BLOG

7 Ways to Master Learning Your Defensive Playbook

The playbook is the foundation of a team’s defensive strategy and coordination on the field. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to the game, learning your defensive playbook efficiently is essential for success. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ways to help you grasp the intricacies of a playbook, from understanding terminology to breaking down complex schemes. By implementing these strategies, you can boost your football IQ and become a more effective player.

1 -Understand the Terminology

A defensive playbook is filled with unique terminology that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Start by familiarizing yourself with the key terms used in your team’s playbook. Study the various positions, offensive and defensive formations, and play call signals. To reinforce your understanding, consider creating flashcards or using online resources to quiz yourself regularly. Building a solid foundation of football jargon will help you quickly interpret and execute plays during high-pressure game situations. Repetition is key in this instance.  Taking 5-15 minutes on a daily basis to go over things helps to ingrain it into your brain.  Doing this beats one hour or more cram sessions.  During those type sessions,  more information gets forgotten than you would like.  Do a daily review to help the information stick better.

2 – Visualize the Plays 

Mental imagery plays a crucial role in learning a football playbook. Visualize each play in your mind, imagining yourself executing it flawlessly. Picture the movements, positions, and timing involved in every coverage. Watching game footage or highlights can also enhance your visualization skills. By repeatedly visualizing the plays, you will develop muscle memory and improve your on-field decision-making. We all learn in different ways and it also takes us a while to truly understand how we learn.  In the interim,  use all of your senses to grasp an understanding of your playbook.  This means,  visualizing is important.  If you have the luxury of seeing defenses run on film then by all means use that in conjunction with seeing the defenses being shown in the playbook. 

3 – Break Down the Playbook 

A playbook can be overwhelming, with numerous coverages, techniques, and checks. To make the process more manageable, break down the playbook into smaller sections. Focus on learning a few coverages at a time, understanding their purpose and your specific responsibilities within them. Take notes and draw diagrams to aid your comprehension. Gradually build upon your knowledge as you master each section, creating a solid foundation for learning more complex coverages.  After you have learned your responsibilities,  move to understanding those of the people around you.  Doing this aids in you having a greater understanding of what you need to do.  Eventually you will see how it all fits together like a puzzle.  Every defense has a philosophy and by studying the responsibility of each member of the defense you gain an understanding of that philosophy.  Once you have that understanding,  moving around on the field becomes easier for you. 

4 – Seek Guidance and Repetition 

Utilize the expertise of coaches, teammates, and older players to gain further insights into the playbook. Seek clarification whenever needed and ask questions to ensure you fully comprehend your role in each play. Engage in team walkthroughs, where you can practice the plays at a slower pace and receive immediate feedback. Additionally, take advantage of film study sessions to analyze successful plays and identify areas for improvement.  One of the biggest areas where new / young players struggle is in asking questions.  If you don’t understand something,  make the effort to go ask someone.  Determine the best time to ask questions and then by all means,  go and ask.  If you can not find the answers in the playbook,  in them meeting or in film study,  don’t just go on without knowing.  This will definitely negatively affect your performance and either prevent you from getting playing time or being effective when you are out on the field. 

5 – Physical Repetition and Simulation 

While mental preparation is crucial, physical repetition is equally important. Practice the plays on the field, focusing on proper footwork, timing, and execution. Replicate game-like scenarios by practicing at full speed and under simulated pressure. This will enhance your muscle memory and build the necessary instincts to execute plays effectively during actual games.  Most of this will be done during practice either through team period,  7-on-7 or walk throughs.  However,  there is nothing to stop you from doing these things on your own before or after practice.  When you are new,  you often are not getting very many reps.  You can up your understanding by taking those extra reps on your own.  Stay out on the field to rehearse your drops and envision your teammates taking theirs.  Visualize formations and walk yourself through the steps that are required.  On the surface,  this may seem corny.  However,  no one will be laughing at you when you make all county, all state,  all American or All pro. 

6 – Engage in Film Study 

Film study is an invaluable tool for learning a football playbook. Analyze game footage to understand how coverage unfold, the reactions of opposing teams, and successful strategies employed by your team. Observe the performance of players in your position and learn from their techniques and decision-making. Film study allows you to identify patterns, tendencies, and areas for improvement, enabling you to make better-informed decisions on the field.  This is typically a difficult part for young players.  There are just so many distractions these days to keep you away from jumping on Hudl to acquire the knowledge.  However,  if you are serious about being the best,  discipline and sacrifice are your best friends.  Put aside the time to do the film study because as we know our eyes are very important.  Being able to see what’s on the page come to life on film will amp up your understanding of the play book in a major way. 

