The Lockdown U Blog | All Eyes DB Camp

Integrating Hand Techniques in Coverage: Elevating Your DB Play

In the world of defensive back play, mastering hand techniques can be the difference between breaking up a pass and watching a receiver make a catch. While footwork and positioning are crucial, the use of hands in coverage adds an extra layer of control and precision, allowing a defensive back to dictate the terms of engagement with a receiver. Integrating advanced hand techniques into your coverage can take your game to the next level, whether you’re playing press man, off-man, or even zone coverage.

One of the most fundamental parts of hand usage in coverage is the ability to jam and disrupt a receiver’s release at the line of scrimmage. This technique is particularly effective in press man coverage, where the primary goal is to prevent the receiver from getting a clean start to their route. A well-timed punch to the chest or shoulder can throw off the timing of the route, giving you a significant advantage. The key here is to strike with precision and balance, ensuring that your hands are quick but controlled. Overcommitting or lunging can lead to missed jams and compromised positioning, so it’s important to stay patient and let the receiver come to you.

Hand placement is another critical element. When executing a jam, aim to keep your hands inside the framework of the receiver’s body. This not only gives you more control but also reduces the likelihood of drawing a penalty for holding or illegal contact. Proper hand placement allows you to steer the receiver in the direction you want them to go, effectively dictating the route and positioning yourself to make a play on the ball.

As the play starts and the receiver begins their route, hand techniques remain just as important. In man coverage, maintaining contact through the route stem can disrupt the receiver’s balance and concentration. This is especially useful on intermediate and deep routes where the receiver is trying to establish separation. By using subtle hand checks you can slow down the receiver’s progress and stay in phase, meaning you stay in close proximity with your hips aligned to mirror the receiver’s movements.

Hand techniques also play a vital role when the ball is in the air. One of the most challenging aspects of playing defensive back is making a play on the ball without drawing a penalty. This is where hand-eye coordination and timing come into play. As the ball approaches, using your inside hand to swipe or rake through the receiver’s arms can break up the pass without making blatant contact that might draw a flag. This technique requires precise timing and practice but can be incredibly effective in contested catch situations.

In zone coverage, the use of hands is more about disrupting the timing and rhythm of the offense. While you may not be in direct man coverage, being physical at the point of contact can slow down the receiver’s progress through your zone, giving you and your teammates more time to react to the play. Even when passing off a receiver to another zone defender, a well-placed hand check can impede the receiver’s route and force them to adjust, potentially leading to a miscommunication or mistimed throw from the quarterback.

It’s important to integrate hand techniques seamlessly with your footwork and overall coverage strategy. Over reliance on your hands can lead to penalties or poor positioning, especially against savvy receivers who know how to draw contact. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice these techniques along with your overall defensive back drills. Incorporating hand drills that emphasize timing, precision, and control will help you develop the muscle memory needed to apply these techniques instinctively during games.

Ultimately, the integration of hand techniques into your coverage tool box is about gaining control. By mastering the use of your hands, you can disrupt routes, dictate terms, and put yourself in a position to make plays. As with any advanced skill, it takes time and practice to perfect, but the rewards are well worth the effort. In a game where the margin for error is razor-thin, mastering your hand techniques can give you the edge you need to dominate as a defensive back.

For more tips on using your hands, getting good positioning and defending routes in both zone and man, get a copy of 101 DB Tips – The complete defensive back reference guide. For more info and to order – Click here.

Understanding Offensive Route Combinations: A Defensive Back’s Guide

As a defensive back, one of the most critical skills you can develop is the ability to recognize and understand offensive route combinations. The more you can anticipate the routes that are coming, the better you can position yourself to make a play on the ball or prevent a completion. Let’s dive into the essentials of route combinations, how they work, and how you can use this knowledge to elevate your game.

What Are Route Combinations?

Route combinations refer to the strategic patterns that receivers run in relation to one another. Offensive coordinators design these combinations to create mismatches, confuse defenders, and exploit weaknesses in coverage. They can be simple, involving just two receivers, or complex, involving multiple players across the field.

Why Route Combinations Matter for Defensive Backs

Understanding route combinations is like knowing the opponent’s playbook. It gives you the ability to anticipate the offense’s next move, allowing you to stay one step ahead. By recognizing the routes, you can make better decisions, avoid being caught out of position, and increase your chances of making a play on the ball.

Common Route Combinations

1. Slant/Flat CombinationConcept:

This combination typically involves the outside receiver running a slant route while the inside receiver or running back runs a flat route toward the sideline.

