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Top 5 Drills Every Safety Should Be Doing Weekly

The safety position is one of the most demanding on the field. You’re expected to tackle like a linebacker, cover like a corner, and think like a quarterback. That’s why your weekly training needs to sharpen every tool in your toolbox — speed, awareness, reaction, and technique.

Whether you’re a high school safety trying to earn a scholarship or a DB coach developing your unit, here are 5 drills every safety should be doing weekly to stay ready on game day.

1. Pedal & Break Transitions

Purpose: Improves backpedal control and change of direction.

Drill:
Start in a DB stance, backpedal 5–7 yards on command, then break 45° left or right on cue. Repeat from various alignments.

Coaching Points:

  • Stay low in your pedal

  • Keep eyes forward, chest over knees

  • Explode out of your break with 2 quick steps

Why it matters: Safeties are constantly reading and reacting. Crisp transitions help you close space in zone or attack underneath throws.

2. W-Drill (Weave and Plant)

Purpose: Builds lateral movement and hip flexibility.

Drill:
Set 5 cones in a zig-zag/W pattern. Pedal to each cone, plant and weave toward the next cone.

Coaching Points:

  • Maintain cushion and control

  • Open hips without losing leverage

  • Head stays level — no false steps

Why it matters: Great for pattern matching and covering space while staying square to the line of scrimmage.

3. Break Step / T-Step Ball Reaction Drill

Purpose: Trains your break step and reaction to passes.

Drill:
Start in a backpedal. On coach’s signal or ball release, plant your outside foot in a T-step and drive to break on the ball.

Coaching Points:

  • Bicycle Step or Make the “T” — toe perpendicular to heel

  • Explode off the plant foot

  • Attack the point of the catch

Why it matters: Elite safeties anticipate and arrive with violence. Clean T-steps put you in position to do both.

4. Open & Run with Route Recognition

Purpose: Simulates real route concepts and closing angles.

Drill:
Coach or receiver runs a route tree. Safety starts flat-footed or backpedaling, then opens and runs based on stem.

Coaching Points:

  • Recognize route types: post, corner, seam

  • Use proper leverage and angles

  • Don’t overcommit — stay on top

Why it matters: This mimics game action. Knowing how to turn and stay in-phase with receivers is essential to making plays deep.

5. Angle Tackling Drill

Purpose: Prepares you to make open-field tackles from safety depth.

Drill:
Set up a ball carrier and safety 10–12 yards apart at an angle. Ball carrier sprints toward a cone while safety tracks and fits up.

Coaching Points:

  • Close space under control

  • Keep inside leverage

  • Strike through the ball carrier with hips and eyes up

Why it matters: Safeties often have to save touchdowns. Practicing pursuit angles and wrap-up technique is a must.

Final Thoughts

Drills don’t make great safeties — intentional work on the right drills does.

Whether you’re a free or strong safety, focusing on these five every week will raise your game:

  1. Pedal & Break

  2. W-Drill

  3. Break Step / T-Step & Ball Reaction

  4. Open & Run

  5. Angle Tackling

Want more tips like this? Grab your copy of 101 DB Tips — a complete guide to mastering defensive back play. Or better yet, join our DB community at members.alleyesdbcamp.com where we break down drills, film, and technique every week.

How Safeties Can Disguise Coverage Without Getting Caught Out of Position

Disguising coverage is a valuable tool — but if you’re not careful, it can hurt more than help. Safeties need to walk a fine line between deception and discipline.

Let’s break down how to disguise your coverage — without getting caught out of position.

The Danger of Over-Disguising

Too many young safeties get excited about faking coverages. They stay too long in a false look, or rotate too late — and boom, they’re out of position when the ball is snapped.

Disguising doesn’t mean being sneaky for no reason. It means timing, depth, and understanding leverage.

Principles for Safe Disguising

1. Know Your Assignment Cold

Before you ever think about faking the quarterback, lock in your actual responsibility. Know your run fits, your drop zone, and the routes you’re vulnerable to.