7 – Use Online Aids and Watch Games

In this Internet / social media era,  there is simply so much information available easily.  Don’t take this for granted.  Sometimes there are videos on a platform like YouTube that can explain a defense or coverage your team is running better than your playbook does. Additionally,  tools like the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area are there to give you a full understanding of defensive football and playing pass coverage.  The same way you may look up an Algebra topic for help is the same way you can get a better understanding of quarters coverage.  Another underrated aspect of learning for new players is simply watching football games on TV.  Watch regular games with a more analytical eye.  Instead of looking to see who has the dope cleats or spending too much time marveling over a dark shield a player is wearing,  take note of how the defense is moving.  Listen to the analyst talking about the game and you will pick up clues about how things work.  Watch enough games and you will find yourself understanding things in your own playbook quicker.

Learning a football playbook is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of mental and physical preparation. By understanding the terminology, visualizing plays, breaking down the playbook, seeking guidance, engaging in physical repetition, and studying film, you can become a master of your team’s playbook. These methods will not only enhance your performance but also contribute to your overall football knowledge, making you a more versatile and valuable player on the gridiron.  Ultimately,  coaches play the players they trust and the guys they trust the most are the ones who know what they are supposed to be doing on the field. 

Understanding the Basics of Pass Defense

Understanding the fundamentals of pass coverage is essential for defensive backs at all levels of the game. In this article, we will explore the key concepts and techniques involved in pass coverage, including zone coverage, man-to-man coverage, matchup zones zone blitzes along with the roles and responsibilities of different defensive positions.

Zone Coverage 

Zone coverage is a pass defense strategy where defenders are responsible for specific areas or “zones” on the field rather than covering individual receivers. The objective is to deny passing lanes, close passing windows and make it difficult for the quarterback to find an open receiver. There are various zone coverage schemes. The most basic of those coverages are Cover 2, Cover 3, and Cover 4.

Cover 2 involves two safeties splitting the field into deep halves. The cornerbacks cover the short outside areas, while the linebackers focus on covering the middle zones. This scheme is effective against short and intermediate passes but can leave the defense vulnerable in deep areas. 

Cover 3 involves three deep defenders, each responsible for a deep zone. The remaining defenders cover the underneath zones (flat, curl, hook and low hole). This scheme provides good coverage against deep passes but can leave vulnerabilities in the intermediate areas. 

Cover 4, also known as “quarters coverage,” splits the field into four deep zones. Each defender is responsible for a quarter of the field. This scheme offers strong coverage against deep passes, but it can leave the underneath areas more vulnerable.  

Man-to-Man Coverage 

Man-to-man coverage involves defenders being assigned specific offensive players to cover. Each defender follows their assigned receiver across the field, aiming to stay in close proximity and disrupt the pass play. Man-to-man coverage requires excellent individual technique and athleticism. To execute in man coverage,  defenses use different techniques, press coverage and off coverage. 

Press coverage is a technique where the defender lines up directly across from the receiver (typically 1 to 2 yards) and aims to disrupt their route by jamming them at the line of scrimmage using a hard press technique or mirror them closely using a soft press technique. This technique is often used to disrupt timing-based pass plays.

Off coverage involves the defender giving the receiver some cushion before the snap, allowing them to react to the receiver’s route. Being able to back pedal, get out of breaks and react well to the receiver’s moves is a strong requirement to excel at this technique.  It provides more protection against deep passes but can leave the defender vulnerable to quick underneath routes.

The most common of the man to man coverages that are found are Cover 0, 1 and 2 man.  Cover 0 involves every eligible wide receiver on the offense being assigned to a defender on defense.  Instead of there being an extra player(s) to help with coverage in Cover 0,  those would be extra players are used to rush the passer and hurry the quarterback’s decision.  Cover 1 involves the same assignment of all eligible receivers to defenders for coverage.  However,  Cover 1 provides an extra defender in the form of a safety in the middle of the field to help the defenders on deep throws.  In 2 man,  a pair of safeties split the two deep areas of the field while other defenders are assigned to the eligible receivers.  Those defenders make every effort to cover the short and intermediate routes while relying on the safety for the deep throws.

