DB Drills: 180˚ Turn Technique

Turning out of your back pedal is a very underrated and overlooked skill by defensive backs.  Since more and more coaches have decided to ditch back pedaling,  more and more guys have become less efficient in a skill that is absolutely needed by defensive backs.  As such,  turning out of the back pedal has become more inefficient and it’s hurting defenders everywhere.

In the video down below,  I have a clip from one of my training sessions with some of my pro clients.  In the video they are executing 180˚ turns.  We use this skill when we are covering a WR and he has broken our cushion suddenly while taking us deep.  The more efficient our turn,  the better chance we have of staying in phase or on top of the route by the wide receiver.   Many defensive backs take false steps in their 180˚ turn or raise their shoulders up to make the turn and cause themselves to either lose ground or stumble after the turn allowing the receiver to surpass them on the deep route.

Two key elements to the proper 180˚ turn:

1 – Drop the opposite foot in the ground on the turn.  Drop right foot to turn left and left foot to turn right.  This allows you to explosively open your hips.

2 – Make the turn from the hips.  When you make the turn emphasize keeping your weight over your toes and your shoulders at the same level. Do not raise your shoulders to turn.

Check out the video below as I explain the turn and analyze the players as they execute the drill.  Perfecting this turn will take some time and reps and should be done at every workout session.

As always,  if you have any questions,  feel free to contact me via email at: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member.

• Author
• Recent Posts

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.

Latest posts by alleyesdbcamp (see all)

• These 4 Drills Will Drastically Improve Your Off Man Coverage - February 25, 2026
• How Elite DBs Read Route Concepts Before the Snap - February 25, 2026
• When it Comes to Playing DB…. Smooth is Fast - February 18, 2026