DB Drill | Combo Route Drill

Let’ face it,  some routes are harder to cover than others and some routes just give certain guys trouble.  When you are training,  it’s common for defensive backs to focus on just covering that one route and while that can be effective,  it has it’s limitations.

We all could do a better job covering a route if we know that it’s coming.  That goes without saying.  However,  when you pair a troublesome route with it’s sister (meaning another common route that could come from the same stem) covering the route you are having a problem with becomes more difficult.

Isn’t that what happens in the game?  A wide receiver gets a certain release against you in press or a certain stem against you in off man and you start thinking it’s one route but then it ends up being another.  Well this drill helps you with that.

In this combo route drill,  I am pairing the dig route with the corner route.  In this drill I am putting the DB with outside leverage with him slightly underneath.  This is a position that we commonly find ourselves in vs. an inside release by a WR.  As we progress down the field,  there comes a point where a WR may break on the dig route.  From the position we are in,  covering the dig can be tough.  We must learn how to do that.  However,  simply telling you that a dig route is what is coming will do you little good when the game comes.  Typically,  we do not know the route.

To increase the difficulty,  I add the possibility of a corner route into the equation so that the DB can’t simply break inside the moment the WR,  during the drill,  lowers his hips or chops his steps.  It can be either a dig or a corner route.

The defensive back,  because two different routes are possible must now study the near hip of the WR to draw his clues before breaking.   Patience and discipline is required to do this and it is an essential skill for a defensive back.  This drill is excellent in developing that.

Now that you know the why.  Listen to the video below to hear the how as it pertains to how this drill is set up and run.  As always,  if you have any questions,  feel free to send me an email to: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member.

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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