Match-up Zones

Match up zones have become popular in recent years.  This blends a bit of both worlds.  It assigns defenders to a certain area of the field and then requires them to attach themselves man to man to receivers that enter those areas based on the rules of the coverage.  It has been used to confuse the quarterbacks reads and lead him into making errant throws.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Different positions on the defense have specific roles and responsibilities in pass coverage.  While the defensive line’s primary job is to rush,  the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties handle the pass coverage responsibilities.  Here is what each of them do.

Cornerbacks are primarily responsible for covering wide receivers. They must have excellent speed, agility, and coverage skills. Cornerbacks often play man-to-man coverage but may also be involved in zone coverage schemes.  The more intelligent you are at cornerback,  the more plays you will make.

Safeties are the last line of defense and have a crucial role in both zone and man-to-man coverage. They provide deep coverage and help defend against long passes. Safeties must possess good awareness, anticipation, and tackling abilities. Those first two characteristics are developed greatly by studying the defensive playbook and film.

Linebackers play a significant role in pass coverage, especially in zone schemes. They cover the middle zones and must be adept at reading the quarterback’s eyes and reacting to potential passing routes. Linebackers also play a vital role in defending against short passes and covering running backs or tight ends.  As offenses have expanded their passing abilities,  linebackers have become more versatile or they have been replaced by extra defensive backs.

On occasion,  defensive linemen will drop into coverage in schemes known as zone blitzes.  These schemes will involve linebackers and defensive backs switching roles with the defensive line.  Linebackers and or defensive backs will rush the passer from various locations while defensive linemen drop into coverage to fill the void.  Like match-up zones,  zone blitzes are used to confuse the quarterback’s reads but it also serves to mess up the blocking rules of the offense leading to a more intense rush on the quarterback.

 

Whether using zone, man-to-man coverage or any of it’s variations,  the objective remains the same: to limit the effectiveness of the opposing team’s passing game. By understanding the basics of pass coverage and the responsibilities of different defensive positions, players can effectively disrupt passing routes, close passing windows, and ultimately increase the chances of forcing incompletions or turnovers. Mastering pass coverage requires a combination of understanding and executing all of these aspects.

3 Reasons Why Back Pedaling is Crucial to a DB’s Success

While there are various techniques and skills that a defensive back must possess to be successful, one of the most critical is backpedaling. Backpedaling is the technique of moving backward, often in a diagonal or lateral direction, while keeping your eyes on the ball and the receiver.  Back pedaling also includes weaving to maintain leverage on a wide receiver who is trying to stem you by running hard to your inside or outside.

There are several reasons why backpedaling is essential for a defensive back to master. The first is that it allows the defender to maintain a position between the receiver and the quarterback. This is important because it makes it more difficult for the quarterback to throw an accurate pass to the receiver. By staying in a good position, the defensive back can also react more quickly if the quarterback does decide to throw the ball.  Being in a back pedal allows the defensive back to be equally effective in breaking in all directions.

Another reason why backpedaling is critical is that it helps the defender stay balanced and maintain good body control. When a receiver tries to change direction or make a sudden move, the defender must be able to react quickly while keeping their balance. Backpedaling allows the defender to do this while still keeping their eyes on the receiver and the ball.  While there is a moment to open,  defensive backs who open up immediately when the ball is snapped puts them at a disadvantage.  Breaking to a defender’s backside is more difficult to breaking out of a back pedal.  Opening closes off a defender to one particular direction.

A third reason why backpedaling is crucial is that it helps the defensive back to avoid getting beaten deep by the receiver. If a defender turns and runs full speed down the field, they are at risk of getting beaten deep by a fast receiver who can get behind them. By backpedaling, the defender can keep their eyes on the receiver and react quickly if the receiver tries to make a move to get behind them.  Some may be confused by this but this relates to the point made in the previous article.  When a defensive back opens up prematurely,  not only does he make it more difficult to break in the opposite direction on a short to intermediate route,  he also makes it easier for the wide receiver to get into his blindspot.  Once in the defender’s blindspot,  the receiver has the ability to go deep and get lost behind the defender.  This can lead to a big play for the offense.

To backpedal effectively, there are several key techniques that a defensive back must master. The first is to keep the feet  shoulder width apart and the knees bent. This helps the defender maintain a good athletic position and stay balanced. The second is to keep the eyes on the receiver and the ball while also scanning the field for other potential threats. This requires a high level of focus and concentration, as the defender must be able to react quickly to any changes in the play.

Another critical technique for backpedaling is to use short, quick steps. This allows the defender to move quickly and change direction if needed. Long strides are not effective when backpedaling because they make it more difficult to maintain balance and change direction quickly.  For new defensive backs,  this can be challenging to achieve.  Consistent practice of the back pedal is required to master it at the required level.  

