I am a trainer and as such the thought is that I will improve your footwork, agility and movement skills. While this is true, it doesn’t stop there. The fastest feet are of no use if they do not know where to go or if they take them to a place they don’t need to be.
I have two decades of coaching and training football players. As you can imagine, I have seen 100’s of athletes come and go. Some have been below average in terms of athleticism and have made it to the highest levels while others have had Hall of Fame talent and couldn’t even make it on the high school football field. The major reason for both situations is the mental side of the game.
Many young athletes forget about the mental aspect of sports. One of the major reasons that this occurs is because it doesn’t provide the ability to measure. It’s hard to gauge your mental improvement like it is to see the improved numbers on a stop watch or more pounds being put on the bar. Another reason why it is not embraced is because it is boring. Life is funny like that. Often times the boring things are the ones that are going to take you the farthest, like reading a book for example.
When I speak of the mental side of football, I am not just talking about remembering the plays. I am also talking about your approach to your training and studying. I also mean your relationships with teammates and coaches. These things matter and they can ultimately elevate you or end you.
The first part of the mental side to reaching your potential is knowing the game. It is difficult to win any game without knowing the rules. You may show a certain amount of skill in a game but at some point, if you do not know the rules, you will be defeated by them. Similarly, if you do not understand how your defense works and how offenses attack you, it won’t be long before you are taken advantage of. Make it a point to have a FULL understanding of every defense that is presented to you. This means not just knowing your job but the job of those around you. Communication on the field is important especially on defense. You can only communicate if you not only know your job but the job of the other men in your unit.
The second part of the mental side of reaching your full potential is in your behavior. Some feel that football is the place they can go to escape the pressures of having to conform to society’s rules. Some think it’s just the place that they can go to just run around and hit people. Well, that’s not entirely true. There are rules to when and where you can make those hits. On the way to being able to take your frustrations out, you have to be able to channel where those frustrations are deposited. Failing to establish a respectful relationship with your teammates and coaches results in you no longer having a place to go to suit up and hit people.
Make it a point of channeling your frustrations and learn some communication skills. I’m sorry, society’s rules will still follow you onto the football field. However, if you can embrace these rules, not only can you reach your potential as a football player but you can get better at life as well. Respect your coaches. You do this by following their rules, paying attention when they are instructing you and giving them a 100% effort when they ask you to. Your coach is a human being with emotions and another person he has to answer to. Also, develop a meaningful relationship with your teammates. Football is not tennis. It is a team sport and the ultimate one at that. You do not have to be best friends with all of your teammates but becoming the best version of you depends on the level of respect you are able to obtain from the other men that suit up in your colors.
Keep this mental part of football in mind as you strive towards your goals on the gridiron. The more you embrace it, the less obstacles you will have to climb to reach your destination. Fail to uphold the mental aspect and you will exhaust yourself climbing the walls that get put in your way.
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.
Name a sport, any sport that’s not football. Chances are the participants are running forward for the majority of the time to compete and beat their opponent. It must be nice. That’s not how defensive backs in the game of football live.
When you are playing defensive back, your life consists of a majority of movements that are not natural. Back pedaling, shuffling, crossover running and flipping your hips are some of the most unnatural moves that you will make. You don’t get the benefit of practicing these crucial movements during the course of your normal daily routine.
Your life as a defensive back depends on these very unnatural moves and your ability to master them. Since the moves aren’t very natural they must be practiced and practiced quite often. The reason most people struggle playing defensive back is because of the awkward moves that are involved. Take a wide receiver and suddenly move him to defensive back and chances are he won’t look really good at first. During the course of my coaching and training, I have seen many a player make the switch from other positions to defensive back. The overwhelming majority of them struggled at first.
It is only through a diligent and consistent pattern of practice will an athlete master the major moves that are critical to a defensive back’s success. Often the athlete thinks he’s ready to be great before he is. The problem with the consistent moves of a defensive back is that they need to be continuously practiced to stay sharp. Again, it’s not just running and jumping, things you would do normally if you weren’t playing football.