2. Be Smart With Timing

The key to disguising is rotation timing. Some coverages allow for late movement (like Cover 3 rotation from a two-high look), but others require early positioning. Learn the timing of the coverage — and rotate with urgency if you need to.

3. Keep Your Depth

Safeties who creep up to fake a robber look and don’t get back in time are liabilities. Always disguise at a depth where you can recover. A good rule of thumb: don’t break 8-10 yards unless you’re coming down with a purpose.

4. Use the Sideline as Your Ally

If you’re rotating to the field side, you’ve got more ground to cover — so start your disguise from a tighter hash. If you’re rotating to the boundary, you can hold longer.

5. Talk With Your DB Unit

Disguises fall apart if the nickel or corners aren’t synced. For example, if you’re faking Cover 2 but your corner’s bailing like Cover 3, the QB will sniff it out. Disguising must be a unit-level operation.

The Result: Controlled Chaos

When done right, disguising doesn’t create chaos for your defense — it creates chaos for the offense. The goal is to make the quarterback guess, not your teammates.

Discipline + deception = disruption.

Final Thought:

Reps build habits. Great safeties don’t just know what to do — they’ve trained their body to do it. Get intentional with your drill periods and you’ll see results on Friday and Saturday.

Need a complete defensive system for 7on7 or summer install? Download my detailed coaching manual, “The Ultimate 7on7 Defensive Playbook” for drills, coverages, and diagrams. Get It Now → https://shop.alleyesdbcamp.com

How to Effectively Coach Safeties on Route Combinations and Pattern Reading

In today’s spread-heavy game, safeties must be more than just the last line of defense. They need to diagnose route combinations, anticipate concepts, and match patterns to shut down passing attacks. Here’s how to coach your safeties at the high school and college levels to do exactly that.

1. Train Eye Discipline on No. 2

Safeties must start every snap with great eyes. Teach them to key No. 2 in 2×2 or 3×1 sets and diagnose route intentions:

  • Vertical = carry and match
  • Under = zone off, alert dig/post from No. 1
  • Out = communicate and adjust depth

Use drill periods to reinforce eye progression on every rep.

2. Teach Route Distribution Rules

In match coverages, route rules simplify responsibilities. Install these rules in your playbook:

No. 2 Route Safety Response
Vertical Carry and match
Under Pass off, gain depth
Out Alert corner, zone off
Sit Zone off, eyes to No. 1

The quicker your safeties grasp route structures, the faster they play.

3. Install Coverages Around Route Combos

When installing coverage, start with route concepts, not just cover shell. Ask:

“How do we play Smash out of Quarters? How do we defend Flood from 3×1?”

Make your install context-based to improve recall and application.

4. Reinforce With Targeted Drills

Use 2v2, 3v3, and bunch recognition drills. Rotate route combinations and stress communication and footwork. Examples:

  • 2×2: Smash, Dagger, Levels
  • 3×1: Flood, Seam-Wheel, Trips Switch
  • Bunch: Snag, Spot, Spacing

Film these drills and review weekly with your safeties.

5. Film Study = Mental Reps

Build weekly film cut-ups of opponent route concepts. Make your safeties explain what they see and what their reaction is. Use it to teach anticipation and build mental reps.

Final Thought:

Pattern recognition separates good safeties from great ones. If you want your safeties to play fast and eliminate explosive plays, invest in route teaching every week.

Want a complete coaching guide with tips, drills, and breakdowns to elevate your DB room? Grab a copy of my best-selling book “101 DB Tips” and sharpen your edge as a coach. Order Now → https://101dbtips.com

How Safeties Can Identify Run vs. Pass in Under 1 Second

One of the most overlooked skills in safety play is diagnosing run vs. pass — fast. A delay in reading the play can pull you out of position or get you beat over the top. Great safeties don’t just react — they anticipate.

This guide gives both players and coaches a framework to train quicker reads and improve pre- and post-snap recognition.