It is also essential to keep the hips low and the weight on the balls of the feet. This helps the defender maintain good body control and react quickly to any changes in the play. By keeping the hips low, the defender can also generate more power when changing direction, making it easier to stay with the receiver.  Often times,  defensive backs will carry their hips high in their pedal.  This can lead to your feet slipping when you break because your force when you plant will be pushing away from you as opposed to into the ground.  A solid knee bend ensures that the force in your plant and push goes into the ground to propel you forward.

Backpedaling is a critical skill that any defensive back must master if they want to be successful. It allows the defender to maintain good positioning, stay balanced and avoid getting beaten deep by the receiver. To backpedal effectively, a defender must master several key techniques, including keeping the feet shoulder-width apart, using short, quick steps, and keeping the eyes on the receiver and the ball. While backpedaling is just one of many skills that a defensive back must possess, it is a fundamental one that is essential for success on the field.

3 Ways to Communicate Better as a DB

If there is one area where young defensive backs struggle, it’s in the area of communication. Unfortunately, communication is a big part of success in defensive back play.  Sure it’s great to have speed, strength and technique but those are just individual attributes. To have complete success, every member of the secondary should be on the same page. The best way to do that is through communication. So in this article, I will give you three great ways to improve your communication when you are playing defensive back.

1 – Study Your Playbook

When I say study the playbook, I mean not only knowing what your job is on the field, but know the job of everyone else around you. It is fully expected that you would know what you need to do. Failing to be able to do that means you can’t even get on the field at all.  However, we’re not just striving to get on the field, we are striving to excel when we are on the field.  So part one of being an effective communicator when you’re on the field is knowing your job plus everyone else’s job.  Doing this gives you the confidence to shout out instructions, give coverage calls or make checks when you are in the game or in a practice situation. If all you know is your job, then you will be unsure about telling others what they need to do when the situation calls for it. After grasping an understanding of what your job is in each coverage, make it a point to know what everyone else is supposed to be doing in every defense in the playbook.  Is it a time consuming task?  Yes, it is but greatness is not for everyone. It will come to those who work for it.

2- Study offense

Now that you fully understand your defense from all 11 men’s perspective, it is time to have a solid understanding of what the offense is trying to do. When you develop a strong understanding of what teams are doing, you now have more confidence to communicate, when the offense lines up or starts shifting men before the snap.  If you do not understand what is happening,  you will be hesitant to communicate instructions to your teammates. This is similar to your teacher asking a question to the class. If you are unsure of the answer, you certainly won’t raise your hand to be called upon.  If you are out on the field and things are happening with the offense and you are unsure about what you are seeing, you will be hesitant to call out answers to your teammates. Communication is largely confidence. Confidence comes when you have an understanding of what is happening. Spend a good amount of time, studying offenses and what they do. It would be in your best interest to understand the philosophy of an offense. By this I mean, what is the root of what it is they are trying to do.  Once you understand this, you will be ready for any of the minor tweaks and curveballs the offense tries to throw your way. This could come in the form of a different formation or lining a certain player up in a different location.  If you understand the philosophy of the offense,  these things won’t throw you off too much and you’ll still be able to communicate to your teammates.

3- Talk with teammates beforehand 

The final way that you can become a better communicator on the football field is by discussing things with your teammates before they happen. Great defensive backfields tend to do things like watch film together. Even if that is not entirely possible, make it a point to get your fellow defensive backs together and discuss the things that you guys saw individually on film.  Basically, this is like having study groups for your classes.  Get together and compare notes.  Make an effort to be on the same page. When you go into your games and practices feeling like you are all on the same page, it becomes easier to communicate with each other out on the field.  Essentially, you are now all speaking the same language.  If you were in a foreign country and the people were speaking a language that you did not understand, you would be hesitant to speak out of fear of saying something wrong. When you are in your home country and you understand the language , you are less hesitant to speak because you know that your words would be understood. Get together with your teammates before games and discuss what is that you are expecting. This makes talking to one another while you’re out on the field during competition so much easier. 

At the end of the day, the better, the communication by the secondary the more plays they tend to make. This has withstood the test of time. Football is the ultimate team sport and when the defensive backs are all working together, there are few weaknesses that an offense can exploit. This means every time the offense puts the ball up, there is a good chance that somebody in the secondary will make a play on it. 

