The Lockdown U Blog | All Eyes DB Camp

How DBs Improve Tackling Angles to Win in the Open Field

When people talk about defensive backs, the conversation almost always leans toward coverage ability, ball skills, or raw speed. What often gets overlooked, however, is tackling. For DBs, tackling isn’t just about making the hit — it’s about angles. The wrong angle can turn a routine five-yard gain into a touchdown. The right angle, on the other hand, erases explosive plays and proves to coaches that you can be trusted.

Angles matter even more for defensive backs because you usually start the play ten to fifteen yards away from the ball. That distance means you’re often arriving late to the play and don’t always have the clearest picture of the ball carrier’s path. More importantly, you’re often the last line of defense. A linebacker can miss and still have help behind him. If a DB misses because of a bad angle, it usually results in points for the offense.

There are several tackling situations that DBs face, and each one requires precision with angles. The open-field tackle is the one-on-one matchup most players fear. When a wide receiver catches a hitch or a running back bounces outside, it’s you against him. If you come in too fast and too high, he’ll cut underneath you and you’ll be left out of position. The correct approach is to close ground quickly but under control, then break down a few yards away so you can react to his move while staying square.

The alley tackle is another important situation, especially for safeties and nickels. If you aim directly at the ball carrier, you’ll almost always give him the edge. The proper angle is inside-out, forcing him back toward your help defenders who are chasing the play. That way, even if you miss, you’ve done your job by funneling the ball carrier into the pursuit.

Sideline pursuit is another angle DBs must master. When the ball bounces wide, you can’t take a straight line to the runner or you’ll get outrun. Instead, you have to run to a spot ahead of the ball carrier and cut him off. By doing this, the sideline becomes your ally. It acts as a twelfth defender, leaving the runner with fewer escape routes and forcing him into your tackle or into pursuit help.

Improving tackling angles comes down to control and leverage. You can’t sprint full speed blindly at the ball. As you close in, you must break down, shorten your stride, and keep your feet active so you’re ready to adjust. Your head and shoulders must be in front of the ball carrier, not trailing behind him. If you’re the force player, you must maintain outside leverage and keep your outside arm free. And above all, you have to trust that the rest of the defense is running to the football. Taking poor angles for the sake of making a highlight hit often does more harm than good.

To sharpen tackling angles, there are several effective drills:

Angle Tackle Drill: Start ten yards away at a 45-degree angle while the ball carrier runs downhill. Work inside-out and strike through the hip.
Sideline Leverage Drill: Have the ball carrier run along the sideline while the DB tracks from depth. The DB must cut off the angle before the sideline closes.
Mirror and Breakdown Drill: The DB closes space on a stationary target, then mirrors the target’s side-to-side movements before finishing the tackle under control.

Coverage will always attract the spotlight, but coaches value DBs who can be counted on to make tackles. If you consistently miss because of poor angles, you won’t stay on the field. If you consistently show sound angles and finish plays, coaches will trust you in big moments. Mastering tackling angles prevents touchdowns, builds trust with your teammates, and sets you apart as a complete defensive back.

Coaching Takeaway

Tackling angles are a difference-maker for DBs. Close space under control, use inside-out leverage in the alley, and run to a spot instead of chasing directly to the ball. Rep it in practice with angle and sideline drills until it becomes second nature.

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3 Key Things to Remember in Press Coverage

As human beings, we tend to complicate things. It’s in our nature to believe things can’t be that simple, or to overanalyze in search of an edge.

When you’re on the football field—especially playing defensive back—overanalyzing can neutralize your physical skills. In short, it can make you a slower athlete, and we all know slow doesn’t work at the defensive back position.

While I’m not here to oversimplify playing press man, it’s important to point out that the less you have on your mind while playing the technique, the faster you’ll be able to react. With that in mind, there are three key things every defensive back should remember while playing press technique.

Leverage Is Your Friend

While we often use the phrase “on an island” to give the impression we’re all alone on the field, that’s never truly the case. The football field has boundaries, and the receiver you’re covering must stay within them. Offenses also need a certain amount of spacing between routes for things to work properly. And in all man-to-man situations, a defensive back has help—whether it’s a safety over the top, a linebacker underneath, a relentless pass rush that forces the ball out quickly, or the sidelines/end lines.

