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Mastering the Art of Man Coverage

As a defensive back, excelling in man coverage requires a combination of athleticism, technique, and football IQ. In this  guide, I will break down the essential elements of playing man coverage effectively.  Some of these things are very basic but they bear repeating and you may find some of the elements I point out interesting.  They may even be thought provoking.

I entered college football playing in a 90% man system.  Our defensive coaches believed in man coverage.  Not only did they believe in man coverage,  they believed in “bump and run” man coverage.  It didn’t matter if it was 3rd and 3 or 3rd and 15,  we were pressing.  My defensive back coaches my first two seasons of college football were former Oakland Raiders,  so there’s that.

As a coach,  I ran systems in some years that were predominantly zone based and other years,  I was heavy on man.  Over the course of all of this playing and coaching,  I have found the following elements to be true in excelling at man to man coverage.

Stance and Alignment

Begin with a solid stance that allows for quick reactions. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight on the balls of the feet. Align yourself based on the receiver’s tendencies, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses.  It starts with your stance as many good DB coaches would say.  The stance should be comfortable but should also put you in position to react efficiently and effectively to the receiver’s movement.  When in press,  the receiver’s first move can be sudden.  Be in a stance that can match that suddenness with a level of balance.  Equally as important is the alignment. Where is your help?  Knowing that can allow you to align with proper leverage.  Is your help inside?  Align with proper outside leverage.  Is the help outside or over the top?  Align with the proper inside leverage.  Finally,  the most overlooked part of alignment is depth.  In press,  find the proper amount of depth that does not make you panic on the first move but also does not allow the receiver too much space to outmaneuver you before you can affect his route.  More on the proper press stance here.  If you are playing off,  stay out of no man’s land.  That is where you can’t be aggressive nor are you able to stay in good position over the top. Typically seven yards off is best but can be adjusted according to hash, formations and situations.

Mirror and Match

The cornerstone of effective man coverage is mirroring the receiver’s movements. Keep your eyes on the receiver’s hips, as they provide subtle cues for route direction. Maintain a proper distance, allowing you to react to changes in speed and direction.  Whether you are aggressive in press or passive,  the ability to mirror and match is key in winning your reps.  Being able to move with lateral movements as well as stay on the hip in and out of breaks will determine your man to man worthiness.  This also holds true in off man.  Being able to weave with a stem and turn effectively to match deep routes will give you the ability to be there when the ball arrives.  An emphasis on having quick feet and efficient movements in your kick, pedal and turns is very important.

Hand Placement

Use your hands correctly to disrupt the receiver’s route without drawing penalties. Press coverage at the line of scrimmage can be a valuable tool to throw off the timing between the quarterback and receiver. Focus on redirecting the receiver while maintaining balance.  Often times,  young and inexperienced defensive backs over rely on their hands in press coverage.  This leads to being in poor position and penalties.  Other times,  defensive backs don’t use their hands at all or choose to strike in the wrong places.  Don’t take your hands for granted.  When and where you place them on a receiver can make the difference between winning and losing a rep.  Practice striking receivers in the right spots.  More on hand placement in press here.

Hip-Turn Technique

When the receiver makes their move, smoothly transition into a hip-turn technique. Open your hips toward the sideline while keeping your eyes on the receiver. This allows you to maintain coverage while turning and running with the receiver.  I have been surprised how little defensive backs train this aspect of their game.  Many just take their turn both out of a back pedal and out of press for granted.  You can lose 2-3 steps on a wide receiver by in-effectively turning.  Playing man coverage has a lot to do with taking proper angles and that starts with making proper turns.  Don’t learn this the hard way.  Instead,  learn the proper way to turn your hips and watch how you find yourself in proper position more often.  More on turning out of your backpedal here.

Maintaining Positioning

Stay in the receiver’s hip pocket throughout the route. This positioning minimizes the quarterback’s window for a successful throw, making it challenging for the receiver to make a play. Anticipate the receiver’s breaks and cuts, adjusting your positioning accordingly.  Doing this requires having a football IQ as well as proper agility, balance and training.  It is very possible to do well at the line of scrimmage versus a receiver and get blown away down the field by not being able to maintain proper position.  Your ability to match vertical routes as well as routes that break off must be trained.  It’s not just about the line of scrimmage.  You have to lock on down the field too.

Eye Discipline

Disciplined eyes are crucial. Avoid peeking into the backfield too early, as this can lead to losing track of the receiver. Keep your eyes on the receiver until the last possible moment, maintaining awareness of both the receiver and the quarterback’s intentions.  Knowing when to look for the football is a superpower.  Eye discipline is the most crucial element of a DB’s success especially when in man coverage.  This is the reason that I named my company All Eyes DB Camp.  You must train your eyes to be disciplined.  Lock in on that receiver’s waist when in press and off man.  Try to remain focused and not have your eyes wander into the backfield or on surrounding receivers that are not your responsibility.  Like all other aspects of man coverage,  eye discipline is a skill and must be trained.

Reacting to the Football

When the ball is in the air, it’s time to become a playmaker. Turn your head towards the football, locate it in the air, and go for the interception or make a deflection. Timing and ball skills are essential for successful outcomes in man coverage.  This element right here is the one that separates the contenders from the pretenders.  Guys that are too scared to look for the football don’t last long as cornerbacks.  They are prone to getting beat and getting penalties.  However,  a defensive back that has a knack for knowing when the ball is coming and is not afraid to see the prize is the one you see piling up the INTs. Make it a habit of looking for the football when you are in good position.  This starts in practice and will eventually come out during games.  Being a ballhawk means actually looking for the ball when it’s in flight.

Fitness and Conditioning

Man coverage demands peak physical conditioning. A well-conditioned defensive back can maintain coverage throughout the game, staying step-for-step with receivers even in late-game situations. This is perhaps the most underrated one of the elements.  As someone who has played over 50 snaps of man coverage in a game before,  I am here to tell you that if you are not in shape you are going to get got.  If you like coming to the line of scrimmage lining up in front of dangerous wide receiver feeling like a fat man who just climbed 20 flights of stairs then don’t take your conditioning seriously.  I am here to tell you that it’s a horrible feeling.  It’s also when you commit penalties or flat out let the team down by getting handled by the receiver.  Don’t let it be you.  You should always be in shape as a defensive back but even more so if your team runs a lot of man coverage.