Key: The goal is to force the defender into a conflict, having to choose between covering the slant or the flat. Recognize the alignment of the receivers and anticipate the slant as the primary threat in quick-hitting plays.

2. Curl/Flat Combination

Concept: Here, the outside receiver runs a curl route, while the inside receiver or running back runs a flat route.

Key: The defense needs to communicate and pass off responsibilities quickly. In zone coverage, the cornerback may drop off to cover the curl, while the linebacker or safety covers the flat.

3. Smash Concept

Concept: The outside receiver runs a hitch or short stop route, while the inside receiver runs a corner route over the top.

Key: This combination targets the deep corner of the field, putting stress on the cornerback to choose between covering the short route or dropping back to cover the corner route. Recognizing the alignment and depth of the receivers can help you anticipate the corner route.

4. Levels Concept

Concept: Multiple receivers run routes at different levels (depths) of the field, typically across the middle.

Key: This concept is designed to flood a specific area of the field and overwhelm zone coverage. As a defensive back, understanding where your help is and reading the quarterback’s eyes will help you react to the correct route.

5. Four Verticals

Concept: All four receivers run vertical routes, stretching the defense vertically.

Key: This combination is designed to attack deep zones and create one-on-one matchups. As a DB, understanding when your defense is vulnerable to this concept and knowing your deep coverage responsibilities is crucial.

How to Recognize Route Combinations

1. Pre-Snap Alignment
  Pay attention to the alignment of the receivers. Certain alignments can hint at the routes they are likely to run. For example, a tight split by the outside receiver could indicate a slant or an out-breaking route.

2. Down and Distance
The situation often dictates the type of routes an offense will run. On third-and-short, you might see quick-hitting routes like slants and flats. On third-and-long, expect deeper concepts like curls, digs, or verticals.

3. Film Study
Consistent film study is essential. Identify tendencies and patterns in an opponent’s play-calling. Look for route combinations they favor in certain situations and formations.

4. Reading the Quarterback
A quarterback’s drop-back and eyes can give away the route combination. A three-step drop often indicates a quick pass like a slant or hitch, while a five- or seven-step drop typically points to deeper routes.

How to Defend Against Route Combinations

1. Leverage and Positioning
Use your leverage to take away the inside or outside release, depending on the route combination. Position yourself to make it difficult for the receiver to run their route as designed.

2. Communication
Talk to your teammates. In zone coverage, communication is key to passing off receivers and covering each level of the field effectively.

3. Anticipation
Trust your instincts and knowledge from film study. If you recognize a route combination early, you can anticipate the throw and potentially jump the route for an interception.

4. Stay Disciplined
Don’t bite on double moves or fakes designed to throw you off. Stay disciplined in your coverage and trust your technique.

Conclusion

Understanding offensive route combinations is a game-changer for defensive backs. By studying these patterns and learning to recognize them in real-time, you can significantly improve your ability to defend against the pass. The key is consistent film study, communication, and disciplined play. The more you practice recognizing these combinations, the better prepared you’ll be to shut down the opposition and make big plays for your team.

For more in-depth information and tips on these route combos and more, join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area. Click here for more info and to join.

This Undertrained Skill by DBs is Costing Them Big

Training in the offseason as a defensive back can be intense and involves a lot of elements. From foot placement, getting out of breaks, changing directions, backpedaling, and training eyes, the tasks can be plentiful. However, there is one element that is often undertrained, and it’s costing defensive backs when the season comes. Have you guessed what it is? Ball Skills.

The name of the game for us in the secondary is to take the ball away. The more times we can steal a possession from the other team and give it to our offense, the better chance we have of winning the football game. That’s simple math. For us to be able to do that consistently, we must have a knack for getting interceptions. The first part is having the know-how and physical ability to put our body in position. The final element is executing when the ball arrives.

Here are four elements to having ball skills as a defensive back that you need to possess.

1 – Catching with Your Eyes

When a guy has a hard time catching the football, people say he has bad hands. The truth of the matter is that you catch the ball with your eyes. There are very few instances in my training where I see guys with a hands problem when it comes to catching. Sure, some guys have smaller hands, a weak grip, or poor positioning of the hands when the ball arrives, but far more have an eyes problem.

Many defensive backs take the catch for granted. This means that as the ball is just about to hit their hands, they look elsewhere. They either look beyond the ball up the field or don’t track the ball above their head or below their waist. In other words, they assume the catch. You can’t do that.

If you do not track the ball all the way into your hands, there’s a good chance it will hit the wrong part of your hand or won’t even hit your hands at all. How many times has the point of the ball hit your palm? That 100% happened because you took your eyes off the ball.