Defensive backs who understand where their help is can leverage themselves to take full advantage of it. If a wide receiver is close to the sideline, aligning inside can help you use the sideline as an extra defender. If you have help in the post or middle of the field, lining up outside and maintaining that leverage can squeeze the receiver toward your help. Always know where your help is and align accordingly.

You Win With Angles

Route chasing is for losers. Defensive backs who simply follow receivers in press man coverage have limited success. With proper eye discipline and angles, you can cut off routes, frustrate receivers, and make plays.

Don’t be the DB who chases a receiver to the sideline on his release, only to have him stack you and run past you for the ball. Learn how to widen a receiver’s release, then take the correct angle to stay above or on his hip downfield. Similarly, when breaking on the ball, aim for the receiver’s hip to avoid missing the pass. Remember: the quarterback is throwing to the receiver, not to you. As simple as that sounds, many young DBs forget this basic truth.

If you can anticipate where the route will end, you can take the proper angle to meet the receiver there. As one of my best coaches used to say: “Meet him there—don’t try to beat him there.” Studying receiver routes will sharpen your anticipation and improve your coverage angles.

We’re Playing for the Ball

It’s easy to focus so much on a receiver’s hips that you forget about the most important thing on the field—the football. Far too often, defensive backs fail to look for the ball when in coverage.

If you’ve done the work to alter the receiver’s route, attach to his hip, and mirror his moves, why not finish the job by getting your head around and finding the football?

Many DBs are uncomfortable catching the ball, and that’s a bad place to be. You can’t make a living only breaking up passes by watching the receiver’s hands. Real playmakers get in position, turn their heads, and become the receiver when the ball is in the air.

Work on catching the football until it’s second nature. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you’ll be to turn your head and snatch an interception when the opportunity comes.

In Conclusion

Football moves fast, and nowhere is it faster than on the outside where DBs and receivers battle. Awareness and technique are key, but overloading your mind will slow you down. Remember: leverage is your friend, you win with angles, and the ball is what we’re playing for. Keep those three things in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the playmaker you’re meant to be.

For more tips on playing defensive back like a pro, pick up a copy of my bestselling book 101 DB Tips. Hundreds of players like you have used it to level up their game and become elite playmakers.

The Most Important Skills for Defensive Backs — And How Parents Can Help Build Them

As a parent of a young defensive back, you don’t need to know every coverage call or technique term to be a valuable part of your child’s football journey. In fact, your support off the field can make just as much of an impact as any coach or trainer.

If your child is serious about playing cornerback or safety, there are a few key skills that separate average DBs from great ones. The good news? You don’t need a whistle or a chalkboard to help your child develop these — just time, support, and a little bit of structure.

Let’s break down the most important traits for defensive backs and how parents can help build them.

1. Footwork & Agility

Why it matters: DBs rely on quick, precise movement to mirror wide receivers and change direction on a dime.

How you can help:

Encourage your child to spend time doing ladder drills, cone drills, or jump rope a few times per week.
Set up quick backyard workouts that involve shuffling, backpedaling, and turning — even 10–15 minutes goes a long way.
Look into a local speed and agility program during the offseason.

2. Eye Discipline & Focus

Why it matters: Defensive backs must read the quarterback, track receivers, and stay locked in under pressure.

How you can help:

Film your child’s games or 7v7 reps so they can study their eye placement and reaction times.
Help them watch college or NFL DBs and talk through what they’re seeing.
Limit distractions when it’s time to focus on homework, film, or training — focus is a muscle.

3. Football IQ & Situational Awareness

Why it matters: Great DBs know what to expect based on down, distance, formation, and receiver alignment.

How you can help:

Ask questions like: “What was the down and distance on that play?” or “What route did he run?”
Encourage your child to study coverages and route trees (resources like our All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area can help).
Turn watching football on Sundays into a learning opportunity.

4. Strength & Physicality

Why it matters: Whether it’s pressing at the line or making tackles, DBs need strength to compete.

How you can help:

Make sure your child is fueling their body with enough food and water.
Support consistent strength training, especially during the offseason.
Focus on bodyweight strength first (push-ups, pull-ups, squats) before heavy lifting if they’re younger.

5. Confidence & Resilience

Why it matters: DBs will get beat sometimes — the key is how quickly they bounce back.