Win With Nick Saban’s Pass Defense Principles

Nick Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest football coaches of all time, and his success is due in no small part to his innovative defensive strategies. Saban is known for his emphasis on pass defense, and he has developed several philosophies that have become hallmarks of his coaching style. In this article, we will take a closer look at Saban’s pass defense philosophies and how they have helped him become one of the most successful coaches in football history.

The first philosophy that Saban emphasizes in pass defense is “pattern matching.” This is a strategy in which defensive backs read the route combinations of the opposing receivers and adjust their coverage accordingly. Rather than simply playing man-to-man or zone coverage, the defenders adjust their positioning based on the routes run by the receivers. This allows the defense to be more versatile and effective in defending against different types of offenses.

The second philosophy that Saban emphasizes in pass defense is “disrupting the timing and rhythm of the quarterback.” This involves using a variety of tactics to disrupt the quarterback’s timing and prevent him from getting into a rhythm. One way that Saban does this is by using a variety of blitzes and stunts to put pressure on the quarterback and force him to make quick decisions. Another way is by using press coverage on the receivers, which makes it more difficult for them to get open quickly and disrupts the timing of the play.

A third philosophy that Saban emphasizes in pass defense is “the importance of turnovers.” Saban believes that turnovers are a critical component of a successful defense and that a team’s ability to generate turnovers is closely tied to its ability to win games. To this end, Saban emphasizes techniques like stripping the ball, intercepting passes, and recovering fumbles. He also emphasizes the importance of creating turnovers in critical moments of the game, such as on third downs or in the red zone.

Another key aspect of Saban’s pass defense philosophy is “the importance of communication.” Saban believes that effective communication is essential for a successful defense and that defensive backs must communicate constantly on the field to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This includes calling out assignments, alerting teammates to potential threats, and communicating about changes in the offense’s formation or strategy.

Saban’s pass defense philosophy is also characterized by a strong emphasis on fundamentals. Saban believes that effective pass defense begins with a focus on the basics, such as footwork, tackling technique, and coverage assignments. He emphasizes the importance of practicing these fundamentals consistently and developing muscle memory so that they become second nature to the players.

Finally, Saban’s pass defense philosophy is characterized by his willingness to adapt and adjust to different offensive strategies. Saban is known for his ability to game plan effectively against different types of offenses and to adjust his defensive strategies based on the strengths and weaknesses of his own team and the opposing team. This flexibility allows Saban to field a defense that is both versatile and effective against a wide range of offenses.

In conclusion, Nick Saban’s pass defense philosophies are a critical component of his success as a football coach. By emphasizing pattern matching, disrupting the timing and rhythm of the quarterback, creating turnovers, effective communication, fundamentals, and adaptability, Saban has developed a pass defense strategy that is both innovative and effective. His success as a coach is a testament to the importance of a strong pass defense and the value of adapting and evolving strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

Know Your DB History: Darren Sharper

Darren Sharper is a former NFL safety who played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints over the course of his 14-year career. Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1975, Sharper attended Hermitage High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. He went on to play college football at William & Mary College, where he was a standout player for the Tribe. Originally coming to William and Mary as a quarterback,  Sharper eventually moved to safety where he intercepted 10 passes in his senior season. He ended his career with 24 interceptions and a Division I-AA record 468 return yards.

Sharper did not display any overwhelming physical characteristics at the NFL combine in 1997.  He measured in at 6’2” 206 lbs. and ran a 4.64 forty yard dash.  Still,  he was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He quickly became a starter on the Packers’ defense, and in his rookie season, he helped lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. Sharper’s playmaking ability was evident from the start of his career; he finished his rookie season with four interceptions and six passes defended.

Over the course of his eight seasons with the Packers, Sharper established himself as one of the premier safeties in the NFL. He earned Pro Bowl honors five times and was a first-team All-Pro selection three times. He also continued to be a ballhawk, intercepting 36 passes during his time in Green Bay, including a career-high nine interceptions in 2000.

Sharper’s success on the field was due in part to his exceptional athleticism and football instincts. He was a big, rangy safety who had the speed and agility to cover receivers deep down the field, but he was also a physical player who was not afraid to come up and make tackles in the box. His intelligence and preparation also played a big role in his success; he was known for studying game film extensively and being able to read quarterbacks’ intentions before the snap.

In 2005, Sharper signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent. He continued to play at a high level in Minnesota, earning Pro Bowl honors twice in his four seasons with the team. He also continued to be a playmaker, intercepting 18 passes and returning three of them for touchdowns during his time with the Vikings.