Make it your aim to train your eyes to track the ball into the web of your hands. I often tell my guys to freeze their eyes on the football when it hits their hands for 2 seconds. This forces you to track it. Try it the next time you are having an issue catching the ball in practice.

2 – Train Your Grip

As I said previously, sometimes the problem is your hands. It’s rarer than an eyes problem, but nevertheless, let’s make sure that is not your problem. The truth is, sometimes that ball is traveling at a high rate of speed, and even your eyes on it can’t stop it from splitting your hands open.

If you don’t have a naturally strong grip, get a tennis or racquetball and start squeezing. Carry it around with you all day and train your grip. You will be amazed at how fast you can improve your grip strength with this. Also, Amazon sells grip strength devices at a low price. Make the purchase and add that to your daily routine.

Finally, a few exercises at the end of your upper body workout to improve your forearm strength (wrist curls, reverse wrist curls) will definitely improve your grip.

3 – Look for the Ball

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Think about how many times guys don’t look for the ball at defensive back. Perhaps you are one of those guys. If you aren’t a guy that naturally looks for the ball, then you will have to train it.

I am here to tell you that if you don’t look for it, you won’t catch it. Too many defensive backs won’t look for the ball out of fear that they will either misjudge it or when they look, the ball will be right there and pass them into the receiver’s hands. Get over that fear now.

When you have put yourself into position against the wide receiver, look for the football. If it’s not there, you can always get your eyes back to him and continue to track his hip. Close out the space between you and the WR. Get your head around and prepare to make a big play.

Practice this after practice. Simply go through your press steps, run through a couple of routes, and look for the ball as someone throws it to you.

4 – Tracking the Football

This is specifically for the deep ball (corner, post, and go routes). Some guys simply struggle in this area. You will do everything right, turn your head around, and misjudge the football. This is a function of inexperience.

Outfielders in baseball have to “shag fly balls” constantly so that they get used to judging the flight of the ball so they can get under it. Guess what you are going to have to do?

If you struggle in this area, then spend some time lining up in press against air, running go routes, post routes, and corner routes with someone throwing the ball to you. Learn how to judge the ball and smoothly get in position.

As a rule, the higher the ball, the more you need to run and the deeper you need to get. The ball will take time to come down and most likely travel a further distance. Use that time to get deeper down the field, allowing yourself the chance to come back in should you need to. A ball on the rise requires you to run. A ball on its way down means you can slow down unless it’s right above your head, in which case, you are in trouble. Keep running.

A low ball (i.e., a line drive throw) will typically cover less ground unless it’s thrown by Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes. A low ball means you can throttle down some. You can typically jump and stretch out your hands on a line drive if you have not reached the spot yet. The height of the ball matters. Keep that in mind.

5 – Attacking the Football

One of the biggest things I notice with many young DBs when I begin training them is the desire to want the ball to get into their body when we are doing ball drills. If that is you, end that now.

9.5 times out of 10 when you are trying to catch a ball in a game or in practice, a receiver is right there next to you doing the same. Guess who gets the ball? The guy with hands extended the furthest. Guess who practices catching all day? The receiver. Guess who is going to extend their hands to catch the ball? The receiver. Guess who also needs to extend their hands if they want the ball? You got it.

Make it a habit to try and catch the ball with your hands FULLY extended every time it is thrown to you in training or in practice. Get comfortable doing that. Failing to do this is like going to war for the army not knowing how to shoot.

I would much rather you drop footballs in the beginning trying to extend your arms to catch them than set up this false sense of security by body catching them with success. You will get robbed on the football field if you are a body catcher. Don’t let that be you.

In conclusion, you can improve your ability to catch the football and force more turnovers by focusing on using your eyes to catch the ball, training your grip, turning your head around to see the ball, improving your tracking, and attacking the ball. Improvements in any or all of these areas will result in a bump in your interception total.

For more information and drills to improve your ball skills, join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area. Over 200+ videos on upping your knowledge and improving your game. Click here for more info.

Where’s My Help in Man Coverage? (Cover 1)

Man coverage is a very important element of a defensive game plan and a defensive back’s skill set. The common thought process when it comes to man coverage is that you are “on an island,” but in reality, that is not the case. There is always help, and in this article, I am going to outline where your help is located in the most common man coverages. In this article, we will be going over Cover 1.

I am starting here because this is the most common man coverage used at all levels (high school, college, and pro). Cover 1 looks similar to Cover 3 (a common coverage), but it differs in that the defenders are locked onto a man and follow him wherever he goes.

Where’s the Help?: There is always help in the deep middle of the field (post) in Cover 1. In all versions, one of the safeties will be dropping into that area to give you definite help. In addition, the safety should have range from the numbers to the numbers on balls thrown deep in that area.

