DB Tips | Undercut a WR’s Route Like A Pro

Another in my short clip series taken from my training sessions.  This one talks about something that many DBs do but do not do effectively.

Some times a WR gets an inside release on you in press coverage and you get the feeling that it will be an in-breaking route.  Ideally,  you want to be over the top of the WR and be on his upfield shoulder when that inside break happens but let’s be honest, that is hard to do and is rarely ever the case.  If you are even with the WR or even a half of step behind and you think the inside route is coming,  here’s how you undercut that route without fully exposing yourself.

(1) Keep your eyes on those hips.  I can not stress this enough.  Taking your eyes off of the WR’s hip is where your problems start.  Keep a laser focus on the hip nearest to you.

(2) With your inside hand,  quickly grab the inside hip or ribs of the WR.  This pulls you inside and momentarily keeps him from making that inside break.  You are using him as momentum to get inside. (That grab is with an open hand and lasts no more than 1 second.  Anything else will be pass interference.)

(3) KEEP YOUR HIPS UPFIELD!  This is the biggest key to all of this and I explain it in the video.  Many DBs turn their hips inside and have them facing in the wrong direction on that inside move.  If the WRs hips are facing up field in his stem,  your hips should be facing upfield when you break inside.  (see the video for demonstration on this).  Pull yourself inside while keeping your hips facing upfield.

(4)  Keep your eyes locked on the hips incase the WR breaks back out or until he breaks inside and you see the hands raising up for the ball coming.

Note:  This technique should only be deployed when you have help in the post with a safety (cover 1).  Doing this without safety help is a super advanced move only to be used by very experienced pros.  Executing this with post safety help gives you that ability to get help should the WR get separation on you to the middle of the field when you cut under.

Should you have any questions or comments about this video.  Feel free to reach me via email at: 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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