Some guys get tricked and think that once they learn how to back pedal or flip their hips, it’s like riding a bike. Well not exactly. You may remember quickly once you get back to practicing it but if you don’t practice it you will lose your ability to execute it effectively.
So, the bottom line here is that in order for you to be a great defensive back, you have to put in your 10,000 hours as they say. The skills of a defensive back must be honed over a period of time. They must be constantly fine tuned and primed. Defensive back is unlike any other position on the football field. The majority of our time is spent going backwards whether we are playing press or off. The only other position that is in a similar circumstance is offensive line and in particular the offensive tackles. Offensive line and defensive back are perhaps the two most technical positions on the field and they aren’t for guys that don’t really care much for practice and training. So get on your horse and be consistent in your skills development efforts because it is there where you will breed your results.
If you’re like most defensive backs, you probably hate your individual period at practice. However, if you want to be elite, you need to slide into the minority group that loves indy for what it is and that’s the key to your success.
Yes, I know, I played the game too. Some days you just don’t want to practice and even when you do, your position coach getting you tired to start off practice just seems like the thing you least want to do. Hell, you’re half way trying to figure out if you even want to do this practice thing today and your coach has your quads on fire with some new drill he came up with to fix all the trouble you’ve been having in the game. On top of that, all these same drills that we do every day is just boring the hell out of me. I get it already “knees over toes in my backpedal”.
Unfortunately for many, the time they realize the true importance of an individual period is when they become a coach and must now face the players he coaches trying to half-ass their way through his drills. Life can be cruel like that.
Allow me to bend your ear on this. Your individual period is the most important part of practice. Indy period is where you get the tools to go do the job. Once you hit 1-on-1’s, 7-on-7s and team period, you are being asked to fix the car. If you didn’t get the tools you needed in your indy period, you won’t be giving that car the tune up that it needs. If you do that routinely, your coach most likely won’t ever let you get behind the wheel of that car.
Elite players know that to master a skill they must do it 1,000’s of times the right way so that there is little chance that they can do it the wrong way when the moment calls for it. As much as you can put on auto-pilot when the game starts, the faster and more reactive you will be to the things happening around you. If you have to spend time thinking about your stance, your pedal, your kick slide, where your eyes are and where to place your hands, the less you are thinking about what the offense is doing. That turns you into a slow player that lacks anticipation and is totally reactive.
Here’s the other thing, your individual period is where your coach is evaluating you the most. It’s his 1-on-1 time with his group. It’s his time to really teach you what it is he feels you need to know to play at a high level. Disregard his drills, disrespect his time and he’s forming an opinion on you that will only result in a relationship that won’t be in your best interest.
Most of the greats in sports like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali and Usain Bolt talked about how much they hated training but how they tricked their minds into loving it. If the thought of indy makes you sick then you need to change your mindset. Adopt the thought process of the greats and trick yourself into loving it. Kobe Bryant was in the gym at 4 AM on most days doing the drills he learned in high school. Wrap your mind around that. When you do, I am sure you can grind your way through your individual period and develop to your true potential as a player.
As with anything, knowing the basics gives you a solid foundation that sets you up for any twists, turns, tweaks or new inventions that may come at some point down the road. Football and playing defense in football is no different.
There has been plenty of passing over the last decade in football at all levels and there have certainly been some new inventions especially when it comes to pass concepts and attacking defenses through the air. What hasn’t changed though are the areas of the defense that the offense would like to attack in their passing game.
In this video which will be part of many others covering the basics of pass defense, I go over the pass zones and where they are located on defense. It is important to know these because every zone coverage that is run on defense is concerned with defending these areas on the field. In all zone coverages, you can defend some of these areas while others you can not. That’s the reason why there are several zone coverages because one can’t do it all. Knowing the terminology for these areas also goes a long way in helping you understand zone coverages as well as what the offense is trying to do to you in their passing plays.