How you can help:

After a tough game, don’t criticize — ask, “What did you learn?” or “What would you do differently next time?”
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just stats.
Remind them that even NFL DBs get beat — the best learn and move on.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a great DB takes time, effort, and the right mindset — but your support as a parent can make all the difference. Whether it’s encouraging film study, helping them stay consistent with workouts, or simply being a voice of belief after a tough game, your presence matters.

If you’re looking for a clear, easy-to-follow guide that breaks down the fundamentals of playing defensive back — from technique to mindset — check out my book 101 DB Tips.

It’s written for players of all levels, and it’s the perfect starting point for parents who want to better understand the position and how to support their athlete.

Grab your copy here: 101dbtips.com

Let’s build smarter, sharper defensive backs — one tip at a time.

Let’s keep sharpening the tools — together.

How to Use Coverage Tags to Teach and Execute Match Coverage More Effectively

Match coverage is a powerful blend of man and zone principles that allows defenses to adapt to modern offensive route combinations. But to make it work, your defenders must master two key fundamentals: leverage and landmarks. These elements determine positioning, technique, and ultimately success in matching routes across formations and motion.

What is Leverage in Match Coverage?

Leverage refers to a defender’s positioning in relation to a receiver’s alignment and likely route. It helps dictate how a DB will cover his man if he goes vertical or breaks off the route. There are two types to teach your players:

Inside Leverage – Used when the defender positions himself between the receiver and the ball. Great for taking away slants, posts, and digs.
Outside Leverage – Defender aligns outside of the receiver. This leverage is ideal for pushing routes toward inside help (like linebackers or safeties) and for taking away out-breaking routes.

Choosing the right leverage is based on the coverage call, the receiver’s split, and route tendencies. A well-coached unit understands the “why” behind their leverage — not just where to line up.

What are Landmarks?

Landmarks refer to imaginary or fixed points on the field that guide a defender’s drop, zone depth, or coverage responsibilities. In match coverage, landmarks ensure defenders are in the right place to match routes as they develop. Common landmarks include:

The Hashes – For safeties and inside zone defenders to align and recognize route stems.
Numbers – Used by corners and outside defenders to maintain spacing and understand when they must carry a vertical route or pass it off.
Top of the Numbers – Often used as a break point for out-breaking routes or zone drop targets for linebackers.

Without a solid understanding of these landmarks, defenders often drift or find themselves “in space” rather than being where they need to be.

Drills and Coaching Tips

Walk-throughs with Cones – Use cones to represent hashes, numbers, and landmarks. Teach defenders how to use them to guide their drops and coverage angle.
Film Sessions – Show players where their leverage broke down or where a missed landmark allowed a completion.
Route Recognition Reps – Simulate route stems that test leverage (slants, corners, digs, fades) and force defenders to adjust in real time.

Final Thoughts

Teaching leverage and landmarks isn’t flashy — but it’s foundational. The best match coverage units operate with clarity and speed because they trust their positioning and understand their spatial cues. As you install match coverage this season, build in time to teach, re-teach, and rep leverage and landmarks until it becomes second nature.

If you’re a coach looking to take your DB group to the next level, our All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area has dozens of videos and resources breaking down match coverage, leverage strategies, and practice drills. Join now for a 7-day free trial.

Pattern Matching 101: How to Simplify Rules for Young DBs

One of the biggest barriers to running match coverage effectively at the high school level is overcomplication. Coaches install pattern match principles that sound good in theory but fall apart on Friday nights because the DBs are swimming in rules, unsure of what to do post-snap.

The fix isn’t dumbing things down. The fix is clarity and structure. In this article, we’ll break down how to teach pattern matching simply, focusing on common routes, clear rules, and repeatable language that allows your DBs to play fast and confident — not confused and reactive.

What Is Pattern Matching — In Simple Terms?

Pattern matching is zone coverage that turns into man once receivers declare their routes. Think of it like “man rules within zone structure.” You’re not dropping to grass and reacting late — you’re matching threats and route combinations based on alignment, depth, and release.