What to Look At — and When

  1. Pre-Snap: Alignment and Formation Tips

    • RB Depth: Deeper backs (7+ yards) usually signal a run or play-action. Flat or even-level backs may suggest pass.

    • TE/Y Off Ball: Tight ends off the line often run routes. Watch split width too — tighter splits often = run support.

    • WR Stance: Wide receivers in relaxed stances or looking around = likely run plays.

  2. Snap-to-Step Key Reads

    • OL High Hat / Low Hat

      • High Hat (pass): Linemen pop up vertically — no fire out.

      • Low Hat (run): Linemen come off the ball aggressively with forward drive.

    • RB Flow

      • Is the back pressing the line of scrimmage or immediately moving laterally? Look for flow indicators.

  3. QB Behavior

    • Quick drop back = pass.

    • Turned shoulders or stretch handoff = run or play-action.

Training the Run-Pass Key

For players:

  • Start every play with eyes on your run-pass key: usually a guard or the near tackle.

  • Process quickly, then move. Speed without clarity is a mistake waiting to happen.

For coaches:

  • Use half-speed recognition drills where safeties read OL off the snap.

  • Mix in play-action reps to train eye discipline.

  • Quiz your safeties in film sessions: “Run or pass? Why?”

Elite Safeties React Fast Because They Recognize Fast

The top safeties aren’t just fast physically — they’re fast mentally. With the right eye discipline and reps, you can train that skill too.

Want to see these concepts in action?
Check out the All Eyes DB Camp YouTube Channel for breakdowns on DB fundamentals, safety reads, coverage tips, and real film analysis. Whether you’re a player trying to level up or a coach sharpening your teaching toolbox, we’ve got videos that bring it all to life.

Subscribe now and take your football IQ to the next level!

How to Improve Your Open-Field Tackling as a Safety

Open-field tackling is one of the most challenging — and most critical — skills a safety must master. Whether you’re the last line of defense or filling the alley in run support, your ability to get a ball carrier on the ground often makes the difference between a short gain and a touchdown.

This quick article breaks down the essentials of open-field tackling for players and gives coaches tips on how to teach it effectively.

The Reality of the Open Field

In today’s game, especially at the high school and college levels, offenses are built to isolate defenders in space. Spread formations and quick passes force safeties to make tackles in one-on-one situations. If you’re late, off-balance, or out of control — it’s 6 points.

Key Elements of a Great Open-Field Tackle

Approach with Control
You can’t tackle what you can’t track. Come to balance with a “shimmy” step as you approach. Short, choppy steps reduce your momentum and allow for directional control.

Maintain Leverage
Know where your help is and keep the ball carrier on your inside hip. Never overrun or cross your leverage. Funnel him toward pursuit or the sideline.

Break Down with a Wide Base
Drop your hips, widen your feet, and keep your chest up. Your feet should be outside your shoulders, allowing for lateral movement.

Track the Near Hip
Lock in on the ball carrier’s near hip, not his head or feet. The hip doesn’t lie — it tells you where he’s going.

Shoot Low, Wrap, and Run Feet
Aim for the thighs or waist. Keep your head up (no ducking), wrap tight, and drive your legs through contact.

Coaching Tips for Teaching Open-Field Tackling

Use Alley or Angle Drills to simulate space tackling with controlled pursuit angles.

Coach Eyes and Feet: Remind DBs to watch the near hip and keep their feet active all the way into contact.

Reinforce Leverage Rules: Build in “contain responsibility” and fit rules in every drill.

Film Feedback: Show missed tackles in meetings and slow it down — focus on breakdowns in approach, not just the miss.

Final Thought

Being a reliable open-field tackler makes you a coach’s dream and a nightmare for offenses. It takes discipline, footwork, and repetition. Coaches: keep it simple and consistent. Players: don’t just aim to hit — aim to finish.

Want more tips like this?
Join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area for complete video breakdowns, coaching clinics, and player lessons.