In 2009, Sharper signed with the New Orleans Saints, and it was there that he had the most successful season of his career. He played a key role in the Saints’ defense that year, intercepting nine passes and returning three of them for touchdowns. He was also a leader on the field and in the locker room, helping the team to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

I don’t normally include much about player’s personal lives in these segments but in Sharper’s case,  it is necessary.  Considering the many accomplishments he had on the field,  readers not around during the era in which he played would wonder why he is not talked about more.  Despite Sharper’s on-field success, his career was ultimately overshadowed by his off-field actions. In 2014, he was accused of drugging and raping multiple women in different states. He eventually pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2016.

Sharper’s criminal actions were a shocking end to what had been a successful football career. He finished his career with 63 interceptions, 11 of which he returned for touchdowns, and 13 forced fumbles. He was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2018. However, his criminal actions have tarnished his legacy and serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

In the wake of Sharper’s crimes, the NFL has taken steps to address the issue of sexual assault and domestic violence among its players. The league has implemented new policies and programs aimed at educating players and preventing these types of incidents from occurring in the future. While Sharper’s actions were a dark moment in the history of the league, they have also served as a catalyst for change and a reminder of the importance of respect and consent in all aspects of life.

6 Ways to Boost Your Interception Total Now

If you play defensive back then you are definitely always looking for ways to get your hands on the football more and let’s be honest,  by getting your hands on we mean interceptions.  Some may think interceptions are about luck but since I don’t believe in luck,  I am going to give you six deliberate things you can do to grab more interceptions this upcoming season.

1 – Study the opposing team’s offense

Before the game, watch film to understand the tendencies of the opposing team’s offense. This can help you anticipate routes and better position yourself to make a play on the ball. Study things like the wide receiver splits and releases. Things like that mean something. Receivers don’t just go and line up wherever they want. There are specific places where they are going to line up to run specific routes on certain plays. It is in your best interest to know that. Also make a habit of studying the quarterback. Quarterbacks are constantly seeking comfort. This means they are going to have some tendencies and habits that are hard to break. Find those habits and use them to give you clues on what may be coming.

2 – Improve your footwork

Good footwork is essential for a defensive back to keep up with the receiver and make plays on the ball. Focus on improving your agility and quickness. I have an article on this blog in titled speed is something, but it’s not everything. Efficient movement as a defensive back is a premium skill. While it’s good to have straight line speed, if it does not come along with the ability to change direction, then it’s really not that much of an asset. Don’t rely solely on speed. Definitely put in the time and effort to develop your foot work,  change of direction and efficiency in the most used defensive back moves. Check out this article here for more information on what the major defensive back moves are.

3 – Develop good instincts

Anticipate where the ball is going and be ready to make a play on it. React quickly to the quarterback’s movements and the receiver’s route to make a play on the ball. The development of good instincts comes from film study and practice/training. This means you’re going to have to put some time in but just know that the time put in pays off when you are in the games and know what’s coming before it happens. It is a tremendous feeling as a defensive back to know that something’s coming and actually have it happen. When it does happen, don’t doubt it. See it, believe it, and go!

4 – Work on your timing

Timing is crucial for making interceptions. Learn to jump at the right time to get to the ball and disrupt the receiver’s catch. Practice with a teammate or coach to get a feel for the timing required. This is also a skill that is developed through time and practice. However, it is one that you should not ignore as you are training. Being able to break at the precise time, shoot your hands on a jam at the right time or throw a hand in-between a receiver’s hand to break up passes is a very valuable skill. Check out this video that I made on breaking up passes.

5 – Stay focused

Pay attention to the game and stay focused on your assignment. Don’t get distracted by the crowd or the other players on the field. It is very easy to get mesmerized by top players that you are facing. Don’t ever put a wide receiver or a quarterback on a pedestal. If you’ve put in the work then your opponent has to earn whatever they get against you. They won’t just get their yards and touchdowns simply because of who they are. So have no fear of an opponent when you lineup.  Also, when you are playing defensive back, what people in the stands who don’t have the ability to do what you do think should have no bearing on how you play. Don’t spend one second worrying about what they are going to think about anything that you do out on the field. Your sole focus should be on your performance and getting your job done. What anyone in the stands or viewing the game thinks about it should have nothing to do with you. You are the one trained to do the work that you’re doing and you are the one who has put in all of the time,  not them.