But for it to work, DBs must have clear rules that tell them:

Who they’re responsible for
What to do when routes break off or cross
Where their help is

The Problem: Too Many If/Then Rules

Let’s say you’re teaching a Quarters scheme. Most high school DBs get stuck with coaching like:

“If #2 goes out and #1 goes vertical, then you’re locked.”
“But if #2 goes vertical inside and #1 curls, then zone off.”
“Unless it’s Trips and you get 3 verts — then you poach.”

That sounds great in a clinic talk. On the field? It’s information overload.

The Solution: Anchor Everything to Route Distribution Rules

Here’s a better approach: simplify coverage responsibilities around 3 core decisions that every DB must make post-snap.

1. Who’s Threatening Me Vertically?

Teach corners, safeties, and overhangs to first identify vertical threats.

Basic rule:

“If your key releases vertically past linebacker depth, match him.”

Examples:

Quarters Corner: If #1 goes vertical → match.
Safety: If #2 goes vertical → match.

This one rule already clarifies 70% of match scenarios.

2. Did My Receiver Go Inside, Outside, or Short?

The second key decision: Where did my man go and what’s the next threat?

Use easy triggers:

Route Release	Action
Inside Under 5 yds	Zone off & look for the next threat (often a dig or crosser)
Outside under 5 yds	Pass it, then find work
Vertical	Match
Inside over 5 yds	Carry unless replaced by another route

Phrase to teach:

“Match vertical, pass shallow, carry deep inside.”

That single sentence simplifies 90% of their post-snap reaction.

3. Where’s My Help?

Once your DB knows who’s vertical and where their man is going, they need to understand who else is in the picture.

Coach it like this:

“Corners have outside leverage help in Quarters.”
“Safeties have inside help from the Mike in 2 Read.”
“Overhangs have no help — handle the flat or carry vertical.”

Use visual installs, whiteboard walkthroughs, and call out “Who’s your help?” during practice to build understanding and anticipation.

Match Coverage Simplified: An Install Example

Let’s take a 2×2 Quarters formation and walk through simplified pattern match rules for your secondary.

For Corners:

Key #1: If he goes vertical → match him.
If #1 runs a hitch or out → break and drive it.
If #1 runs a dig or curl and #2 goes vertical → zone off and midpoint both.

For Safeties:

Key #2: If he goes vertical → match him.
If #2 goes under → zone off and rob curl/dig.
If both WRs go vertical → midpoint between 1 and 2 (Bracket concept).

Tips for Coaches: Teaching Match Without Confusion

Start with Trips and 2×2 separately
Don’t blend it all at once — isolate and master each.
Use route trees in install
Teach each common combo: Smash, Drive, Vert Switch, Mesh.
Name combos, not coverages
“Drive = cross and dig. Here’s how we play it.” This sticks better than abstract coverage names.
Use film cutups often
Show how these rules apply with actual game clips. Visual > verbal.
Call out the rules in practice
In real time, yell: “What did #2 do?” or “Was that vertical or under?” to reinforce post-snap reads.

Final Thought

You don’t need an NFL-level playbook to coach match coverage effectively. You need rules that stick, language that’s repeatable, and confidence that’s built through clarity.

Simplify your installs, emphasize verticals, shallow releases, and help responsibilities — and your young DBs will go from guessing to reacting like pros.

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Zone Eyes vs. Man Eyes: A DB’s Guide to Visual Discipline

One of the biggest challenges for defensive backs at every level is understanding where to put their eyes — and keeping them disciplined when the action starts. Whether you’re playing press-man, off-man, or zone coverage, the difference between making a play and getting beat often comes down to your eyes.

This article breaks down the difference between “zone eyes” and “man eyes” — and how mastering both can elevate your game instantly.

What Are “Man Eyes”?

Man eyes are used when you’re playing man-to-man coverage. Your primary visual focus is on the receiver — specifically, his hips, which give away movement and change of direction.

Key Points of Man Eyes:

Eyes are locked on the receiver, not the QB.
Watch hip level, not head or shoulders.
Don’t peek at the QB until you’re in-phase (hip to hip).
Used in: press-man, off-man, or match coverage once a man is declared.

❌ Common Mistakes:

Watching the quarterback too early and losing the receiver.
Watching the head and getting faked out on releases or double moves.
Switching to zone eyes in the middle of a man assignment.

What Are “Zone Eyes”?