Depending on the type of Cover 1 called, defenders could also have help in the low hole area. This area is where the middle linebacker is located. If he is not blitzing, then he will be providing help in that area. Other versions of Cover 1 allow for a safety to drop into that area to help with routes located there.

With this in mind, defenders in coverage should know what type of Cover 1 is being played and whether or not there will be low help. Also, aligning with the proper leverage is key. For cornerbacks, receivers with normal or slightly reduced splits should draw an outside shaded alignment. Your outside leverage should be maintained to bracket the receiver between you and the help. If the splits get closer to the offensive line, be wary of taking too much of an outside shade in your alignment, as the receiver could be trying to access the other side of the field where there is more space.

If the receiver takes a wide split (outside of the numbers), your help now becomes the sideline. Adjust your alignment accordingly. By the receiver’s alignment, he has moved further away from your inside help. However, he has moved himself closer to your outside help (out of bounds). You should now move to an inside shade and trap the receiver into the small space between you and the sideline. This creates a harder throw for the quarterback.

Example of adjusted alignment vs wide split

Example of adjusted alignment vs tight split

Inside defenders (linebackers, safeties, and nickel backs) should consider the receiver’s split as well when lining up in Cover 1. As your assigned receiver moves closer to the numbers, a more head-up to inside shade should be taken to avoid allowing a quick throw from the QB to the receiver in a wide space between you and your potential help. The idea should be to force the longer throw to the outside.

As the receiver moves closer inside (toward the QB), consider a more outside shade as the receiver has more space outside and is likely looking to access that area. Position yourself in a way that makes accessing that area difficult for the receiver. Don’t overdo the outside alignment, though, because, as I said for the corner, the receiver does have access to the other side of the field and could leave you trailing badly if he goes there.

In conclusion, smart defenders know where their help is and align accordingly to give themselves the best chance for success. I go more in-depth on how to play man coverage in my book “101 DB Tips.” It’s the ultimate reference guide on how to play defensive back. If you play or coach defensive back, you should definitely have it in your library. Click here to get your copy.

This Important Skill Will Improve your Press Man Reps 10x

One of the biggest issues I see when I work with defensive backs is a lack of lateral movement. It’s understandable since the position requires a lot of unnatural moves. In particular, young defensive backs struggle when it’s time to move left or right against a wide receiver that is trying to run their route.

This inability leads to the defensive back making moves during their press reps that lead to failure. Point-blank, the wide receiver is trying to manipulate the defensive back both at the line of scrimmage and down the field as they run their route. If the back does not possess the skill to remain square as long as possible, they will often fail in their attempt to cover the receiver.

Currently, in my members area, I have explained a drill that will 100% improve a defensive back’s lateral movement when they are in press man coverage. This skill will dramatically improve a defensive back’s outcome in press man coverage.

If you are interested in improving your press man skills right now, it’s in your best interest to see this video and join the All Eyes DB Camp members area. Click here now for more information on the All Eyes DB Camp members area and to sign up.

What College Scouts Look for in High School Cornerbacks

When it comes to recruiting high school cornerbacks, college scouts are meticulously detailed in their evaluations. Cornerbacks play a critical role in any football defense, responsible for covering some of the most athletic players on the field. Here are the top five attributes that college scouts look for when assessing high school cornerbacks:

1. Athleticism

Speed: A cornerback’s ability to keep up with fast receivers is crucial. Scouts often use 40-yard dash times as a key metric for evaluating a player’s speed. Quick acceleration and top-end speed help cornerbacks stay stride-for-stride with wide receivers and recover if beaten initially.

Agility: Agility is essential for a cornerback to change direction quickly and react to a receiver’s movements. Scouts often assess agility through shuttle drills and cone drills, which simulate the rapid direction changes required during a game.

Vertical Leap: A good vertical leap is important for contesting catches, especially against taller receivers. A strong vertical jump allows a cornerback to challenge passes effectively, even when outmatched in height.

2. Technical Skills

Footwork: Proper footwork is vital for maintaining balance and positioning. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can backpedal smoothly, transition efficiently from a backpedal to a sprint, and change directions without losing balance or speed.

Hand Usage: Effective use of hands, particularly in press coverage, is critical. Scouts evaluate how well a cornerback can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupt their routes, and avoid penalties.

Tackling: Reliable tackling skills are essential, particularly in open-field situations. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can tackle with good form, ensuring that they can stop receivers and contribute to run defense.