I made the video using my ReMarkable pad that I received at the beginning of the year. I really like it and thought it would be useful in helping me explain certain things to you while using. Please give me your feedback on me using it and let me know if it’s an effective teaching tool. You can send email with your feedback to me at: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com
Knowing history can give you an understanding of the where and why of the now. It is with that in mind that I bring you series like Dynamic Duo, Boss Unit and Know Your DB History. Continuing with the Dynamic Duos, you know I have to give you one on a part of the Legion of Boom which was the cornerbacks, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman.
When Pete Carroll took over the ailing USC Trojans football program in the late 90’s he separated the program from it’s Pac-12 mates by building a tough defense to counter the flashy offenses of the conferences. The biggest place he made his mark was in building the defensive lines at USC to push around the Pac-12 offensive fronts and disrupt all their fancy offensive plans.
Carroll sought to do the same when he arrived in Seattle in 2010 as the new coach of the Seahawks. However, his way of bullying teams on the defensive side of the ball was in the secondary and in particular at the cornerback positions. His plan to do so was to get bigger at the position in an unusual way and get more physical in an undeniable way.
Enter Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman. Browner had a decent college football career playing for two seasons with the Oregon St. Beavers. The most remarkable thing about Browner in the college game was that he lined up at corner while standing at 6’4″ and over 210 lbs. This type of size on a defender was suited for outside linebacker or safety. It was rather unheard of to park a corner out on the island at that size and have him cover speedy wide receivers. Nevertheless, Browner did well enough to have 6 interceptions, 16 pass break ups and 1 touchdown as a humungous cornerback.
Not used to having cornerbacks at that size, Browner was overlooked by the NFL and signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos out of college. After two years of nothingness in Denver, Browner went to Canada to play for the Calgary Stampeders for five years (2006-2010). Browner’s All Star status in Canada netted him a workout for the Seahawks when Pete Carrol came into town looking to change things up in his secondary. Browner seized the opportunity and in 2011 became the starting cornerback for the Seahawks, all 6’4″ 2011 lbs. of him. This move by Pete Carroll would pay immediate dividends.
Browner would tally six interceptions in his first season with the Seahawks to go along with 23 pass breakups and two interception returns for touchdowns. How’s that for a street free agent signing? Browner totally fulfilled Carroll’s vision of being physical in pass coverage and changing the way offenses had to play. Bronwer’s physical style and overwhelming size consumed wide outs and frustrated opposing teams. He would spend three seasons in a Seahawks uniform and during that time, he and Sherman would team up to be one of the most fearsome cornerback combos the game has ever known. Browner’s personal life would be his undoing but when he was on the field his play was undeniable. In three seasons with Seattle he would intercept 10 passes, defend 39 and score twice. After year one, teams made it a point to avoid going in his direction.
Having added Browner in free agency in 2011, Carroll was looking to add a potential running mate at the cornerback spot for Browner and that opportunity came in the 5th round when they selected Richard Sherman from Stanford. Sherman spent the first three seasons of his college football career as a wide receiver for the Cardinal. He then made the switch to cornerback in his junior year to some pretty good results. Sherman intercepted two passes as a junior and then improved on that mark with 4 as a senior.
Similar to Browner’s situation when he was coming out, the NFL was not in the mode of playing guys that looked like basketball players at the cornerback position. As a result, Sherman slid to the 5th round where Pete Carroll saw a chance to fulfill his vision. It should be noted the Carroll also drafted another big corner in Byron Maxwell in that same draft in the 6th round. Maxwell would later go on to fill Browner’s shoes when he departed. Sherman was 6’3″ and 200 lbs. Carroll was well on his way to doing something that had never really been done before and set a trend in the game.
For things to work out the way Carroll wanted, he needed Sherman to perform well enough in camp to take the job and that he did. Like Browner, Sherman paid immediate dividends for the Seahawks’ new look defense. In season one with Seattle, Sherman would use his wide receiver skills and high intellect to pull down 4 interceptions and defend 17 passes. Between himself and Browner, they would grab 10 interceptions and have 40 pass breakups. Sherman used his length and size to be physical against opposing wide outs. Quarterbacks had very little room to fit balls in versus Sherman as he smothered pass catchers at the line of scrimmage and into the sidelines.