Zone eyes are used when you’re responsible for an area, not a specific man. Your eyes should help you see threats entering your zone and read the QB to anticipate routes.

Key Points of Zone Eyes:

Vision starts on the QB, then snaps to route threats.
Key the shoulders, hips, and drop of the QB to anticipate timing.
See the big picture — multiple routes and route combos.
Used in: Cover 2, Cover 3, quarters (zone versions), cloud, etc.

❌ Common Mistakes:

Getting too locked in on a receiver and missing crossers or curls.
Losing vision of the QB and reacting late to throws.
Abandoning zone responsibility and chasing receivers like it’s man.

When to Use Each — And Why It Matters

Your ability to switch between zone eyes and man eyes depending on the coverage is what separates good DBs from great ones.

Coverage Type	Eye Discipline Needed
Press-Man	Man Eyes
Off-Man	Man Eyes
Cover 2 Corner	Zone Eyes
Cover 3 Corner	Zone Eyes
Quarters (MOD)	Zone to Man Eyes
Match Coverage	Zone Eyes → Man Eyes

In match coverages or combo schemes, you may start with zone eyes and then convert to man eyes once a specific route or threat declares. Knowing when to make that switch is next-level stuff — and it takes practice, film study, and reps.

Training Eye Discipline

Eye discipline isn’t just mental — it’s physical and must be trained. Here are a few ways we work on this in the All Eyes DB Camp:

Mirror & Match Drills – To reinforce reading hips in man coverage
Zone Vision Break Drills – Starting with eyes on QB, then breaking on routes
Film Study Breakdown – Slowing down plays to analyze eye mistakes
Route Recognition Work – Pairing eye placement with route combinations

Coach’s Corner

As a coach or trainer, you should be constantly asking:

“Where were your eyes on that rep?”
“Who were you reading?”
“What triggered your break?”

Film your players and pause clips mid-play. Ask them: “What are you looking at right here?” You’ll be amazed how many reps get blown not because of feet or hips — but because of eyes.

Final Thought: Eyes Make or Break You

A defensive back’s greatest asset isn’t just speed or agility — it’s discipline. And nothing reveals discipline more than eye placement.

Know your job. Know your coverage. And keep your eyes where they belong.

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Reading Route Triangles in Match Zone Coverage

Unlocking Smarter DB Play Through Route Recognition

In today’s pass-heavy game, defensive backs are no longer just covering grass — they’re processing route combinations, reading threats, and making real-time decisions. One of the most important tools a DB can develop is the ability to read route triangles in match zone coverage.

If you want your DBs to thrive in quarters, palms, or any match-based coverage, they need to understand how routes develop in their zone and how to respond.

Let’s break it down.

What is a Route Triangle?

A route triangle is a concept used to describe the three threats that typically emerge in a defender’s zone during a pass play — usually one short, one intermediate, and one deep. These threats can come from different receivers, depending on formation and motion.

In match coverage, defenders aren’t dropping to spots; they’re reacting to routes within their space. The triangle helps them identify priorities.

Examples of Route Triangle Threats by Position

Cornerbacks (in Quarters or Palms):
- Deep: Fade/post by #1
- Intermediate: Out or dig by #2
- Short: Bubble/swing from #3 or a quick out from #1
Safeties:
- Deep: Post or seam by #2
- Intermediate: Dig/cross by #3
- Short: Under route or hitch from #2
Nickels/Overhangs:
- Deep: Wheel route from #3
- Intermediate: Out/in by #2
- Short: Flat route from #3 or screen

Understanding where those threats come from allows DBs to anticipate combinations like Smash, Flood, or Dagger before the ball is even released.

How to Train Route Triangle Recognition

Film Study with Intent
During film breakdown, isolate triangle threats by watching how the offense layers routes in specific areas of the field. Use slow motion to pause and ask:
“If I’m the safety, who are my three threats here?”
“Which route tells me the ball might go short?”
Install Triangle Concepts into 7-on-7
Instead of generic 7-on-7, have your offense run common triangle concepts like Levels, Snag, or Mesh. Teach your DBs how to read high-to-low or outside-in depending on their assignment.
Chalk Talk & Pattern Recognition
Use whiteboards or tablet apps to walk through triangle combos. Quiz your players:
- “What if #2 goes vertical and #3 runs to the flat?”
- “How does that change your leverage?”
Call & Response Drills
In practice, run route stems and have DBs call out their triangle threats in real time. This promotes communication and fast processing.