Or grab the ultimate guide to DB play: 101 DB Tips – a must-have for every safety and secondary coach.

Biggest DB Draft Misses and What Went Wrong

Every year, talented defensive backs get picked early in the NFL Draft with sky-high expectations—only to struggle or flame out after a season or two. These draft misses aren’t just cautionary tales; they’re valuable case studies in what not to do.

Here are a few common reasons why DBs fail at the next level and how you can avoid the same fate:

1. Relying Too Much on Athleticism

Some prospects test off the charts but never develop the technique needed to match NFL route runners. Athleticism is a tool, not a solution. If your whole game is built on being faster or stronger, you’ll eventually face someone faster and more technical. Build a strong foundation in footwork, eye discipline, and leverage.

2. Poor Film Study Habits

Several DBs have admitted they didn’t study much film in college. That catches up to them fast. Offenses in the NFL are complex and fast-paced. DBs who fail to adapt mentally struggle. Start building good habits now—study your opponents and yourself every week.

3. Struggles with Adversity

Draft busts often hit the wall when they lose confidence after giving up a big play or losing reps in camp. Mental toughness is a key trait. Learn how to bounce back quickly and stay focused. Every DB gets beat sometimes—it’s about how you respond.

4. Inability to Learn a System

Some DBs look great in one scheme and get drafted by a team running another. If they can’t adapt, they struggle. The more you understand different coverages (man, zone, match), the more valuable you become.  You have to have a love for defense and defensive history.  Understanding the philosophies helps you easily adapt to the adjustments that are made.

5. Off-Field Issues

From discipline problems to poor work ethic, character concerns have derailed many promising careers. Take care of the off-field business. Be reliable, focused, and professional.  It is very difficult to separate personal life from career life.  Only a small handful can but this is not a bet that you need to make.

6. Poor System Fit

Every year we see this mistake being made by organizations.  They will draft a cornerback off of a name or even traits but simply is not a fit for what they do defensively.  Case in point was Derek Stingley in Houston.  Stingley is a man corner with solid route reading skills in 3 deep zones.  However,  Houston drafted him to play Cover 2 primarily.  This was not his strong suit and thus he was invisible for his first couple of seasons.  Under the new staff he has been placed into a more suitable fitting system and has thrived.

7. Poor Player Development

It isn’t always on on the player.  Some teams just aren’t good at player development. Whether it is failure to pick the right player for their scheme or failure to develop the player’s mindset / tools for their defense,  some organizations are notorious for failing a certain position.  Ultimately,  it’s on the player but some guys enter the league and are climbing an steep uphill battle.  Being strong mentally in those situations is crucial.  A player’s career depends on it.

Turn Mistakes into Motivation
Instead of just watching the highlight reels of draft picks, study the cautionary tales too. Learn from them. Don’t just aim to get drafted—aim to stick and thrive.

Want to build elite DB habits and mindset?

How NFL Draft Evaluations Can Help You Improve Your Game as a DB

Every year, NFL teams invest millions into evaluating college defensive backs ahead of the draft. They analyze film, interview players, review testing numbers, and dig deep into football IQ and character. As a high school or college DB trying to level up, you can use the same evaluation process to take your game to the next level.

Here are some key areas NFL scouts look at—and how you can apply them to your development:

1. Technique Matters More Than Hype
Scouts closely evaluate backpedal efficiency, transitions, hip fluidity, and hand placement in press. Even elite athletes fall in the draft if their technique isn’t polished. That means every drill you do at practice is an opportunity to tighten up the small things. Film yourself and be critical—if it wouldn’t pass at the next level, clean it up.

2. Football IQ Is a Game-Changer
Understanding route concepts, offensive formations, and how to disguise coverage is something that separates good from great. Scouts love DBs who can process fast and anticipate. Watch film of your games and ask: “What did I miss pre-snap? Could I have recognized that route combo sooner?”

