DB Tips | How to Back Pedal as a Defensive Back

Back pedaling may be a lost art for many and it’s getting DBs killed.  Having a strong back pedal can keep you out of many bad situations on the field while covering WRs and this video is going to show you how to pedal correctly.

The growing trend by defensive backs and their coaches alike is to shun the back pedal for turning hips right away and putting DBs at a disadvantage while covering the growing number of quality route running WRs.  I am not certain if it’s a deliberate effort to eliminate pedaling or if it’s just something that is being neglected while coaches focus more on scheme but it’s not good.  So,  with that in mind,  use this video to introduce or re-introduce yourself to the most basic of all DB drills and that is the back pedal.

Some of the main points in the video are (1) getting into a comfortable stance. (2) Pushing off into the pedal correctly (3) Landing the foot properly to increase speed and keep balance (4) Correct positioning of the feet to allow for most efficient mobility (5) What to do with the arms to enhance the effort of your pedal.  Refer to the video for details on each of these points.

A back pedal allows the defender to remain squared up on a WR thus allowing him to break left or right with equal efficiency when the route breaks off.  With a proper back pedal that has speed,  a defender can keep his over the top relationship over a WR up through and beyond the point of a route breaking off.  What happens most often is that players do not develop a quality back pedal and feel threatened when a WR starts running at them.  Defensive backs panic because their cushion is broken so quickly and this results in them turning too quickly.  Once that happens the WR can attack your blind spot to manipulate you and turn you in the wrong direction gaining separation on you for an easy reception.

Get back to basics by focusing on developing a quality back pedal.  Do so and watch how you are able to make more plays on the ball in coverage.   Enjoy the video below.  Don’t forget to Like and Share the video.  Also,  subscribe to my YouTube Channel.  If you really want to become an elite DB,  join my member’s area where I dig deeper into the secrets of becoming a great DB with tips, drills, analysis, coverage teaching, film study and more. Sign up for the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area – Click Here.

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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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