Confidence

The biggest part of all of this is mental.  It takes a tremendous amount of confidence to line up in front of a skilled wide receiver with a bunch of people watching.  Doing your work to acquire all of the elements discussed in this article will do wonders for your confidence.  Training and studying give you super human powers mentally.  When you know you have outworked the next man,  you tend to worry a lot less.  As a defensive back that plays man coverage,  you will get beat.  You can’t let it affect you and you can’t run around caring what people think.  It’s common for fans with very little knowledge of your position to make derogatory comments when a receiver catches a ball on you.  Realize they are speaking from ignorance and move on to the next rep or game.  As long as you keep playing,  you’ll get your victories.

Excelling at man coverage requires a lot of key ingredients.  Some of these ingredients are aided by having some good genes.  However,  a majority of them can be trained and developed through steady work.  That work involves acquiring the knowledge,  being dedicated to the training and executing when you are out on the field.  Having confidence is a big key to pulling it all together.  If you put in the time and effort in you will see the results.  Soon you will be considered one of the toughest man to man coverage guys on your team, area and region.

How to Disguise Defenses and Mess Up the Offense

By: Chad Wilson – Owner – All Eyes DB Camp
IG: @alleyesdbcamp

Disguising coverage is a critical aspect of defensive strategy, as it can confuse quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays. As a defensive back, coach or coordinator,  here are some effective ways to disguise coverages on defense when you are trying to make things hard on the offense.

Pre-Snap Alignment Variations

This is obviously the most common way to disguise coverages. Train your defensive backs to line up differently pre-snap. For instance, a Cover 2 look might evolve into a Cover 3 after the snap. Vary the alignment of safeties, cornerbacks, and linebackers to keep the offense guessing.  This does not stop when the when the quarterback audibles too.  The mistake many defenses and secondaries make is disguising their look then staying in that look once the quarterback calls an audible.  In the middle of that audible,  movement should begin again with signals being called.  Those signals may mean something or they may not but al least give the illusion that this audible may have potentially changed the coverage.

Blitz Disguises

Integrate disguised blitz packages into your defensive scheme. Show a potential blitz look pre-snap but drop those players into coverage after the snap. This can create confusion for the offensive line and the quarterback, potentially leading to rushed or inaccurate throws.  This is not new but we sure have seen a lot more of it in this 2023 NFL season.  Pre-snap movement is great however,  a static blitz look that turns into a zone can be problematic for quarterbacks.  Forcing the QB to read after he takes the snap will always be better than letting him get a clear picture before he receives the ball.

Rotation of Safeties

Utilize rotations of safeties post-snap. Start with a two-deep safety look and rotate into a single-high safety or vice versa after the snap. This rotation can disrupt the quarterback’s pre-snap read and force him to adjust on the fly.  This relates to the previous aspect on blitz disguises.  The same way that post snap movement can confuse blocking assignments vs a potential blitz is the same way that post snap movement in the secondary can confuse route assignments and QB reads. Though QBs have gotten better at reading safety rotations to determine coverage,  it is still best to make them do it with the rush coming than letting them know what you’re in before the snap.

Cornerback Press Technique

Teach cornerbacks to use press technique, even if the defense is ultimately playing zone coverage. This can give the appearance of man-to-man coverage and disrupt the timing of the receivers’ releases, making it challenging for the quarterback to identify the actual coverage.  One of the best things you can learn as a cornerback is proper bail technique.  Quarterbacks will often read cornerbacks before the snap to grab clues about the coverage.  They are looking to see your cushion and leverage if you are off.  They are checking your eyes in press to see if you are truly in man,  looking to bail or potentially blitzing.  Get good at covering up your true intentions by where you are looking pre-snap.

Zone-to-Man Transition

Train your defenders to smoothly transition from a zone to man-to-man coverage post-snap. This can be particularly effective in confusing quarterbacks who expect a specific coverage but suddenly face a different look.  Matchup zone has been one of the best inventions for the defense in this pass happy era.  A good mixture of spot drop zones and match-up zones can fool the QB into thinking a window is open when it isn’t.  If you are a coordinator,  being strictly match-up zone is not as effective as mixing the two as the QB has less of a chance of getting fooled.

Pattern Reading

Teach your defensive backs to read offensive patterns and adjust their positioning based on those patterns. By recognizing common route combinations, defenders can anticipate the quarterback’s decisions and make effective coverage adjustments.  A great aspect of match-up zone is reading route combinations.  This gives the defensive backs the ability to anticipate routes and make big plays.  Often times,  one route breaks before another.  Reading the break gives strong clues about when the other route in the combination will be.

Communication

Emphasize clear and concise communication among defensive players. Effective communication allows for seamless adjustments and ensures that all players are on the same page, even when disguising coverages.  I have clearly emphasized this in other articles on this site.  Whether you are playing zone or man,  being able to effectively disguise does not happen unless there is communication in the back end.  With movement occurring on both offense and defense,  remaining silent in the secondary is a surefire way to leave someone wide open.  Open your mouth and speak.  It’s crucial to your ability to disguise your true intentions.

Create Conflicting Keys

Design defensive schemes that provide conflicting keys for the quarterback. For example, show a cornerback in press coverage while the safety on that side drops deep into zone coverage. This can create hesitation and indecision for the quarterback.  Sometimes as a coach you need to be creative.  Of course you went to the clinic and took all the notes from the coach on how to run the scheme.  However,  the recipe may need a little twist on it to suit your tastes.  Come up with some looks that betray the the beliefs of the offense.  Thinking one thing and having it be another is the mother of sacks and interceptions.  Cook up some confusing looks in your scheme.  This will require you to know something about how offenses work and what they are reading.