Common Match Coverage Mistakes with Route Triangles

Biting on the first break without processing the route stack
Losing sight of #3 in 3×1 formations — especially when #3 runs the wheel
Over-committing to the flat too early in Palms, leaving a corner route open
Not communicating the route switch when two threats cross zones

Teaching your DBs to see the big picture rather than just reacting to one route will elevate their play — and reduce explosive plays.

Why It Matters

College offenses are packaging route combos better than ever. If your DBs aren’t taught to diagnose route triangles, they’re simply guessing in the secondary. By implementing triangle recognition into your match coverage, you’re giving your defense the mental advantage it needs to shut down layered passing concepts.

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Coaching DBs to Read Keys, Not Just Watch the Ball

I run a company called All Eyes DB Camp, so that just goes to show you how important I think eyes are when playing the position of defensive back. If you’ve been coaching for any amount of time, then you are in the same boat with me. The question is: how do we train players to use their eyes to their advantage every chance they get? I will cover that in this article.

The first thing you’re gonna need to do is incorporate drills that focus mainly on the eyes. Virtually every drill that you do that involves breaks should have an emphasis on eyes. Most coaches make the feet the main focus, and that’s totally understandable. However, most foot mistakes can be corrected by training the eyes.

If I put you on a track to run a 100m dash and told you to look up in the sky while you do it, chances are you would not run correctly. I am 100% certain that your form would be better if you looked straight down your lane to the finish line. This simple fact is overlooked when doing drill work. I have this saying that goes, “You will run to what you look at.” When a player’s eyes are a mess, so too are their feet. So as you craft drills and start running them, the first and most important thing you want to correct or emphasize is what the eyes are doing.

Furthermore, you may want to break a skill down in segments, and the first segment should be eyes training. For instance, if you are teaching press, a good drill to start off with is having a receiver move side to side with the DB directly in front of him, shadowing his movement while keeping his eyes focused on the receiver’s hips. In such a drill, we are doing nothing else but mirroring the movements by using our eyes. We’re not shooting our hands, and we’re not focusing so much on our feet. Rather, we are emphasizing that the eyes stay locked on the receiver’s hips.

Creating drills that specifically train the eyes and breaking down skills into segments that begin with eye control will help us reach our objective.

The next thing you’re gonna want to do is build zone drills that focus on eyes. Having the correct focus with our eyes is more difficult in zone than it is in man.

Oftentimes in zone coverage, our focus needs to shift from one key to another. This could mean reading the end man on the line of scrimmage and then shifting eyes to the backfield. Or it could be reading one receiver, then shifting our eyes to another receiver based on what route is run.

With that being the case, create zone drills that focus on the initial read. So for instance, if you have coverages like Palms that require a cornerback to read number two, then create the following drill: Have your corners line up in their outside spot without a number one receiver in front of them. Have a slot receiver line up and run various routes. The outside corner can put his sole focus on reading number two and then reacting. Removing the number one receiver from in front of the corner eliminates the distraction of what the number one receiver is doing while the corner is learning to read number two. Once he has mastered reading number two and reacting, you can introduce having a number one receiver in front of him while he’s reading number two. The same can be done for a safety who plays quarters or any other coverage that involves reading. Start off with drills that have him reading his key and only his key without other routes to distract him.

If we agree that the eyes are the most important thing in these coverages, then we must train that first and completely before moving on to anything else. Try crafting drills like this to improve the skill of reading your keys.

The third thing you can do is create focus drills. This is something that can be extra. Perhaps you can have these types of drills in pre- or post-practice.

In my training sessions, I will often use a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse ball forces the players to narrow their focus on the object to complete the catch. Since the lacrosse ball is much smaller than a football, the athlete’s brain is triggered to focus better on the object they need to catch. Performing drills using smaller objects builds up an athlete’s focus skill. This is similar to baseball players taking swings at golf balls or Wiffle balls that move a lot. Using those items forces the athlete to focus. Any time you can develop that skill, you increase your athlete’s ability to read their keys.

Finally, it is important to film your drills. If you aren’t filming practice or training sessions, you are missing the chance to speed up development.