3. Football IQ

Play Recognition: A high football IQ allows cornerbacks to quickly read and react to offensive plays. Scouts value players who can recognize routes and formations, anticipate the quarterback’s intentions, and position themselves accordingly.

Awareness: Situational awareness is crucial for understanding down-and-distance scenarios, offensive tendencies, and making in-game adjustments. Cornerbacks with strong awareness can make smarter plays and avoid costly mistakes.

Discipline: Staying disciplined in coverage assignments is key. Scouts look for cornerbacks who do not bite on double moves or fakes and who can maintain their coverage responsibilities throughout the play.

4. Physicality

Size and Strength: While speed and agility are important, having the right size and strength to compete with physical receivers is equally critical. Scouts evaluate whether a cornerback has the physical attributes to handle college-level competition.

Durability: The ability to withstand the physical demands of the game without frequent injuries is important. Scouts consider a player’s injury history and overall durability when making evaluations.

5. Character and Work Ethic

Coachability: Being open to learning and adapting based on coaching feedback is a valuable trait. Scouts look for players who show a willingness to improve and take instruction well.

Competitiveness: A strong desire to compete and continually improve is essential. Scouts value cornerbacks who demonstrate a competitive spirit on and off the field.

Leadership: Potential for leadership is another important factor. Scouts assess whether a cornerback can lead by example, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and contribute positively to team dynamics.

Conclusion

For high school cornerbacks aspiring to play at the college level, excelling in these five areas can significantly boost their recruitment prospects. College scouts are looking for players who combine athletic prowess with technical skills, football intelligence, physicality, and strong character. By focusing on these attributes, high school cornerbacks can better position themselves for success in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.

For more information on improving your physical skills and football IQ as a defensive back, join the All Eyes DB Camp member’s area. Over 200 videos on DB tips, drills, workouts, coverages explained and more. Click here for more info.

3 Ways for the Secondary to Decode the Offense

Playing defensive back involves a wide array of physical skills, but none of those skills will be worth anything unless you can embrace the mental side of the game. Having a strong understanding of what the offense is trying to do is crucial to you becoming a playmaker on the field. With that said, here are three basic but important ways that you can determine what the offense is trying to do.

Personnel

Obviously, people are the most important currency in football. Every team has players who fulfill a role. Offenses have playmakers and intelligent coaches who try to get the ball to those players. It is important to locate the playmakers on the offense. Through film study, you can learn how they do that. Do they move their playmakers around? If so, you can get a bead on what plays they run by where the playmakers line up. On a simple level, some teams bring in more wide receivers when they want to pass and more tight ends when they want to run. Some teams make use of a third-down back. Study film to determine what plays they run when he’s in the game. Other teams will use things like an extra tight end or a fullback when they want to be powerful or tricky with play action. Make it a point to study those things. Always make a note of who is in the game.

Formations

Some teams use a variety of formations. Study the formations to determine what plays they like to run from them. Some teams will run the same plays over and over while using different formations to confuse you. You can determine that from film study.

The more formations a team runs, the fewer plays they are able to run. There’s only so much that a team can learn and execute well. As you are watching film, pay close attention to the plays and concepts that are being run from each formation. Oftentimes you will notice that the concepts are the same. For instance, a play run by a team from their trips formation is very similar to the play they run when they’re in a 2×2 formation.

Offenses also have favorite plays in their formations. If you can hone in on the handful of popular plays from each formation, you can put yourself in a position to make a big play with anticipation. Take notes as you study film regarding their top plays in each formation.

Down and Distance

The name of the game is to advance the ball down the field towards the end zone. To do this, offenses must get first downs. With this in mind, down and distance are very important to the offense. We don’t see fullback dives on third and 10, right? That tells you that the down and distance is important.

As you watch film, be sure to notice what your opponent likes in certain downs and distances. Add to that what they do when they are in certain parts of the field. The plays that get called on certain downs and distances are different when they are on their own 20-yard line as opposed to midfield.

Third downs are very crucial to the offense. In most situations, that is the last down they have to get a first down before they must punt or attempt a field goal. Offenses tend to rely on a small number of plays in these crucial situations. Do your best to determine what those plays are. Having a firm knowledge of this can put you in a position to make a big play in a crucial moment.

Putting it All Together

Using these three important things—personnel, formations, and down and distance—can give you major clues into what is coming before the ball is snapped. Having quick reaction skills as a defensive back is important, but there is no substitute for the power of anticipation. Your ability to anticipate will be developed through your careful film study. Through these three components outlined in this article, you can begin to uncover how the offense attacks. Having a firm understanding of this will give you the ability to know what’s coming. There are few things better in life than knowing what’s going to happen before it does. Being able to do this on a football field will make you a star.