Adapt to Game Situations

Be adaptable based on the flow of the game. If a particular disguise is consistently effective, continue to use it. If the offense adjusts, be ready to switch up your disguises to maintain unpredictability.  Consistency and discipline among defensive players are key when implementing disguise strategies. The goal is to create uncertainty for the quarterback while maintaining sound coverage principles within the defense.  Another things is don’t use just one way to stop a play.  Have two options available.  Be ready to alternate between them on series.  After the offense has talked about what you are doing and prepared their plot,  it’s nice to screw it all up by running something different than what they just plotted against.  Stay one step ahead.

In conclusion,  against a solid passing attack,  you will need more than just skill to get the job done if your opponent has good players.  Play chess vs. the offense by incorporating these disguising techniques into your game plan.  Not only does it make things harder for the offense to operate,  it can be fun for the defense.  Who doesn’t like a great game of cat and mouse?

You’re Not A Starter and That Won’t Change …

By: Chad Wilson – Owner All Eyes DB Camp
IG: @alleyesdbcamp

Do I have your attention?  I should.  You have been toiling around on the lower part of the depth chart and are failing to make an impact. Most guys in this position have a ready-list of outside reasons why this is the case but the truth of the matter is most of the time it’s you.  In this article,  it’s time to get in your face and let you know the real reasons why you are watching the game from the sidelines as other defensive backs make plays.

First of all,  you are doing what everyone else is doing.  While at its core,  this is what should be happening,  especially if you are on a good team,  this doesn’t work if you are on the bench and trying to see the field.  Of course,  like everyone else,  you should go to class,  practice hard,  watch film and don’t miss workouts.  However,  if you are not doing “extra” then good luck trying to change your address come game day.

Doing exactly what everyone else is doing and expecting to break into the lineup is like being behind in a race and running at the same pace hoping to pass those in front of you.  There’s a chance the others may slowdown but that won’t make you any better.  Football is a physical sport and so,  someone could get hurt giving you a chance but why wait for that?

Spend some extra time watching film.  When practice ends and everyone is leaving the field,  stay out on the field and work on the things you know are essential to playing your position.  How about pushing yourself harder in the weight room than the next guy in front of you.  There’s a good chance that he might be relaxing while you are turning up.  That’s how you pass somebody.

Playing a football game can be taxing and rest is needed after for recovery.  Playing in a game makes you better after all of the exhaustion but guess what?  You didn’t play in the game!  While you and the rest of your young buddies might think it’s weird to go work out after a game or the next day,  anyone who’s really about it will realize that in order to catch the man in front of you,  you have to equal his work & experience.  If he played and you didn’t,  he just got the edge on you.

If you are riding the pine,  you better start figuring out a routine that will get you as much work as the starter is getting.  If it’s not the physical work of drills soon after the game then put in the study work.  Get on the game film early the next day.  Your routing might look like this:

7 AM: Wake up / get breakfast

8 AM: 30 minutes of drill work (basic footwork drills perfected)

9 AM:  Watch the game film from night before and learn from coverages,  how they were attacked and mistakes made

10 AM: Team meeting

While all of the “starters” were chilling and sleeping off the sweet feeling of being “the man” you picked up your pace and gained ground on them.

When you are at practice not getting reps because the starters are in,  don’t spend your time to talking to Kevin about how you’re going to ask Kathy out or arguing with a teammate about who is the better rapper.  Focus on what’s happening in the drills and on the field.  Take mental reps as if you are actually out there.  Success is a rehearsal and the more times you rehearse the more success you have.  You can rehearse in your mind and I highly advise you to do that while at practice.

If you are on the scout team,  use this time to perfect your technique and relish the opportunity to go up against the starters on offense.  If your team has a high quality receiver,  seek every chance you can get to go up against him.  Cast aside your ego and fear of getting beat.  Now is the time to take those beatings because they add the armor you will need down the road.

In conclusion,  your medium effort will not yield maximum results.  Don’t make the foolish mistake of thinking that doing what everyone else is doing in life will make you elite.  Football and life does not work that way.  Be different,  go harder and make effective use of your time.  Do that and in no time,  you’ll be one of the 11 on the field when the game starts.

How to Lock On in Man Coverage

If you are going to be an effective cornerback at your level or even a quality nickel back,  at some point you are going to have to be able to play some form of press coverage.  A big part of being good at it is going to be your ability to stay with the route as it moves down the field.  That’s what we are going to discuss in this article.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just stop every wide receiver from getting off of the line of scrimmage and not have to do the whole running down the field stuff?  How awesome would that be? However,  we know that it doesn’t work that way.

So,  since we know that at some point,  the wide receiver is going to get off of the line of scrimmage,  we need to know what to do once that happens.  Here are a few tips.

Stay an Arm’s Length Away

One of the most common things I see defensive backs do once the receiver exits the line of scrimmage is make an attempt early on to get into the receiver’s body.  You are playing into his hands when you do this.  The wide receiver wants you on top of him early so he can get rid of you early and be by himself when the ball arrives.  He does this in several ways that you may have experienced.  One is by pushing off with an elbow or shoulder.  Receivers will drive their body into you and then break off in the other direction.  This creates separation as the ball is coming.  Another common way is for them to “pull you through”.  This means they grab your shoulder or reach behind your back and carry your momentum beyond them as they break in another direction.  This is common on curl routes.  By staying an arm’s length away,  you make it difficult for them to do either of these things.

Keep Your Eyes Low

Another common mistake made by defensive backs once the receiver exits the line of scrimmage is immediately moving the eyes from the receiver’s hips to his face.  This is a good way to get lost during the route.  Receivers can still put moves on you as the route moves down the field.  If your eyes are high,  you will react slowly to the move.  This is another good reason for you to stay an arm’s length away early on.  If you are right on the receiver’s body then it becomes impossible to see his hips and you are forced to look him in the face.  Keep your eyes on his waist early on.