In this day and age, with all the technology that is available to us, there is no excuse to not film your drill work. If full-scale filming of your indie drills is not part of the practice regimen, then find a way to have someone film it with a smartphone. However you go about it, filming the drills and having the players watch it shows them what their eyes are doing. Training the eyes can be very difficult because quite frankly, you just can’t see your eyes. It’s hard to feel your eyes also. The only way to see your eyes is when you watch them on film. For most athletes, seeing is believing. Sometimes they think a coach is just picking on them. That is, until they see what they’re doing on film. This is especially so when you are telling them about their eyes.

In conclusion, reading keys is the essence of becoming a playmaker. If those are the types of players you want to have in your secondary, then reading keys will have to become primary. By incorporating drills that focus on the eyes, building zone drills that have an emphasis on the eyes, creating focus drills, and filming all of your drill work, you can develop your athletes’ ability to read their keys to an elite level.

For more on developing an athlete’s ability to read keys, improve eye discipline, and become a playmaker, pick up a copy of my book 101 DB Tips or join my rapidly growing community in the All Eyes DB Camp Members Area.

Dead at the Start: Correct These 4 Press Man Mistakes

If you do or watch something long enough, you get really good at predicting the future. Needless to say, I’ve been playing, coaching, and training football for quite some time. The majority of that time has been spent on the defensive side of the ball, primarily teaching defensive backs how to cover wide receivers. That experience has allowed me to recognize when a player is in trouble before the ball is even snapped.

A good start really helps you finish strong. So in this article, I’m outlining four press man mistakes that you need to avoid to win your one-on-ones.

1. Base is Too Wide

You might feel more comfortable with your feet far apart. That’s fine—to a point. Many young DBs sacrifice bending at the knees to get low, instead widening their feet for balance. That’s gonna be a no from me, dawg.

Your lateral power comes from pushing your feet into the ground under your center of gravity. The further your feet move from that point, the less explosive you become—and eventually, balance becomes a problem too.

Your feet should be shoulder-width apart or close to it. While each player will have their own stance, staying near this ideal is in your best interest. You want to react efficiently when the receiver comes off the line of scrimmage.

2. Too High in Your Stance

Closely related to mistake #1 is being too upright in your stance. As the receiver gets off the line, you’ll need to move—forward, backward, or laterally. All those movements begin with your knees. If you wait to bend your knees until after the receiver moves, you’ll always be playing catch-up.

With your feet placed near shoulder-width, there should be a bend in your knees. Some players bend more than others, but you must bend. Your quads need to be loaded so you can push in any direction at the start of the rep. For that to happen, your knees must be bent. You can experiment with the amount, but make no mistake—knee bend is necessary.

3. You Don’t Know Your First Step

Receivers come to the line of scrimmage with a plan. Doesn’t it make sense for you to have one too?

As a DB in press man, you should know what technique you plan to use. Each technique—whether it’s hard press, inch, or motor mirror—requires a specific first step. That step should not be based on what the receiver does.

Most DBs don’t have the ability to remain frozen while the receiver moves. So develop the ability to take your first step within your technique, regardless of the receiver’s initial move. You can adjust to his release afterward.

4. Eyes Move Up on the Snap

This one is common. A DB starts with his eyes in the right place (on the waist), but the moment the ball is snapped, his eyes shoot up. That’s a major problem.

Now you’re looking at what I call the lie zone: the shoulders and eyes of the receiver. These areas can be deceptive. As pop singer Shakira once said, “Hips don’t lie.” And that’s exactly where your focus needs to stay.

Since this is hard to self-evaluate, have a coach or friend observe you—or film yourself during one-on-ones. If your eyes drift up at the snap, here’s a hack: Start your eyes on the receiver’s feet. That impulse to look up at the snap will take your eyes to the hips, where they need to be. Try it out. Fix this issue, and your press man consistency will improve dramatically.

Conclusion

Don’t kill your press man reps before they even begin. Fixing these four issues—base too wide, stance too high, no first step, and eyes rising at the snap—will instantly improve your starts. And better starts lead to better finishes.

I’ve got a ton of tips like these in my best-selling book 101 DB Tips. Every defensive back and DB coach should have it in their library. Grab your copy at https://101dbtips.com.