I go more in-depth on film study and uncovering what offenses do in the All Eyes DB Camp members area. If you play or coach defensive back, it’s definitely worthwhile for you to join. For more info, click here.

Playing Defensive Back – How to Stay Focused Under Pressure

Playing defensive back requires a wide range of physical skills necessary to match up against your opponent and win the battles every down in the war. However, all the physical training in the world won’t help you if you are not mentally prepared for battle and cannot handle the stresses of the position. Defensive back is arguably the most stressful position on the field. To perform at your best, you need to do a few things to handle that stress. In this article, I will give you a few tips on managing the stress of playing defensive back.

1 -Preparation is Key

Focus begins long before game day. Proper preparation builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Study your opponent’s tendencies, routes, and formations. Knowing what to expect allows you to react faster and more decisively. Confidence is the most important factor in playing defensive back, and confidence is built through knowing what your opponent is going to do.

Film Study Tips:

– Watch game tapes of your opponents to identify their favorite routes and moves.
– Pay attention to the quarterback’s habits and tells.
– Study your own performances to identify and correct mistakes.

2 – Develop a Pre-Game Routine

A consistent pre-game routine helps settle nerves and gets you into the right mindset. Your routine can include stretching, listening to music, visualization, or any activity that helps you relax and focus.

Pre-Game Routine Ideas:

– Warm up with dynamic stretches and light drills.
– Listen to a playlist that gets you pumped up or calms your nerves.
– Visualize successful plays and positive outcomes.

The third point is one that I am really high on. Before the big plays happen in real life, you must visualize them in your head. Manifest your performance in your thoughts and watch them unfold when the real moments come.

3 – Stay Present

During the game, it’s easy to let your mind wander to past mistakes or future plays. However, the key is to stay present and focus on the current moment.

Mindfulness Techniques:

– Focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths can help calm your mind.
– Use cues or keywords to bring your attention back to the present (e.g., “Next play” or “Stay sharp”).
– Practice mindfulness meditation off the field to improve your ability to stay present during games.

Many great players practice the art of talking to themselves. To some, it may seem like they are crazy, but it helps them make crazy plays. Speak things into existence, especially when the moments get intense. Talking to yourself doesn’t mean you are crazy or can’t handle the pressure. Quite the opposite. It means you have a plan for the big moments, and reminding yourself of who you are will help you get the job done.

4 -Control What You Can

You can’t control every aspect of the game, but you can control your own actions and reactions. Focus on your responsibilities and trust your training.

Control Tactics:

– Focus on executing your assignment to the best of your ability.
– Don’t dwell on mistakes; learn from them and move on.
– Maintain a positive attitude and encourage your teammates.

Once a play is over, it’s over. Quickly learn from what happened and move your focus to the next play. One moment, you can get beat for a touchdown, and the next moment, you can take an interception the length of the field for a touchdown. You can’t control what just happened, but you do have the power to control what takes place next.

5 – Embrace Pressure

Rather than fearing pressure, embrace it. Pressure means you’re in a position to make a significant impact. Reframe your mindset to view pressure as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Mindset Shifts:

– Think of high-pressure situations as a chance to showcase your skills.
– Remind yourself of past successes in similar situations.
– Visualize yourself succeeding under pressure.

Convince yourself that you love high-pressure moments. This is why you love football and playing defensive back. Performing in the pressure cooker is what separates you from those sitting in the stands. Do this enough, and you will eventually find it to be true. Intense moments are where superstars are made. Extraordinary moments create extraordinary people.

6 – Stay Physically Prepared

Physical fatigue can lead to mental lapses. Ensure that your conditioning is top-notch so you can maintain focus throughout the game.

Physical Preparation:

– Follow a rigorous conditioning program to improve endurance.
– Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition.
– Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery.

There’s a saying that goes, “fatigue makes cowards of us all.” One of the best things you can do for yourself physically is to be in shape. Defensive backs run all day, so be prepared to do so. The guy with the most energy in tough moments stands the best chance to win. Jerry Rice built a Hall of Fame career off of being able to run faster and longer than everyone who lined up in front of him.

7 – Communicate with Your Teammates

Clear communication helps prevent confusion and mistakes. Make sure you and your teammates are on the same page, especially in high-pressure situations.

Communication Tips:

– Use hand signals and verbal calls to relay information.
– Encourage and support each other to boost morale.
– Hold each other accountable for assignments and adjustments.