Maintain Proper Body Position

If you have done your job at the line of scrimmage and have not totally missed the jam,  you should be able to run under control.  Part of being under control is having the proper body lean.  Running straight up and down early on in the route is going to make it difficult for you to stop and start if the route breaks off.  You should maintain a slight and comfortable lean in your run.  This keeps you in position to break down and / or change direction.  You should also make an effort to run smoothly.  Running out of control will both slow you down and cause you to slip out of your break.

Be Suspicious

As you exit the line of scrimmage with the receiver during press you have to maintain an area of suspicion in your mind.  This develops more over time as you take more and more reps.  However,  as a rule,  for the first 15 yards in your run you should be leery of a break from the receiver.  Once you build up your instincts you can have more of an idea where a route might break (inside or outside).  Most routes that break off will do so within the first 15 yards.  If you think that every route is a go route or post route when you are in press then be prepared to get beat by the slants, curls, outs, digs and everything else that requires a change of direction at or under 15 yards.  As you run within that first 15 yards,  keep a suspicious mindset while running as fast as you need to stay even or on top of the receiver.  Sometimes it’s as simple as what is in your head as you are playing

Raise Your Eyes at the Right Time

This is one of those things that also develops as your instincts grow.  Your instincts grow as you take more reps.  For now though,  once you pass beyond that mark where routes typically break off it’s time to raise the eyes up.  First we check the wide receiver’s eyes if we are in deep ball territory.  If those are telling a story and the story is “the football is coming baby” now it’s time to do that thing.  You know what that thing is?  I’ll tell you what it’s not.  It’s not for you to keep staring at the wide receiver’s eyes if you are close enough to touch him.  The thing for you to do is turn your head around and find the football.  How else are you going to get an interception?  Far as I know,  they have not created helmets or shoulder pads what will catch the ball for you.  It’s still your hands and for you to put your hands where the ball is coming you have to see the ball.  Get over your fear of seeing that ball come and turn your head.  See the ball,  catch the ball or at the very least knock it down and deny the offense this crucial transaction.

To enhance all of these very important skills in your post line of scrimmage man coverage,  I have posted a great drill in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area called 4 Cone Shadow Drill.  This is an advanced drill for DBs but it is one of the best drills to help defensive backs hone the skills necessary to excel in this part of their game.  You can check it out here.

Thank you for reading this article and be sure to give it a rating + comment down below.  Also,  don’t forget to bookmark this page and keep coming back for more high quality DB content.

Get a Hold of Your Tackling Skills Defensive Backs

By: Chad Wilson
IG: @alleyesdbcamp

Tackling is an essential skill for any defensive back in football. Whether you’re a cornerback, safety, or nickelback, your ability to bring down the ball carrier is critical for the success of your defense. With so many defenses opting to play in a bend but don’t break manner,  there is even more pressure to make the tackle and not allow the big gain off of a short pass.  In this article, we’ll explore techniques and strategies to help you improve your tackling as a defensive back, so you can be a more reliable and effective player on the field.

Proper Stance and Alignment

Tackling begins before you even make contact with the ball carrier. Ensure you start with the correct stance and alignment. Keep a low and balanced stance. Lower your hips, bend your knees, and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. This stance allows for quick reactions  and better balance.  You will need these things when the ball carrier starts making moves to avoid your tackle.  Position yourself correctly relative to the ball carrier and your teammates. Maintain leverage and take the appropriate angle to make the tackle effectively.

Breakdown and Gather

Before making a tackle, it’s crucial to break down and gather yourself. This involves slowing down, maintaining balance, and preparing to make the tackle.  When closing in on the ball carrier, slow down and take shorter, controlled steps. This gives you the ability to change direction or react to the ball carrier’s moves. Keep your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage and the ball carrier. This prevents the ball carrier from easily sidestepping your tackle attempt.  Another major key is where your eyes are.  Zero in your eyes on the ball carrier’s waist if he’s directly in front of you and on the near hip if he’s to the side of you.  Don’t underestimate the power of your eyes in making a both an in line and open field tackle.

Wrap-Up Tackling

Wrap-up tackling is a fundamental technique that involves securing the ball carrier and bringing them to the ground. Aim for the ball carrier’s midsection or thighs. This is the most effective area to tackle, as it reduces the chance of missing the tackle or allowing additional yards after contact.  After making contact, wrap your arms securely around the ball carrier. Squeeze tightly, using your chest and shoulders to add pressure. This restricts the ball carrier’s ability to break free. Use your legs to drive through the tackle. Lift with your hips and explode upward, taking the ball carrier off their feet and driving them backward.  Too many defensive backs nowadays are looking for the big hit.  Their aim is to try and knock the ball carrier off of their feet and draw a cheer from the crowd.  You may achieve this objective occasionally but more times that not,  you will bounce off of the ball carrier and embarrass yourself.  Football players today do more work in the weight room and on their balance than in the past.  The odds are against you when you go for this type of tackle.  Wrap up and win.

Avoiding Tackle Breakers

In addition to mastering wrap-up tackling, it’s essential to minimize the ball carrier’s chances of breaking free.  Keep your head up and to the side, not down. This prevents helmet-to-helmet collisions and minimizes the risk of injury. Maintain a low center of gravity and keep your hips down when making contact. This helps you gain leverage and prevents the ball carrier from running through the tackle.  Don’t tackle in isolation. If possible, use the sideline, boundary, or your teammates to your advantage. Funnel the ball carrier toward help to make the tackle more effectively.  It should also be your aim to make contact with your near leg and near shoulder on the ball carrier.  This increases the power of your contact and gives you a better chance to execute the rest of the steps in the tackle.  Stopping or reversing the momentum of the ball carrier is going to increase your chance of executing the tackle.

Recognition and Reaction

Tackling also involves recognizing the type of play, anticipating the ball carrier’s movements, and reacting quickly.  Pay close attention to the play unfolding in front of you. Anticipate where the ball carrier is likely to go and prepare to make your move. Understand pursuit angles. Position yourself so that you can cut off the ball carrier’s path and limit their options.  This is another aspect of tackling that often gets neglected.  As a defensive back you will often find yourself approaching a ball carrier from the middle of the field as he is approaching or running near the sidelines.  Many times,  defenders face the ball carrier and look to meet them with their shoulders squared to the sidelines.  This can open up the cut back lane for the ball carrier which means a missed tackle.  Instead,  squeeze the ball carrier to the sideline and shuffle towards him with your near shoulder approaching the sidelines. Do this as opposed to squaring your shoulders to the sidelines.  This allows you to make a tackle if the ball carrier attempts to cut back to the open field.