Teaching Leverage and Alignment Across Multiple Coverages: A Blueprint for DB Coaches

One of the most overlooked, yet critical, components of elite defensive back play is understanding and executing proper leverage and alignment. Without it, even the most athletic DBs will consistently give up yardage and big plays. As a coach, teaching leverage and alignment across multiple coverages is not just about drawing up Xs and Os — it’s about instilling a mental framework that helps your players win before the snap.

This article breaks down the what, why, and how of coaching leverage and alignment for your DB room across man, zone, and match concepts.

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What Is Leverage and Alignment?

Leverage: Refers to the DB’s relationship to the offensive player — either inside, outside, or head-up. It’s dictated by the coverage call and where the help (if any) exists.
Alignment: Refers to the DB’s positioning in relation to the receiver and the formation — depth, width, and stance before the snap.

A DB with great leverage and alignment forces the offense into low-percentage throws, disrupts timing, and eliminates space.

Leverage in Different Coverages

1. Man Coverage (Cover 1 / Cover 0)

Leverage Rule: Play opposite your help.
- Cover 1: Help is in the middle (free safety). DBs should play outside leverage to funnel routes inside.
- Cover 0: No help. DBs should play head-up or with leverage based on scouting tendencies (e.g., inside if WR runs slants often).

Coaching Tip: Train your DBs to understand their leverage responsibility on every call. Build in checks where DBs communicate help presence pre-snap.

2. Zone Coverage (Cover 2, 3, 4)

Cover 2: Corners play outside leverage, squat at 5–7 yards, force receivers inside to safeties.
Cover 3: Corners align outside leverage and bail into deep thirds. Nickel/flat players should maintain inside leverage to wall vertical releases.
Cover 4 (Quarters): Corners play inside leverage with eyes on #2 to read vertical threats.

Coaching Tip: Use route tree visual aids and walk-throughs to show how improper leverage opens up windows in the coverage shell.

Alignment by Coverage and Situation

General Alignment Principles

Man: 1–2 yards inside or outside depending on help; 5–7 yards off or at LOS in press.
Zone: 5–7 yards off, wider splits to protect sidelines or flat areas.
Red Zone: Tighter alignment with adjusted leverage due to compressed field.
Down & Distance: On 3rd and short, be ready for picks/rubs — alignment may need to be more head-up or outside to avoid traffic.

Coaching Tip: Make your DBs recite their alignment rule on each install. Test them in meetings with formation shifts.

Inside the Member’s Area, we cover this with detailed whiteboard breakdowns and game film clips to help your players visualize and execute — not just memorize — their role in the scheme.

Drills to Reinforce Leverage & Alignment

Leverage Shuffle Drill
DB lines up in designated leverage, mirrors WR’s initial release without crossing face.
Read-and-React Leverage Drill
DB lines up in Cover 1 or Cover 3 leverage and reacts to a live WR release to maintain leverage position.
Formation Recognition Period
Walk-through style drill where DBs align vs. different formations and make calls based on coverage and help rules.

Film Room: Using Tape to Teach

Cut clips where your DBs either won or lost leverage.
Use telestrator to circle where help was supposed to be and how leverage either funneled routes into help or left them vulnerable.
Show NFL or college tape of elite DBs like Jalen Ramsey or Sauce Gardner leveraging properly across coverages.

Coaching Tip: Quiz your DBs by freezing the film pre-snap and asking, “Where’s your help? What’s your leverage?”

Coaching Cheat Sheet

Situation	Help Location	Leverage Rule	Alignment
Cover 1	Middle	Outside	5–7 yards off or press
Cover 0	None	Head-up / Tendency	Press or catch technique
Cover 2 (Zone)	Safety inside	Outside	5–7 yards off
Cover 3 (Zone)	Deep middle	Outside	7–9 yards, bail
Quarters (Cover 4)	Inside or none	Inside	7–10 yards, eyes on #2

Final Thought

Coaching alignment and leverage is not about barking at DBs for being “too far inside.” It’s about teaching intentional positioning with a purpose, based on coverage structure, help location, and down-and-distance.

Make leverage part of your DBs’ football vocabulary, and you’ll see the game slow down for them — and plays start to speed up in your favor.

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DB drill library, film sessions, and coaching resources

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