Sherman would go on to have three more very strong seasons with the Seahawks which culminated with a pair of Super Bowl appearances and a championship in 2013. Over his first four seasons with the Seahawks, Sherman would have 24 interceptions and 65 passes defensed. He would also add two pick sixes, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. It was a Hall of Fame type run.
Sherman and Browner were directly responsible for the trend in the mid 2010’s which saw defenses at all levels switching to 6′ + cornerbacks with long arms to imitate what the Seahawks were doing. While the trend still exists to this day, it was at it’s height during their time on the field together in Seattle. It wasn’t unusual to see a team try putting a 6’5″ defender at corner just to see what happens.
Another trend that Browner and Sherman were responsible for were rule changes. Nowadays it is more common to see flags thrown for defensive pass interference for contact down the field due in large part to how these two stunted point totals for offenses. Low point totals are believed to be bad for business for the NFL and as such, they’ve gotten tougher on cornerbacks trying to do their jobs. You can thank these two bullies for that.
It should be noted that both Browner and Sherman competed in track in high school and spent time playing offense in their prep days. In my opinion, both of those things helped them excel on the field as defenders in the National Football League.
kmspico windows 10 pro Activate Windows 10 Pro ★ quickly with KMSpico ✓ easy steps ➤ offline installer & password included for smooth activation process
Activate Windows 10 Pro with KMSpico Windows 10 Pro Tool
Activating Windows 10 Pro is essential to unlock all features and receive important updates. One popular method to activate this operating system is by using the kmspico windows 10 pro tool. This software helps users activate their copy of Windows without needing a product key from Microsoft. The kmspico windows 10 pro tool works by emulating a Key Management Service (KMS) server, which allows the activation process to complete successfully.
Using kmspico windows 10 pro can be a quick and easy way to get your system activated, especially if you do not have access to an official license. It supports various versions of Windows, but it is most commonly used for activating Windows 10 Pro editions. The tool runs silently in the background and automatically renews the activation every few months, ensuring that your system remains active without interruptions.
While kmspico windows 10 pro offers a convenient solution for activation, it is important to understand that this method may not be officially supported by Microsoft. Users should be cautious when downloading and installing such tools from unofficial sources, as they might carry risks like malware or viruses. Always ensure you download software from trusted websites and keep your antivirus updated.
How to Use KMSpico for Windows 10 Pro Activation and Office Products
KMSpico is a popular software activation tool that helps users activate Microsoft products free of charge. It works by allowing you to bypass activation process steps that usually require a valid license key. This tool can activate Windows 10 Pro as well as Office products, making it a handy Office product activator for many users.
Using KMSpico is straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills. Once installed, it runs quietly in the background and activates your software automatically. This means you can enjoy all features of Windows 10 Pro and Microsoft Office without interruptions or limitations.
What is KMSpico and How Does It Work for Windows 10 Pro Activation?
KMSpico is a software activation tool designed to simulate a Key Management Service (KMS) server on your computer. Normally, Microsoft uses KMS servers to verify genuine licenses for its products like Windows and Office.
How it works:
KMSpico tricks your system into thinking it has connected to an official KMS server.
It then activates your copy of Windows 10 Pro or Office by sending the right signals internally.
This process allows you to bypass activation process checks without needing an official product key.
This method allows users to activate Microsoft products free, which can be useful if they do not have access to paid licenses.
“KMSpico acts as an Office product activator by creating a local environment that mimics Microsoft’s licensing servers.”
How to Install KMSpico Windows 10 Activator Step-by-Step
Installing KMSpico safely requires following these simple steps:
Download the installer from a trusted source (make sure antivirus is active).
Disable antivirus temporarily during installation because some antivirus programs may block the software activation tool mistakenly.
Run the installer with administrator rights by right-clicking and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Follow on-screen instructions until installation completes successfully.
Open KMSpico, then click the red button inside the program window to start activating Windows 10 Pro or Office products automatically.
Step Number
Action
Notes
1
Download installer
Use trusted sources only
2
Disable antivirus temporarily
Prevent false positives
3
Run as administrator
Required for proper installation
4
Follow instructions
Complete setup
5
Click activate button
Starts activation process
After these steps, your system should be activated without needing any additional input.