Tackling Drills

Regular practice is essential to improve your tackling skills. Incorporate tackling drills into your training regimen to refine your technique, build confidence, and enhance your ability to tackle under pressure.  Repetition works when it comes to improvement.  There’s an old saying that goes “tackling has a lot to do with want to.”  This gives off the suggestion that fear hinders the defender from making tackles.  There is a hint of truth to that.  However,  learning the proper way to tackle along with perfecting the art of tackling,  reverses that fear into intense desire.  You turn into a player that wants to implement the tackling techniques to show how good you are at it and how much it works.

If tackling is an area where you struggle as a defensive back,  it can’t be ignored.  The truth of the matter is that more passes will be completed than you will defend.  You will make more tackles than you have pass breaks ups and interceptions combined.  Tackling is going to be a bigger part of what you do as a defensive back than anything else.  You must,  at the very least,  be good at it or you can’t help your team.  If you are great or elite at it then your whole defense benefits.  The more tackles you make,  the more plays the offense has to run to try and score.  The more plays they run,  the more chances at making the big plays like pass breakups and interceptions.

Stop Dropping the Ball! 6 Ways for DBs to Get their Ball Skills Right

Defensive backs (DBs) play a crucial role in preventing the opposing team’s passing game from gaining the upper hand. To do this effectively, DBs need to possess exceptional ball skills. Ball skills refer to the ability to track, catch, and defend passes, and they are an integral part of a defensive back’s skill set. In this article, we’ll explore some essential techniques and strategies that can help defensive backs improve their ball skills and become game-changers on the field.

1. Focus on Eye Discipline

The foundation of solid ball skills begins with maintaining proper eye discipline. Defensive backs must keep their eyes on the quarterback’s eyes and read his intentions. This allows them to anticipate the throw and react more quickly. Additionally, DBs should focus on the receiver’s eyes and hands as they progress down the field to gain insight into their route and when they might make a break for the ball.

2. Tracking the Ball

The ability to track the ball in flight is paramount for defensive backs. It involves maintaining good body positioning and fluidly moving in unison with the ball’s trajectory. To enhance this skill:

– Stay low and keep your hips down while backpedaling to maintain better balance and agility.

– Keep your arms relaxed and ready to react, extending them as you follow the ball’s path.

– Use your peripheral vision to keep tabs on the receiver while tracking the ball.

– Anticipate the flight path of the ball based on the quarterback’s body language and the receiver’s route.

3. Catching Techniques

Once you’ve tracked the ball successfully, the next step is to secure it. Here are some catching techniques to improve your ball skills:

– High-Point the Ball: When the pass is in the air, strive to intercept it at its highest point, increasing your chances of making a play on the ball. Elevate and attack the pass when it reaches its peak.

– Hands Placement: Keep your hands ready and positioned correctly to secure the ball. Use your fingertips and thumbs to create a basket shape, ensuring the ball doesn’t slip through your grasp.

– Hand / Eye Coordination:  It is important that you see the point of the ball as it is approaching.  Make that your focus and see it enter your hands.  Many defensive backs take this for granted.  Do not assume the catch.  Be sure to actually see the ball enter into your hands to secure it.

– Hand Strength and Coordination: Strengthening your hands and fingers can greatly improve your ball skills. Exercises such as grip strength training and catching tennis balls can help enhance your hand-eye coordination.  Simply gripping tennis or racquetballs repeatedly can do wonders for your grip strength.

4. Ball Disruption

While catching interceptions is a vital aspect of ball skills, preventing completions is equally important. DBs can disrupt passes and break up plays through various techniques:

– PBU (Pass Break Up): Timing is key when attempting to swat away or deflect a pass. Ensure you make contact with the ball right as it reaches the receiver’s hands to prevent the completion.  Or you can deny the ball from the receiver’s hands by placing your off hand in front of the receiver’s hands as the ball approaches.

– Strip the Ball: If the receiver has caught the pass, look to strip the ball from their possession. This can lead to turnovers or incomplete passes.  Work on punching through the basket (the area formed by the receiver’s arms to secure the ball in his possession).

5. Film Study

Improving your ball skills extends beyond physical practice. A deep understanding of offensive schemes, quarterback tendencies, and the receivers you’re covering can be a game-changer. Study film to identify patterns and anticipate plays, enhancing your ability to read the quarterback’s intentions and react more effectively.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any skill, repetition is essential for mastery. Incorporate regular ball skill drills into your practice regimen. Focus on various aspects, including tracking, catching, and disrupting passes. Repetition builds muscle memory and hones your instincts.  As defensive backs,  blind ball drills are an important part of your ball skills work.  As defensive backs you will not often have the chance to see the ball thrown by the quarterback.  Much of what defensive backs experience is seeing the ball already in mid-flight.  More on ball drills in my book 101 DB Tips.

Defensive backs with exceptional ball skills can be the difference-makers in a game. By focusing on eye discipline, tracking the ball, refining catching techniques, employing ball disruption tactics, studying film, and maintaining a rigorous practice routine, you can take your skills to the next level. The ability to read and react to the quarterback’s passes and the receiver’s actions will not only help you make critical plays but also elevate your status as a standout defensive back in the world of football.

Celebrating the Hardest-Hitting Safeties in NFL History

By: Chad Wilson – Editor All Eyes DB Camp Blog
IG: @alleyesdbcamp

In the world of American football, certain players are known for their bone-rattling hits that can change the course of a game in an instant. Safeties, with their ability to read plays, cover ground, and deliver punishing blows, have often taken on the role of enforcers in the defensive backfield. In this article, we pay homage to the hardest-hitting safeties in NFL history, reflecting on their impact, legacy, and the lasting memories they’ve left on the field.