Remember that football is a team game. Sometimes as defensive backs (especially cornerbacks), you can feel like you are all alone. However, even in the most one-on-one situations, your teammates can help you. Whether that is a teammate alerting you to a play that is coming or you aligning yourself in a way that a teammate can help you, defeating your opponent is not a solo job on a football field. Use communication to your advantage.

8 – Learn from Experience

Experience is a great teacher. The more you play in high-pressure situations, the better you’ll become at handling them. Reflect on each game and identify areas for improvement.

Post-Game Reflection:

– Review your performance and identify what you did well and what needs improvement.
– Discuss the game with coaches and teammates to gain different perspectives.
– Set goals for future games based on your reflections.

Reflecting on your performance prepares you for the next time, and there will be a next time. Those who fail to learn from mistakes are doomed to repeat them. Repeated mistakes become habits, and we all know that habits are hard to break. Learning from failure is a superpower. Use it to your advantage and give yourself an edge for the next time you are in that situation.

Conclusion

Some players at the upper levels even seek help from a sports psychologist. Never be too prideful to do this. These professionals can help you set your mind up for success. As physical as the game of football is, 80% of it is mental. The mind controls the body, and for it to do that, it must be in the proper state play after play. Using the techniques described in this article prepares your brain to make the right decisions on the field when the situations mean the most. Incorporate them into your routine and enjoy the newfound success that it will bring you.

7 Ways DBs Can Learn A New Defense Super Fast

You’ve spent countless hours in the weight room and on the field in the off-season. You’ve taken your body to the brink and toiled under the sun to be an impact player on your new team, but there is one thing that can undo all of your efforts and keep you on the bench. That thing is the playbook.

Whether you are leveling up from high school to college, college to pro, or just switching teams, adapting to the new playbook can be very challenging depending on how complicated your new team’s scheme is. If you don’t put forth the same amount of effort in learning the playbook that you did in training, all of your physical efforts might have been for naught. If you don’t know where to line up and what to do, you will not play.

With that in mind, let’s talk about the best ways to quickly learn your new team’s defensive scheme.

1. Review Before Meetings

If you’re fortunate to get materials before install meetings, it is in your best interest to review those materials prior to the meetings. In a lot of colleges, the defenses that will be installed in the meeting are sent to your iPad beforehand. In some other cases, even at the high school level, you are given an entire playbook and you are told prior to the meeting what will be installed on that day. Whatever the case may be, I urge you to review the materials before the meeting. As you do this, ask yourself some questions.

There’s no doubt that there will be terminology in the playbook or install that you are not familiar with. Make note of those terms you do not understand. Additionally, some of the questions you can ask yourself before the meeting and seek answers to are: What happens when there is motion? Do we stay in this coverage if they come out in a different formation? Having these questions in your mind prior to the meeting ensures that you find the answers and allows the answers to stick in your mind a little better.

2. Take Notes During the Meeting

This one is elementary, but you’d be surprised how many players don’t do this. If you aren’t taking notes, you aren’t engaged, and you aren’t learning. Unless you know the defense like the coach who is installing it, you better be jotting down some things.

If you are like me, and you find that excessive note-taking during a presentation causes you to fall behind, then make use of all of the technology available to you. Use your phone to record the meeting while you jot down the most important notes here and there. With AI now on the scene, there are apps that will take your recording and do anything from summarizing the meeting to giving you the key points. If you’re not using this, then you are cheating yourself. Claude.AI is a great app that can do this for you. There are others as well.

3. Review Immediately After Install

This can be challenging because installs are typically followed thereafter by either a walk-through or practice. So in some cases, there isn’t a ton of time. However, here’s how you get ahead of the game: Prepare yourself before the meeting for practice. This could mean coming to the meeting already dressed (minus the shoulder pads; don’t be a dork lol). This way, the time you would’ve spent getting dressed after the install you can spend reviewing the install. Just simply doing this for five or ten minutes can make you twice as good in the walk-through that is coming. The mind works so much better when newly learned materials are reviewed. It really is a hack.

4. Pay Attention in Walk-Throughs

When you are young, you are active, and that includes the brain. Things moving slowly, like a walk-through, can be painful for your overactive brain. However, this is where your discipline is going to have to kick in. Remain dialed in during the walk-through.

Most guys are only really paying attention when they are in and taking their turn during the walk-through. It is very easy to get caught up in side conversations with other players during a walk-through. Do yourself a favor and save those side conversations for the locker room.

The truth of the matter is, you will learn more during the walk-through when you’re not in than when you are in. When you are taking reps during the walk-through, your brain is scrambling and focusing on a lot of things. When you are not in and watching others take reps, your brain is more calm and better able to focus. That’s where the learning comes in. Now when it’s your turn, you are just reacting, and that will be from what you observed while you were not in.