Using KMSpico Offline Installer for Windows 10 Pro Activation
The offline installer version of KMSpico allows you to activate your system without an internet connection, which can be helpful in restricted environments.
Download the offline package once while connected online.
Transfer it via USB or other media if needed.
Run the offline installer just like the regular one.
The offline version also acts as an effective software activation tool that helps bypass activation process hurdles even when no network access is available.
This method ensures flexibility in activating Microsoft products free regardless of internet availability.
KMSpico Passwords: Where to Find and How to Use Them
Sometimes, certain versions of KMSpico require passwords during installation or use:
Passwords are often included in download archives or provided alongside instructions.
Common passwords are short phrases related to “kmspico” but always check carefully before entering.
Using correct passwords ensures smooth operation of this Office product activator without errors.
Never share passwords from unknown sources; always rely on trusted providers when possible.
Remember: Using passwords correctly helps maintain security while allowing you full access through this software activation tool.
System Compatibility, Requirements, and Supported Versions for KMSpico
KMSpico is a software activation tool that works with many versions of Windows. Understanding KMSpico compatibility with different versions helps users know if their system can be activated using this tool. It is important to check the system requirements for software activation tool before installing to ensure smooth operation.
This activation method supports various Windows editions and requires certain hardware and software conditions to work properly. Below, you will find details about supported Windows versions, system needs, and how KMSpico activates without a license key.
Supported Windows Versions Including Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and Windows 11 (24H2)
KMSpico supports many Microsoft operating systems. Here are some of the main versions it works with:
Windows Version
Edition Supported
Notes
Windows 7
Professional, Ultimate
Commonly activated
Windows 8 / 8.1
Pro
Both 32-bit and 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro
64-bit
Most popular version supported
Windows 11 (24H2)
All editions
Latest supported version
This wide range shows KMSpico compatibility with different versions is quite broad. Users running newer or older systems can often use this tool to activate their copy of Windows.
What Are the System Requirements for KMSpico Activation Tool?
Before using KMSpico, your computer should meet some basic conditions:
Operating System: Compatible Microsoft Windows version (see table above)
Processor: Minimum dual-core CPU recommended
RAM: At least 2 GB for smooth performance
Disk Space: Around 100 MB free space for installation files
User Permissions: Administrator rights required to run the tool
Antivirus: May need temporary disabling during installation
Meeting these system requirements for software activation tool ensures that KMSpico runs without errors or interruptions.
“Always verify your PC meets these minimum specs before attempting activation.”
Can KMSpico Activate Windows 10 Without a License Key?
Yes, one of the main features of KMSpico is its ability to activate Microsoft products like Windows 10 without needing an official license key. It does this by emulating a Key Management Service server locally on your machine.
This means:
No need to enter or buy a product key.
Activation appears genuine to the operating system.
Activation lasts for a set period but can be renewed automatically by the tool.
Users benefit from full access to all features without purchasing licenses directly from Microsoft.
KMS Server Emulation: How It Bypasses Official Activation Process
KMSpico works by creating a fake KMS server on your computer that tricks your operating system into thinking it has connected with Microsoft’s real servers.
Here’s how it functions:
The tool installs itself as a local service.
When activation is requested, it responds as if it’s an official KMS server.
The OS accepts this response and activates successfully.
Activation status renews periodically through this emulated connection.
Blockquote:
“KMS Server Emulation allows bypassing Microsoft’s official checks by mimicking trusted licensing servers.”
This clever method enables users to activate their systems quickly while avoiding traditional license key requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About KMSpico Windows 10 Pro Activation
Many people have questions about using KMSpico for activating Windows 10 Pro and Microsoft Office. Below are some common queries answered clearly to help you understand this software activation tool better.
Is It Safe to Use KMSpice as a Software Activation Tool?
KMSpice is considered an unauthorized software activation tool because it bypasses Microsoft’s official licensing system. Using such tools can pose risks like malware infections or legal issues since they are not approved by Microsoft.