1. Jack Tatum: The Assassin

Jack Tatum, known as “The Assassin,” was a feared and revered safety who patrolled the field during the 1970s. Playing for the Oakland Raiders, Tatum epitomized the hard-hitting style of football that era was known for. His infamous hit on Darryl Stingley left an indelible mark on the game. Tatum’s aggressive style, combined with his willingness to deliver bone-crushing hits, solidified his place in NFL history. Tatum was not a big safety by current day standards.  He delivered his punishment to opponents standing 5’10” and weighing only 200 lbs.  During his time he was as feared a defender as there was in all of football

2. Ronnie Lott: A Physical Force

Ronnie Lott’s name is synonymous with tenacity and hard hitting. His time with the San Francisco 49ers and later the Los Angeles Raiders showcased his unparalleled combination of coverage skills and ferocious tackling. Lott’s willingness to sacrifice his body and deliver hits that resonated throughout stadiums earned him respect as one of the most iconic safeties in the league’s history.  The NFL films archive is littered with highlights of Lott bring ball carriers to a miserable end.  This is all surprising as Lott entered the league from USC as a cornerback.  Early in his career he made the switch to safety and the rest was history as was the memories of many of the opponents he laid into.

3. Steve Atwater: The Smiling Assassin

Steve Atwater’s moniker, “The Smiling Assassin,” speaks to his friendly demeanor off the field and his unrelenting intensity on it. Atwater’s powerful hits were known for jarring opponents and changing the momentum of games. His iconic hit on Christian Okoye remains etched in NFL lore, solidifying his legacy as one of the most feared safeties to ever play the game.  Atwater was an imposing figure in the secondary.  Standing at 6’3” 220 lbs.  he looked odd lined up deep in the secondary.  In his time,  he had the size of a linebacker but athleticism of a defensive back.  His teeth rattling hits become a thing of legend and made receivers far less eager to venture of the middle than those playing the game today.  

4. Kam Chancellor: The Legion’s Enforcer

The “Legion of Boom” era in Seattle was defined by its fierce defense, and Kam Chancellor was at the heart of it. Chancellor’s hard-hitting style and ability to set the tone for the Seahawks’ defense made him a linchpin of their success. His hits were not just tackles; they were game-changing moments that energized his team and the fanbase.  Like Atwater,  Chancellor had an uncanny build for a safety.  Chancellor’s 6’3” 225 lb. frame looked even bigger dressed in the hunter green Seahawk’s uniform and amongst his aggressive teammates.  When Chancellor put his pads on you,  it sure felt like it was coming from someone in the front seven.  As a former quarterback,  turned cornerback morphed into a safety,  Chancellor passed the skills to cover and the instincts to jump routes but his lasting legacy will be as that of an enforcer in the secondary for Seattle.

5.  John Lynch: The Lynchpin of Defense

John Lynch’s enforcer role extended over a storied career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos. Known for his unyielding hits, Lynch’s ability to strike fear into the hearts of opposing receivers was legendary. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to the impact he had on the game.  Speaking of impact,  Lynch built his gold jacket reputation on booming wide receivers, tight ends and running backs.  Unlike most of the big hitters in the game’s history,  Lynch’s tackles would exhibit perfect form while also delivering an unrelenting thud.  Lynch’s ability to hit with amazing force can be attributed to his technique of visualizing two additional players behind the actual ball carrier and attempting the final one.  This allowed Lynch to drive through the ball carrier in textbook fashion to severe their chances of advancing beyond contact. 

The legacy of the hardest-hitting safeties in NFL history extends beyond their physicality. Their hits didn’t just change the course of games; they embodied the essence of football’s physical nature and the grit required to succeed. Jack Tatum, Ronnie Lott, Steve Atwater, Kam Chancellor, John Lynch, and many others left an indelible mark on the league. Their hits are celebrated not just for their ferocity, but for the respect they commanded and the intensity they brought to every snap. As fans look back on these enforcers, they’re reminded of the raw power and enduring impact that these safeties had on the sport they loved.

How to Defend the Slant Pattern: A Guide for Defensive Backs

How to Defend the Slant Pattern: A Guide for Defensive Backs

The slant pattern stands as one of the most efficient and effective routes a wide receiver can run. However, for defensive backs, defending the slant requires a combination of skill, anticipation, and technique. In this article, we’ll explore the strategies and techniques that can help defensive backs excel in defending the slant pattern, neutralizing this potentially game-changing play.

The slant pattern is a quick and direct route where the wide receiver angles across the field, cutting diagonally towards the middle. It’s designed to create separation from the defender and exploit the space between zones in the defense. The goal is to catch the ball in stride and gain yards after the catch, making it a dangerous weapon in the offensive arsenal.  Let’s take a look at six key elements to defending the deadly slant pattern.

1. Anticipation and Film Study

Great defenders are often made in the film room. By studying the opponent’s tendencies, formations, and the receiver’s alignment, a defensive back can gain insights into the likelihood of a slant route. Anticipating the route and recognizing the cues can give the defender a split-second advantage in reacting to the play.  Getting a good bead on the wide receivers behavior off of the line can also give you cues that will allow you to anticipate the route coming.  Since many defenses are designed to take away the fade / go route,  anticipation to defend the slant is a must.  Studying film along with recognizing what you have studied when in game situations will be key in defending the route.

2. Positioning and Alignment

Proper pre-snap alignment is crucial. Defensive backs should position themselves with an inside shade on the receiver, making it more challenging for the receiver to execute the slant. Being positioned slightly to the inside allows the defender to take away the preferred route while giving themselves the opportunity to use the sideline as an extra defender. Slant routes need space to be successful.  This means that it is one of those routes where a particular split needs to be taken for it to be executed effectively.  A lot of offenses offset this by taking a similar split to also run a go route so that you can not lean heavily on the slant alignment.  Despite this fact,  using proper divider rules,  defensive backs can help themselves by using the proper alignment to deter the slant while using good technique to protect against the go route.