If you think that your coaches aren’t evaluating you or don’t take walk-throughs seriously because you aren’t tackling someone or making plays on the ball, you better guess again. A lot of times, this is when they are determining how many reps you are going to get in the live practice. If you look lost in the walk-through, your coach might think you aren’t ready for live action. Don’t let that be you.

5. Review After Practice

If all you went through was a walk-through and then you were given some free time, steal 10, 15, or 20 minutes to review once again. If you had a full-on practice after the walk-through, then spend that same amount of time soon thereafter reviewing. I get it, practice just ended and you would like a break. Extend your practice this small amount of time and put the review in. It will work wonders. Again, the reviews really allow the information to be absorbed by your brain. It will also allow you to correct some of the mistakes you may have made. Repeating mistakes when you are new is a cardinal sin.

6. Watch Film

If you have it available to you, watch film of your team playing the defenses that have been discussed. Watch the film and try to determine what defense the team is in. If you are in college, you are probably going to have access to film that labels the defense that is being run on the film. Use that to your advantage. Sometimes the brain works better watching others execute something that has been drawn on a board or put on a pad. Also, use this to your advantage. This, along with the other tips, will enhance the speed at which you learn the new defenses.

7. Quiz Yourself

There is knowing the defense, and then there is KNOWING the defense. Don’t forget how fast things move during live practice and in games. When the offense breaks the huddle, you have precious little time to figure out what formation they are in, where you’re supposed to line up, and what you are supposed to do. Don’t get fooled by taking two minutes to come up with the right answers about a defense when you are sitting in your dorm or in a meeting.

You really need to know the defense well enough to have all the answers within five to ten seconds. That’s about all the time you will have when things are moving for real. Do yourself a favor and choose some defenses out of your playbook and draw them up on paper without the benefit of reviewing your notes. The more you do this, the faster you will learn it. Ultimately, you want to know the defense well enough to teach it to someone else, preferably someone that doesn’t even play football. When you know it like that, then you know it for sure, and now you’re ready to go.

Conclusion

Knowing the defense and the coverages is ultimately what you will need to play. While being big, fast, strong, and skillful at your position is a must, nothing is going to happen if you don’t understand the defense. By reviewing before the meetings, taking notes during the meeting, reviewing immediately after the installs, paying attention during walk-throughs, reviewing after practice, watching film, and quizzing yourself, you can dramatically speed up the amount of time it takes you to know the new defense. The quicker you learn, the quicker you will play, and the more plays you will make. Implement these tips into your learning process. You’ll thank me later.

Don’t Untrain Yourself

A Message to Defensive Backs About Correct Training

It’s that time of year when we turn up the heat on our preparation for the coming season. They say champions are made in the summer, and that may be true, but it can also be a time when you form some bad habits.

There is power in repetition and consistency. This is something that I have held strong to as a motto for All Eyes DB Camp. When people hear this, they think of the positive aspect. Consistency in training can bring you extremely positive results. However, consistently doing something wrong can cripple your ability to reach your maximum level of performance.

One of the hardest things to train as a defensive back is your eyes. It’s even harder if you are training on your own. Let’s face it, it’s impossible to see your eyes. It’s also very difficult to feel what your eyes are doing. Without the benefit of another person there watching your eyes to give you feedback, it takes a very focused effort to do the right things with your eyes while you are training.

As a rule, when you are doing DB drills by yourself, start no drill without first asking, “Where should my eyes be?” You could not play this game if you were blind. As such, having your eyes in the wrong place will render what your feet and hands are doing useless. What your eyes are doing comes first. Put your focus on your eyes first and foremost in every drill that you do when you are training. If you are doing drills by yourself, be especially diligent in doing the right things with your eyes.

For instance, if you are working on your kick slide, be sure to use your imagination and pretend that there is a man in front of you that you are covering. This prevents your eyes from going all over the place. Many times players will develop the habit of looking at the ground during their drill work. Undoubtedly, this comes from training by yourself. It’s human nature to look at the ground during intense moments of physical activity or skill development. You have to drill that tendency out of yourself.

If the eyes are the most important part of playing defensive back, then they should be a major focus when you are training. Keep this in mind as you hit the park and get some work in by yourself. It’s easy to just focus on the feet and the hands because they are easy to see and judge. However, the real focus in your drill work should be on what your eyes are doing. When the eyes are right, the feet and the hands follow.

For more information on how to train in the off-season, pick up a copy of my book “101 DB Tips.” It’s the ultimate reference guide for defensive backs, coaches, and trainers. Click here for more info.

Page 2 of 23

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Next »