3. Positional Versatility Boosts Your Value
NFL DBs who can play corner, nickel, and safety go higher. If you only play one position, start learning the others. Understand the leverage, run fits, and responsibilities across the board. It will also make you a smarter player at your primary spot.

4. Speed Is Good, But Recovery Speed Is Better
Straight-line 40 speed is great, but scouts love guys who can recover and compete through the catch point. That comes from technique, understanding spacing, and mastering change-of-direction. Your cone and shuttle drills should be a weekly focus.

5. Coachability and Character Are Always Evaluated
Scouts talk to coaches, trainers, and academic staff. If you’re tough to coach or inconsistent with effort, it shows up. The best thing you can do? Show up consistently, be vocal in a positive way, and hold yourself to a high standard—even when no one’s watching.

Use the Process to Level Up
You don’t have to be draft-eligible to take your game seriously. Start thinking like a pro now, and you’ll play like one sooner.

The Key to Using Your Hands in Press Man Coverage

The idea of press man coverage is to disrupt the timing and route of the wide receiver. To do this, your hands will often come into play, as they help redirect the receiver. However, many young DBs use their hands incorrectly. In this article, we’ll fix that.

It’s camp season, which means a lot of one-on-one reps. The offseason is the perfect time to sharpen your man-to-man skills, especially press man coverage.

Once the regular season begins and schedules tighten, there isn’t always time to get extra one-on-one reps. Savvy defensive backs use the offseason to polish their technique and refine their craft.

As I watch young DBs at camps and 7-on-7 events, one thing becomes clear: a lot of them rely too much on their hands. It may surprise you to learn this, but your hands are actually the last part of the press man process.

Great press man defensive backs know the order of operations: eyes, then feet, then hands. For your hands to be effective, your eyes and feet must do their job first.

Step 1: The Eyes

Before the snap, your eyes should be locked in on the wide receiver’s hips. The hips provide a central point for the entire body. Where the hips go, the receiver follows.

Many defensive backs make the mistake of watching the receiver’s hands, feet, shoulders, or head—all of which can move rapidly and cause confusion. The hips, however, move at a much slower pace. Since the hands and feet can’t go anywhere without the hips leading the way, your eyes should focus on the hips at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route.

As a famous song once said, “The hips don’t lie.”

Step 2: The Feet

When your eyes are focused on the right target, your feet must move to put you in position. Many young DBs struggle with this. Instead of using their feet to mirror the receiver’s release, they panic, open up too quickly, and start running down the field.

While this might seem logical, it often leads to trouble. Good wide receivers know how to manipulate a DB’s movements. They use deceptive and explosive releases to disguise their true intentions. A defensive back who turns and runs too early will get fooled.

When a DB realizes he has been fooled, he often overreacts and uses his hands to compensate. This usually leads to two outcomes:

  1. The DB lunges with his hands, freezing his feet and ending up in a trail position.

  2. The DB grabs the receiver’s jersey, drawing a penalty.

Training your feet to match a receiver’s release is a major key to being successful in press man coverage.

Step 3: The Hands

Once your eyes are in the right place and your feet are moving correctly, then and only then should your hands come into play.

Focused eyes allow well-trained feet to put you in position, setting up proper hand strikes that disrupt both the timing and shape of the route.

Before drilling yourself on hand usage in press man coverage, you must first master eye discipline and footwork.

In the great-tasting cake of press man coverage, your hands are the icing—and we all know the icing comes last.

Want to know how to train your eyes and feet so your hands can be lethal? Pick up a copy of my best-selling book, 101 DB Tips. It’s packed with outstanding information to help you lock down receivers and become the playmaker you need to be.

Click here to get your copy: 101dbtips.com

How to Read a Wide Receiver’s Body Language to Anticipate Routes

One of the biggest advantages a defensive back can have is the ability to read a wide receiver’s body language. Being able to anticipate where the receiver is going before they make their move can help you stay in phase, break on the ball faster, and make more plays. Wide receivers are trained to disguise their intentions, but their bodies often give away clues. The key is knowing what to look for.