6 – Communicate with your teammates

Let your teammates know what you see and hear on the field. This can help you work together to make a play on the ball. This is a very underrated part of the game. The biggest difference between professionals, and those in the categories below them is communication when they are out on the field. If you’ve ever had the chance to attend an NFL practice, one thing that will stand out is the communication that occurs on the defensive side of the ball. Most notably, that communication is happening in the backend amongst the defense of backs. Safeties must talk to corners and corners must talk to safeties. The better the communication, the better the success. Understand your role in each coverage, but also understand the role of those who are around you. I go more in depth about communication in the secondary in this article.

So now you have six solid ways for you to increase your play making ability when your next season comes. Follow the steps and work on developing them both during your off-season and in season. There is no way that you won’t improve your ability to be around the football and thus get more interceptions if you do. 

Basic Tackling Techniques for Defensive Backs

When playing defensive back,  the first thing that comes to mind is covering the pass and not allowing wide receivers to catch the football.  However,  that is only one of the responsibilities that defensive backs are faced with as they play the game.

Defensive backs in football are often tasked with making open-field tackles against fast and elusive offensive players. Proper tackling technique is essential to ensure the safety of the defender and effectively bring the ball carrier down. Here are some of the best tackling techniques for defensive backs:

1 – Breakdown

The defensive back should approach the ball carrier with a balanced stance, and then break down by lowering his center of gravity, getting his feet shoulder-width apart, and slightly bending his knees. This technique enables the defender to maintain balance and react quickly to the ball carrier’s movements.

2 -Track the Hips

The defensive back should focus on the ball carrier’s hips and not get distracted by their head or shoulders. This technique allows the defender to react quickly to changes in direction and avoid being juked or faked out.

3 -Shoulder Tackle

The defensive back should aim to make contact with the ball carrier using his shoulder and drive through the tackle with his legs. This technique allows the defender to generate more force and momentum to bring down the ball carrier.

4 – Wrap-Up

After making contact with the ball carrier, the defensive back should wrap his arms around the ball carrier’s waist and squeeze tightly. This technique prevents the ball carrier from breaking free and allows the defender to bring him down safely.

5 -Head Up

The defensive back should keep his head up during the tackle to avoid any potential head or neck injuries. This technique also allows the defender to see the ball carrier’s movements and react quickly.

6 -Finish the Tackle

Once the ball carrier is wrapped up, the defensive back should drive his legs and finish the tackle by driving the ball carrier backward and to the ground. This technique ensures that the ball carrier is fully contained and cannot break free.

By practicing and mastering these tackling techniques, defensive backs can become more effective at bringing down ball carriers and preventing big plays on defense.

I go more in-depth on tackling in this member’s area post discussing tackling techniques used by NFL teams – DB Technique: Tackling Drills with the Seattle Seahawks

3 Big Mistakes You Are Making in Press Coverage

It’s that time of year again known as camp season. Time to line up and take 1-on-1 rep after 1-on-1 rep. There’s nothing like winning in those situations and if you want to do it consistently,  you’re going to have to avoid these three big mistakes .

Shifty eyes

We all know that we have to have focused eyes in man-to-man coverage. Or at least, I think everyone knows that. If you didn’t know that, you do now. If you are going to win your press man reps at camp or live on actual game days you’re going to need have a pair of focused eyes. There is some small debate about what you should be watching at the line of scrimmage but there’s no debate for me.  Your eyes should be focused on the hips of the wide receiver. What I often see happen though is a player will line up at the line of scrimmage with his eyes on the hips and then the moment the receiver moves, the DB’s eyes rise to the face or chest of the receiver. This starts the process of the defensive back biting on all the hard head and shoulder fakes of the receiver and throws him off course. This is, without a doubt,  the biggest mistake that I see being made in press coverage.  It is important to train your eyes to stay down on the receiver’s hips throughout the duration of the action at the line of scrimmage. It is also important to carry on this discipline up to a certain point during the route.. Whatever the case may be, moving those eyes up at the snap of the ball is a recipe for disaster. Start working on drills that keep your eyes down as you begin to move. I have several in the All Eyes Db Camp Member’s Area.