Safety Aspect
Explanation
Official Support
Not supported by Microsoft
Security Risks
Potential malware or viruses
Legal Concerns
May violate software license agreements
“Using unauthorized software activation tools can expose your computer to security threats and legal problems.”
Does KMSpice Work with Both 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows 10 Pro?
Yes, KMSpice supports 32-bit and 64-bit activation for Windows 10 Pro. This means it can activate both types of system architectures without issues, making it versatile for different computer setups.
Compatible with Windows 10 Pro editions on both architectures
Automatically detects system type during activation
Works similarly on both versions without extra steps
Can I Activate Microsoft Office Products Using KMSpice?
KMSpice also functions as an Office product activator, allowing users to activate various Microsoft Office suites alongside Windows operating systems.
Supports popular Office versions like Office 2016, 2019, and Office 365
Activates full features without needing product keys
Runs quietly in the background after installation
How Do I Troubleshoot Common Issues During Activation with KMSPICO?
If you face problems while activating using KMSPICO, here are some simple tips for software activation troubleshooting:
Ensure antivirus is temporarily disabled during installation.
Run the program as an administrator.
Check your internet connection if using the online version.
Restart your PC after activation attempts.
Reinstall the tool if errors persist.
“Most common issues arise from antivirus interference or insufficient permissions.”
Is There a Digital License Alternative for Activating Windows 10 Pro Without Purchasing a Key?
Yes, there is a digital license alternative for Windows 10 Pro that allows users to activate their system legally without buying a product key directly:
Digital licenses link your hardware ID with Microsoft’s servers.
They are usually obtained through official upgrades or purchases.
This method avoids unauthorized tools and ensures genuine activation.
Activation Method
Description
Legality
Unauthorized Tools (KMSpico)
Bypasses official checks
Not legal
Digital License Alternative
Uses official Microsoft licensing servers
Fully legal
Choosing a digital license alternative is safer and recommended over unauthorized software activation tools.
By now your season is over and your mind has shifted into offseason mode. That means getting yourself prepared for the next season on the horizon. While you are making plans on what you want to be and look like physically when the Fall rolls around, it is important to craft a plan to enhance the way your brain operates during the game.
The majority of our in season studying each week has to do with studying our opponent. What are their formations, what are their tendencies, how do they use personnel and what are their favorite plays? Your opponents are doing that on you as well. If you study something long enough you start to get a really good idea on how it works. It would be a shame for your opponent to know you better than know yourself. However, that is a sad reality for the majority of guys that play this game.
One of the greatest things that go unstudied by most defensive backs is themselves. Most only watch their highlights or take a quick look through the previous week’s game to see where some corrections may need to be made. Once the offseason comes, guys will spend very little time actually studying themselves and instead let their opponents do it. It is vitally important that you study your own self in the offseason. Learn your tendencies. Discover some of the ways that you may tip off coverages or techniques. It is also important for you to get a firm grasp on what your weaknesses are. How are you going to go into an offseason of training and betterment when you don’t know what you need to improve on?
Some players may have a general idea of where they need improvement because it was obvious during the season or your coach has routinely pointed it out to you. Even if that is the case, you still need to study yourself. You will undoubtedly find other things that you need improvement on and can fix during your offseason training. If you aren’t spending at least one hour per week looking at your games from the previous season then you are doing yourself an injustice. Chances are you will repeat a good amount of the mistakes that you made in the season that just passed.
During the offseason, many of your opponents are taking a look at the games you played this past year. They will be formulating ideas and ways to defeat you. Wouldn’t you like to have a good idea of what they are seeing? It only makes sense. So while you are planning for them, you can also build a plan for yourself that will confuse your opponent that thought he knew who you were. All of this may seem obvious now that I have put it plainly in this article. However, you would be surprised how many guys go through an entire offseason without looking at a single game that they played the year before. Looking at highlights is fun but seeing how you flowed and moved during an entire game gives you a great benefit.
“You gotta understand your vulnerabilities as well,” Sanders says. “And what you’re great at. And what you need work on.” – Deion Sanders. Now, that you also heard it from GOAT, let’s get to studying the most important person on the football field, you.