1. The Stance at the Line of Scrimmage

Before the play even starts, a receiver’s stance can give away hints about the upcoming route.

  • Weight Distribution – If the receiver has more weight forward on their front foot, they may be preparing for a deep route or an explosive release. If their weight is more balanced, they could be preparing for a short or intermediate route.

  • Alignment – A receiver who lines up closer to the sideline may be setting up an inside-breaking route (like a post or dig), while a receiver lined up inside the numbers could be working toward an outside-breaking route (like an out or comeback).

  • Notes – This requires careful film study then awareness once the game comes. Watch film with intent,  looking for clues.  Then when the game comes use the early snaps to match up the study with reality.

2. Release off the Line

The first few steps of a receiver’s release can indicate the type of route they’re running.

  • Aggressive Burst – A quick, hard release off the line often signals a deep route like a go, post, or corner.

  • Slow Play or Hesitation – If the receiver takes a few short, choppy steps without going full speed, they may be setting up a hitch, slant, or double move.

  • Immediate Inside or Outside Movement – A receiver who quickly works inside may be setting up a slant, dig, or post, while an outside release often leads to a fade, comeback, or out route.

  • Notes – These cues are to be used for anticipation and not overplay.  Defensive backs typically get in trouble when they think they know the route and overplay it.  Though you may have a strong cue,  continue to use good technique and mechanics while anticipating.

3. Body Lean and Upper Body Movement

Receivers naturally lean into their breaks, but a well-trained DB can use this to their advantage.

  • Shoulder and Head Positioning – If a receiver starts leaning forward aggressively, they are likely preparing to stop (hitch, curl, comeback). If their head and shoulders stay upright, they may be staying vertical on a fade or post.

  • Arms and Hands – A receiver pumping their arms aggressively usually means they are trying to sell a vertical route. If their arms slow down or get ready to push off, they may be preparing to break off their route.

  • Notes: Use these cues to determine your upper body positioning.  If your keys say that the route will break off,  keep your center of gravity low and your chest down.  If the cues say route is going vertical then start getting tall to accelerate.

4. The Three-Step Indicator

By the time the receiver takes their third step, a DB should already have a good idea of what route is coming.

  • Full Speed with No Breakdown – The receiver is likely running a deep route. Stay in phase and play top-down coverage.

  • A Sudden Drop in Hips – This is a key indicator of a break. Be ready for a hitch, curl, or comeback.

  • Choppy Steps – If a receiver suddenly shortens their stride but doesn’t break, they may be setting up a double move (sluggo, out-and-up).

  • Notes – This is also where film study becomes a powerful weapon.  Take note of these indicators on the receivers you will be covering.  Also, be sure hip drops and choppy steps and fake.  Breakdown when they breakdown but your hips should match theirs.  If they turn,  you break.  If they remain vertical then so should yours.

5. Late Route Adjustments

  • Eyes and Hands – As the ball arrives, watch the receiver’s eyes and hands. If they start looking back early, a deep ball is coming. If their hands start creeping up, they are preparing to catch. Use this as a cue to make a play on the ball.

  • Body Positioning in the Break – A receiver who leans into a break at an angle may be setting up an out route, while a more vertical lean suggests a curl or comeback.

Conclusion

Reading a receiver’s body language is an art that separates average DBs from great ones. The best defensive backs don’t just react—they anticipate. By studying film, recognizing tendencies, and training your eyes, you can gain the edge needed to make more plays and shut down your opponent.

Want to learn more about how to watch film? Join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  Over 200 posts on a number of DB topics including film study, route combos and more.  Click here for more info!

These 3 Things Are Killing Your Off Man Reps

Have you ever been in this position before? You went to a camp, and you were all geared up to do one-on-ones because you wanted to crush the receivers with your press man skills, only to have the coach tell you that you aren’t allowed to play press. It felt like he told you to do the camp without your cleats on.

