick underneath routes.

The most common of the man to man coverages that are found are Cover 0, 1 and 2 man.  Cover 0 involves every eligible wide receiver on the offense being assigned to a defender on defense.  Instead of there being an extra player(s) to help with coverage in Cover 0,  those would be extra players are used to rush the passer and hurry the quarterback’s decision.  Cover 1 involves the same assignment of all eligible receivers to defenders for coverage.  However,  Cover 1 provides an extra defender in the form of a safety in the middle of the field to help the defenders on deep throws.  In 2 man,  a pair of safeties split the two deep areas of the field while other defenders are assigned to the eligible receivers.  Those defenders make every effort to cover the short and intermediate routes while relying on the safety for the deep throws.

Match-up Zones

Match up zones have become popular in recent years.  This blends a bit of both worlds.  It assigns defenders to a certain area of the field and then requires them to attach themselves man to man to receivers that enter those areas based on the rules of the coverage.  It has been used to confuse the quarterbacks reads and lead him into making errant throws.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Different positions on the defense have specific roles and responsibilities in pass coverage.  While the defensive line’s primary job is to rush,  the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties handle the pass coverage responsibilities.  Here is what each of them do.

Cornerbacks are primarily responsible for covering wide receivers. They must have excellent speed, agility, and coverage skills. Cornerbacks often play man-to-man coverage but may also be involved in zone coverage schemes.  The more intelligent you are at cornerback,  the more plays you will make.

Safeties are the last line of defense and have a crucial role in both zone and man-to-man coverage. They provide deep coverage and help defend against long passes. Safeties must possess good awareness, anticipation, and tackling abilities. Those first two characteristics are developed greatly by studying the defensive playbook and film.

Linebackers play a significant role in pass coverage, especially in zone schemes. They cover the middle zones and must be adept at reading the quarterback’s eyes and reacting to potential passing routes. Linebackers also play a vital role in defending against short passes and covering running backs or tight ends.  As offenses have expanded their passing abilities,  linebackers have become more versatile or they have been replaced by extra defensive backs.

On occasion,  defensive linemen will drop into coverage in schemes known as zone blitzes.  These schemes will involve linebackers and defensive backs switching roles with the defensive line.  Linebackers and or defensive backs will rush the passer from various locations while defensive linemen drop into coverage to fill the void.  Like match-up zones,  zone blitzes are used to confuse the quarterback’s reads but it also serves to mess up the blocking rules of the offense leading to a more intense rush on the quarterback.

 

Whether using zone, man-to-man coverage or any of it’s variations,  the objective remains the same: to limit the effectiveness of the opposing team’s passing game. By understanding the basics of pass coverage and the responsibilities of different defensive positions, players can effectively disrupt passing routes, close passing windows, and ultimately increase the chances of forcing incompletions or turnovers. Mastering pass coverage requires a combination of understanding and executing all of these aspects.

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