3. Physical Jam at Line

Press coverage is a powerful weapon against the slant pattern. Defensive backs can disrupt the timing by jamming the receiver at the line of scrimmage. This initial physical contact can throw off the timing of the route and create hesitation, allowing the defender to regain leverage.  While it may be possible to mirror the slant and stop it from being completed,  physicality remains your best weapon against it.  This is why you can not live on one press technique alone.  Even if your preference is soft press or a mirror technique,  you still need to be proficient in playing some hard press.  Furthermore,  once you get in the red zone,  you can get taken advantage of by slants if you don’t have the ability to get jams and be physical.

4. Maintaining Hip-to-Hip Positioning

Once the receiver releases off the line, the defensive back must maintain hip-to-hip positioning. This means running in parallel with the receiver, denying any inside leverage and minimizing the separation. Keeping the hips aligned allows the defender to react quickly to the receiver’s cuts.  Since the slant is a part of the quick game for offenses you don’t have a lot of time to close the gap.  Before you know it,  the ball will be coming and you need to be able to defend any part of the receiver’s body.  The only real way to break up the pass or possibly intercept it will be getting hip to hip positioning.  This will allow your arm to reach across his body to get a hand on the ball once it arrives.

5. Reading the Receiver’s Eyes and Hips

As the receiver breaks for the slant, the defensive back should focus on the receiver’s eyes and hips. These indicators can provide clues about the timing and direction of the route. By reading the receiver’s body language, the defender can anticipate the cut and make a play on the ball.  It is crucial not to let your eyes drift up or look inside at the quarterback too soon.  It is important to see the angle of the wide receiver’s hips.  Is he trying to stem you inside to run a deeper route or are his hips moving on a slant route angle.  Keying the hips will allow you to take the proper angle to the receiver to defend the route.  If you eyes drift up too fast,  you could end up allowing too much separation on the receiver going inside thus allowing an easy completion.

6. Quick Reaction and Ball Disruption

Timing is crucial when defending the slant. Defensive backs need to react quickly to the receiver’s break, while also timing their own move to disrupt the play. As the receiver’s hands go up to catch the ball, the defender can use their own hands to knock the ball away or make a well-timed tackle to prevent yards after the catch. If you are able to gain the hip to hip positioning that is crucial then getting your hands across to the ball will be easy.  However,  sometimes we are not quite there as the ball arrives.  Depending on your positioning,  a quick tug on the elbow of the upfield or downfield arm of the receiver could disrupt his ability to catch the ball.  Beware though,  leaving your hand on the elbow for any extended period of time will draw a flag from the officials.  Timing is key when attempting the maneuver and should only be used when you have fallen behind on the receiver as he moves inside.

Defending the slant pattern is an art that requires a blend of football IQ, physical prowess, and technique. By mastering the strategies of anticipation, proper positioning, physicality, and quick reactions, you can effectively neutralize one of the most annoying routes in football. Just as wide receivers perfect the slant pattern, defensive backs must perfect their craft in defending it—balancing instinct, preparation, and technique to ensure success on the gridiron.

The Greatest Press Man Cornerbacks in NFL History

Throughout the storied history of the National Football League (NFL), certain cornerbacks have etched their names into the book of football greatness. Among these extraordinary athletes, a select few stand out as the true masters of press man coverage. In this article, we jump into the legacy of the best press man cornerbacks in NFL history, exploring their techniques, contributions, and the impact they left on the game.

(1) Deion Sanders

Often referred to as “Prime Time”  and now  “Coach Prime”, Deion Sanders revolutionized the cornerback position with his unparalleled speed, agility, and coverage skills. Sanders wasn’t just a cornerback; he was an artist on the field. His press man technique combined physicality at the line of scrimmage with remarkable anticipation and a lightning-quick break on the ball. His ability to mirror receivers and close down passing lanes made quarterbacks think twice before throwing in his direction.  His technique is often critiqued by the new generation citing that some of the things he did in his time would not work today.  Don’t be fooled,  Sanders was so dominant that he would often do things to appear beat to induce a throw from the quarterback.  Some of those things would include having an overly wide stance at the line with his hands on his knees,  allowing a receiver to beat him to the post and then close the gap when the ball was thrown and backing off at the snap to give the receiver space.  True,  some of these techniques should not be deployed by lesser athletic DBs but that does not change Sanders’ mark on the position and the art of press man.  Sanders can be credited with the advent of the quick jam or jump jam where the DB rushes to the receiver at the snap of the ball to get a powerful jam nullifying the route.

High Interception Season: 7 (1994)

(2) Darrelle Revis

Known as “Revis Island,” Darrelle Revis was a lockdown cornerback who dominated the league during his prime. Revis’s mastery of press man coverage was a sight to behold. He excelled at jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and consistently maintained tight coverage throughout routes. His quick footwork, impeccable timing, and understanding of route concepts allowed him to effectively shut down even the most elite wideouts.  Unlike Sanders,  Revis would engage in textbook technique with nearly every rep.  He was not about inducing a throw from the quarterback.  Instead,  he engaged in the practice of smothering a receiver so much that the quarterback was compelled to go elsewhere with the ball.  Revis came up in a time where stats were kept on PBUs,  catch rate, etc.  This was not a part of Deion’s era so Revis was incentivized to not have receivers get action during a game.  In Revis’ era,  no one did it like him.  At his peak,  the league’s best wide receivers would see a steep drop off in production in games where they had to line up in front of him.  Revis would essentially strip the quarterback of his safety blanket.  This would lead to mistakes being made throwing to guys and routes they weren’t used to.

High Interception Season: 6 (2009)

(3) Champ Bailey

A true technician on the field, Champ Bailey possessed the rare ability to shut down an entire side of the field. His press man technique was founded on a combination of physicality and anticipation. Bailey’s understanding of receiver tendencies allowed him to disrupt routes and cut off passing lanes. His smooth transitions, along with his ability to turn and locate the ball, resulted in numerous interceptions and highlight-reel plays.  If anyone embodied a combination of both Sanders and Revis,  it was Bailey.  Not quite as athletic as Deion and not quite as technical as Revis,  Bailey was the best combination of both.  Bailey did not rely solely on his 4.2 speed.  He made it a point to be technically sound as often as possible to.  Bailey’s time playing offense until college gave him the ability to anticipate the offense’s strategy and take chances on plays.  He was a lights out player for two franchises in the NFL.

High Interception Season:  10 (2006)

(4) Mel Blount

Regarded as one of the pioneers of press coverage, Mel Blount left an indelible mark on the game. With his imposing physicality, Blount redefined the cornerback position in the 1970s. His strength and size allowed him to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage, often throwing them off their routes. Blount’s press man technique became so dominant that it led to rule changes aimed at restricting the physicality of defensive backs.  We can all thank Blount for the number of penalties that are thrown on defensive backs in coverage these days.  He showed everyone just how dominant you can be at the position.  The NFL realizing that points sell tickets,  restricted his physical play to give wide receivers a chance to operate.  At 6’3” 205 lbs. with great athleticism,  just lining up across from Blount was enough to make a receiver forget the play.

High Interception Season: 11 (1975)

(5) Willie Brown

Brown is considered the father of bump and run coverage.  His name is not widely known by the newer generations.  However,  when the Oakland Raiders decided to deploy this new technique in the late 60’s,  Brown led the charge.  What ensued was a complete power outage of passing attacks when they faced the Silver and Black.  Brown,  a converted tight end and a reject from the Denver Broncos found new life when the Raiders slid him over to defense and said bump the receiver at the line of scrimmage.  His power,  technique and tenacity upset receivers on a weekly basis.  His bump and run style made teams one dimensional and was instrumental in the Raiders being annual playoff participants as well as Super Bowl champs in 1977.  Brown was also a big cornerback at 6’1” 200 lbs.

High Interception Season: 7 (1967)

The legacy of the best press man cornerbacks in NFL history continues to shape the game and inspire the next generation of defensive backs. From Deion Sanders’s speed to Darrelle Revis’s shutdown ability, Champ Bailey’s technique, Mel Blount’s physicality, and Willie Brown’s tenacity,  these players have left an enduring impact on the way the cornerback position is played.  There are many others who are worthy of being on a list of top press man cornerbacks like Rod Woodson, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Richard Sherman and more.  However,  the ones listed here I believe are the top 5 in the category.  What do you think?  Did I get it right?  Comment below.

4 Big Mistakes You Are Making in Zone Coverage

By: Chad Wilson
IG: @alleyesdbcamp

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just line up in man coverage all the time without getting tired or having the offense do things to beat it? Of course, that would be simple but it’s not reality so every defense has to be able to run zone coverage.

As true as that previous statement is, the fact remains that many teams are unable to run zones for a variety of reasons. In this article, I’m going to go over the four biggest mistakes that players and teams make when running zone coverage

Not Communicating

This is the biggest problem that teams have when playing zone. As stated in the book 101 DB tips, in zone, you cover with your mouth as opposed to covering with your legs the way that you do when playing man. Zone coverage requires you to most often be dedicated to a certain zone on the field. Once the offense snaps the ball and the routes start to unfold, it is crucial for the defenders, especially in the secondary, to communicate to one another where the routes are coming from. We only have two eyes and often times they are focused on a variety of things. When the secondary communicates with each other, each defender essentially has more than just two eyes. They are now receiving information from each other about who is entering their zone thus allowing them to be in the proper position should the ball be thrown there.  it is essential for players and coaches to emphasize communication heavily when teaching and playing zone coverage.

Not Aligning Right

As the old saying goes, it starts with your alignment. Players can put themselves at a disadvantage in zone coverage before the ball is even snapped if they are not aligned correctly. This is one of those details that are very important as a defensive back. Not aligning with the proper outside or inside leverage can allow a receiver to attack your zone and receive the ball before you are able to get there.  Aligning too shallow or too far off can allow either an easy completion in your zone or a big play in your zone because you were not at the proper depth. Take your alignment seriously when you are playing zone. Some players think zone coverage is a time for them to be lazy because they are not going to be chasing a receiver. However, you can fall asleep in zone and give up a big play that hurts your team. Alignment before assignment, should be your motto.

Eyes In the Wrong Place

Again, some players think zone is the time to take a play off. One of the biggest areas where players will slack off is not reading their keys in zone coverages. You are required to read one receiver to determine where another receiver will end up. Failing to key on that receiver that you are supposed to be watching will allow the other receiver to attack your zone without you knowing it. Failing to read your keys will strip you of your ability to anticipate a route coming to your zone which in turn makes you late to the ball when it’s thrown.  Make it a point to have your eyes on the proper key. If you were supposed to be reading a wide receiver, have your eyes there. If you are supposed to be reading the quarterback, make sure you lock your eyes in on what he’s doing. Reading your keys gives you the ability to anticipate. The ability to anticipate leads you to interceptions.

Chasing Routes

If you want to get benched by your coach in a hurry, chase routes in zone coverage. Zone coverage is just that zone coverage. You are responsible for a zone, not a man. Players, who can’t differentiate  between the two and chase players leaving their zone wide open, are often pulling splinters out of their rear end from sitting on the bench. Lock in on what coverage you are in and what your responsibility is. Also, know the responsibility of the others around you in zone coverage. Knowing this will prevent you from chasing routes that you are not supposed to be chasing. Knowing what you are supposed to do is one thing, but knowing who has the other zones will prevent you from getting tricked by routes getting run by the offense.  Study your playbook, take notes and ask questions about the different zone coverages if you do not have a full understanding of them. A full understanding means knowing your job plus everyone else’s job.

Staying away from these four big mistakes can allow you to be a master when it comes to zone coverage. Often times zone coverage gives a defender more opportunities to make interceptions. It’s cool to be a lock down man-to-man defender. However, also being great at zone makes you More valuable to your team and an overall better player.

For more information on how zone coverages work, check out the All eyes Db Camp members area. I have videos in there that break down several of the zone coverages that your team may be running right now. Click here For more information on the All eyes Db Camp members area.

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