If you find yourself in this position and weren’t able to perform because you’re not good at off man, you are likely making the three mistakes I’m going to outline in this article.

Wrong Alignment

The biggest mistake I see defensive backs make when playing off man is that they are not aligned correctly. There’s a saying that goes, most battles are won or lost before they begin. If you don’t align right in off man, prepare to lose.

First of all, you must be aligned at the proper depth — this means how far off the receiver you have chosen to set up. If you’re aligned at 5 yards, you are too close and are in what is known as No Man’s Land. This is where you’re too far to play press and too close to play off. You’ll be in trouble the moment the receiver comes off the line of scrimmage — he’ll get you turned fast, and you’ll eventually end up spun around. You can also align too far off, allowing the receiver to run an assortment of short routes that make it easy for him to connect with the quarterback.

Your typical alignment should be 7 yards off. This allows you to comfortably keep a cushion over the wide receiver as he starts his route. It also allows you to maintain a backpedal for a reasonable amount of time before you either have to break or flip your hips to run deep. This alignment has been tried and true over many years. Feel free to test it, but it will most likely be at your peril.

The next alignment issue is leverage. A lot of DBs line up directly in front of the wide receiver, allowing the receiver to run right at them and make a break in either direction to gain separation. Quite frankly, you need to take something away.

When you’re in a camp doing one-on-ones, there is no help. My recommendation is to align inside by at least one yard. If the receiver has a wide split, you may want to experiment with aligning 2 yards inside. If that receiver wants to run an inside route, he’s going to have to work for it. If he decides to run an outside route, you have the ability to put yourself between him and the quarterback.

If you’re playing Cover 1 in a game situation, your coach may ask you to align outside since there may be help inside against the routes. In that case, you would align 7 yards off and one yard outside.

Poor Eye Focus

When it comes to this, off man coverage is just like press coverage — if your eyes aren’t right, you’ll be lost.

Some guys get a little lazy when they’re playing off man. They don’t feel as much urgency because they aren’t as close to the wide receiver. This leads to them placing their eyes wherever. Having that amount of space between you and the receiver can make it harder to focus on his hips, causing some defensive backs to look at the face and shoulders of the receiver. This is a recipe for disaster.

Instead, narrow your focus on the receiver’s hips. Do what you have to do with your vision to cut his torso off. When I played in games, I would pull my facemask down to block my view of the top of the receiver. It was a reminder to me to keep my eyes down during any off man rep. If you struggle to keep your eyes focused when you have distance off a receiver, consider doing something similar. The shoulders and head move faster than the hips — you don’t want to get fooled by false moves from the receiver.

Bad Break Mechanics

The final big problem in off man coverage for a lot of defensive backs is getting in and out of their breaks. Not enough work is done on this by many DBs — most training nowadays focuses heavily on playing press.

The truth is that in most defenses, you’re going to spend more time playing off the receiver than right up in front of him. Sometimes you will have to play off man, and a lot of times you will be off in a zone coverage.

With this in mind, it is in your best interest to work on getting out of your breaks. This means learning how to keep your weight over your toes, be efficient in your plant, and become exceptional at driving out of your breaks. None of these things are going to happen if you don’t put in the time practicing them.

Sometimes you can effectively anticipate a route by a receiver and still fail to make a play because your break mechanics were bad. Mechanics also include being able to effectively turn and run when the receiver goes deep. Inefficiency in that skill will get you beat a lot of times. I highly recommend that you put in the time with your drill work to improve in these areas.

Conclusion

If you want to shine at the next camp or make a ton of plays this season when you have to play off man coverage, I highly suggest that you fix these three errors. Whether it is aligning wrong, having poor eye focus, executing bad break mechanics, or all three, winning your off man coverage reps will be difficult.

Put the time in this offseason training in these areas and watch your performance rise. I have a ton of drills and education on playing off man in the All Eyes DB Camp Members Area. If you are not yet a member, I highly recommend that you join. Click here for more information.

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