Opening the Gate

The receivers are looking for room at the line of scrimmage and I see many defensive backs in press coverage being rather generous. Whether it is a lack of coaching, training or trust in their speed, opening the gate is another recipe for disaster. Opening the gate is basically turning your body sideways at the line of scrimmage the moment the receiver moves on the snap of the ball.  Receivers would love to run their routes exactly the way they look in the route tree in the playbook. When you line up in press man coverage, the whole goal is to disrupt that tree.  When you open the gate, you forfeit your chance to be able to do that. Now you have turned it into a track meet that has several possible detours. Wherever those detours may be, you will be the second person out of two to know about it. When you give the wide receiver all the room he wants to make his moves, you can expect him to win more times than not.  Understand that you are in press coverage to disrupt the path of the route.  You do this by moving your feet and using your hands to get the wide receiver off his course.  When you open your shoulders immediately at the line of scrimmage and allow the receiver to accelerate straight off the line, you are setting yourself up for failure. Start working on your discipline with your feet. This will allow you to move your body in front of the receiver and get him off of the straight line he wants to work on. When this happens, he has two choices. He can either continue to try to run away from you which pushes him further off of his course or he has to get close to you in which case you can now use your hands to further disrupt his path. When you open up at the line of scrimmage, you make neither one of those things possible.  Developing a good kick slide will work wonders for you and press man coverage.

Looking at QB Out of the Break

This mistake is especially painful because it can cause a defensive back to lose a rep even when he was in good position for most of it.  While I know most defensive backs in press coverage are in fear of the fade, the truth of the matter is that many routes versus press break off. What I see many defensive backs, both experienced and inexperienced, do is take a peek at the quarterback the moment the receiver makes his break. This hurts for two reasons. First, it slows your acceleration toward the receiver that is getting separation on you.  Most of the time,  that receiver is going to make his break first and then you react.  When you fail to keep your eyes on him and look back at the quarterback, you lose a step or two that you could gain by focusing on him. The second problem that this causes is that it may make you unaware of the fact that the receiver has changed course after the break. The reason why double moves work is because the defensive back on the play sent his eyes to the quarterback too soon. We know that not all routes are in a straight line even after the break. It is in your best interest to focus on the receiver out of the break for at least a step or two before you check to see if the ball is coming. The only time you may be OK and not doing this is if you are in really close contact with the receiver and can have a hand on him to know where he is. Otherwise,  it’s best for you, in your training, to focus on keeping your eyes on the receiver when he makes his breaks. Do this and I can promise that you will be able to get your hand on more balls thrown to your man in press coverage.

Make an effort to attack these three things the next time you are out training and you will see a noticeable difference on how your reps go when you are playing press man coverage. For more in-depth information on drills and techniques to improve your man coverage, check out the All Eyes DB camp Member’s Area.

How to Play Safety in Football

Playing Defensive Back: Tips and Strategies for Cornerbacks and Safeties

If you’re a football player or coach looking to improve your team’s defense, you need to focus on the defensive backfield. The defensive backs, or DBs, are the last line of defense and play a crucial role in preventing big plays and turnovers. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and strategies for playing  safety, one of the most important positions in the defensive backfield.

HOW TO PLAY SAFETY

Safeties, or S, are responsible for covering the deep part of the field and providing help to the cornerbacks. This is a versatile position that requires a mix of speed, strength, and intelligence. Here are some basic tips for playing safety:

Communicate with your Teammates

As a safety, you’re in a unique position to see the entire field. Use this to your advantage by communicating with your teammates and making sure everyone is on the same page. This can help prevent big plays and ensure that everyone knows their assignments.

Play the Ball

As a safety, your primary responsibility is to prevent big plays. This means you need to be able to read the quarterback’s eyes and make a play on the ball when it’s in the air. You should also be able to tackle well in case the receiver makes the catch.

Be Versatile

Safeties need to be versatile and able to play different roles depending on the situation. You may need to blitz, cover a tight end, or provide run support. Make sure you’re comfortable in all these roles and can adjust to the game situation.

Stay Disciplined

One of the biggest challenges for safeties is staying disciplined. It can be tempting to cheat up and try to make a play, but this can leave you vulnerable to deep passes. Make sure you stay back and don’t bite on play fakes.

Summary

Playing defensive back is a challenging but rewarding position. By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your skills and help your team win games. Remember to stay disciplined, communicate with your teammates, and always be ready to make a play on the ball. 

If you really want to reach your full potential as a defensive back then you should own a copy of my critically acclaimed E-book ‘101 DB Tips’.  It is categorized and organized to deliver you the tips you need in a manner that is easy to understand.  It’s a great reference guide to playing or coaching defensive back.  Get your copy here 101 DB Tips

Also,  I have over 200 videos on technique, drills, coverages, training and more in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  If you looking to become elite,  I highly recommend that you join.

Page 9 of 24
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24