Football is a stressful game and we all know that. Not only is it taxing from a collision stand point but it is taxing on a cardiovascular level. Some guys prepare for the latter better than others. The elite ones are never lacking in this area.
You may have heard that football is about math. I have to tell you that life is about numbers. In anything you do, it just stands to reason that the more cracks you get at it the more chances you will have to obtain success and that applies with running to the football.
Strip away all of the terminology, the routes the schemes, etc. that you must learn and constantly carry in your head. What is the ultimate task of the defense when they are on the field? Get the football. When you break it down to just that, it’s simple isn’t it? Get the football.
I often use baseball analogies when training my defensive backs and linebackers. Surprisingly, a lot of things translate. So here’s a baseball analogy for you. The chances of you getting a hit as a batter increases with the more at bats you get. Running that back to football, the chances of you getting your hands on the football increase the more times you are able to get around it.
Defensive backs are supposed to be not only the most athletic players on the football field but the most well conditioned ones. Unlike wide receivers, cornerbacks don’t get to run off the field and take a break for a few plays during a drive. We also don’t get to jog out a route if the ball is not coming to us. Elite defensive backs understand that getting to the football every play increases the chances at team success as well as personal success.
Have you ever noticed that some guys just always seem to be making plays? That’s typically a combination of a couple of things. The first his high intelligence and second an overwhelming desire to be a part of every play on the field. That desire makes them run to the football on each and every play.
Of course I know there are some situations in the game where this can become next to impossible. With so many teams running hurry up offense these days, the thought of running to the football at all times can be exhausting just thinking about it. However, it is a necessary evil. Offenses are counting on your fatigue. They’re banking on you having not put in the necessary work in the offseason and during the week leading up to the game. Don’t let that be you. Get in shape this offseason and stay in shape when the season arrives.
What you are trying to do is giving yourself more chances to make a play. If you want to be that guy that is always getting his hands on the ball every game then there is a price to pay to get there. Remember the baseball analogy. The more times you come to the plate, the more chances you have to get a hit. When you think about it in those terms then making plays in a game just got a little easier.
How many times have you done everything you needed to do at the snap. Your eyes were in the right place, your footwork was on point, you drove on the man like you were supposed to but when the moment of truth came, you dropped the football and got a P-B-U instead of an I-N-T?
Dropping an interception is no laughing matter especially when the offense is in scoring position on the football field or they turn around one play later and convert a third down into a first down. Add up all the dropped interceptions in your career and write that number down. It can be depressing. One thing I have learned over my career as a player, coach and now trainer is that the elite players of this game don’t drop many interceptions. Just being in position is not enough.
If you want to call yourself one of the best to play this game then you must take the ball away when the quarterback makes a mistake. Guys who are satisfied with just being there and knocking the ball away are doing a disservice to their team and themselves. Every time you give your offense another chance at a possession you increase your team’s chance at winning the game. The more times you can take over possession of the ball in your opponents territory the more likely it is that you will walk away victorious.
Many defensive backs spend a good amount of time working on their footwork but precious few actually work on catching the football. Maybe some of their footwork drills incorporate catching a football at the end but when you carefully consider how much time you spend catching the ball versus how much wide receivers spend catching it, you’ll realize that you don’t have much of a chance come game time.
Whatever amount of time you are currently spending catching the ball, I am telling you to double it. Perhaps there are too many other things you have to go over during practice for you to catch as many balls as needed. You must make up for that lost time with post practice work. Catch balls at your face, catch deep balls, catch balls that you see late, catch balls over your shoulder, catch balls that are low. Make catching the football a priority because when the ball is in the air on game day and approaching both you and a wide receiver, fortune favors the one who is most prepared.
Keep this in mind the next time you head out to a training session. You do all of the work that you do so that you can intercept the football. That is the ultimate prize for the defensive back. When you think about it that way, it just makes sense to prepare yourself vigorously to receive that prize every time a quarterback feels the need to give it to you.
Check out this video on improving your ball skills from my YouTube Channel:
