Chad Wilson
May 15, 2025
In today’s spread-heavy game, safeties must be more than just the last line of defense. They need to diagnose route combinations, anticipate concepts, and match patterns to shut down passing attacks. Here’s how to coach your safeties at the high school and college levels to do exactly that.
1. Train Eye Discipline on No. 2
Safeties must start every snap with great eyes. Teach them to key No. 2 in 2×2 or 3×1 sets and diagnose route intentions:
- Vertical = carry and match
- Under = zone off, alert dig/post from No. 1
- Out = communicate and adjust depth
Use drill periods to reinforce eye progression on every rep.
2. Teach Route Distribution Rules
In match coverages, route rules simplify responsibilities. Install these rules in your playbook:
| No. 2 Route | Safety Response |
|---|---|
| Vertical | Carry and match |
| Under | Pass off, gain depth |
| Out | Alert corner, zone off |
| Sit | Zone off, eyes to No. 1 |
The quicker your safeties grasp route structures, the faster they play.
3. Install Coverages Around Route Combos
When installing coverage, start with route concepts, not just cover shell. Ask:
“How do we play Smash out of Quarters? How do we defend Flood from 3×1?”
Make your install context-based to improve recall and application.
4. Reinforce With Targeted Drills
Use 2v2, 3v3, and bunch recognition drills. Rotate route combinations and stress communication and footwork. Examples:
- 2×2: Smash, Dagger, Levels
- 3×1: Flood, Seam-Wheel, Trips Switch
- Bunch: Snag, Spot, Spacing
Film these drills and review weekly with your safeties.
5. Film Study = Mental Reps
Build weekly film cut-ups of opponent route concepts. Make your safeties explain what they see and what their reaction is. Use it to teach anticipation and build mental reps.
Final Thought:
Pattern recognition separates good safeties from great ones. If you want your safeties to play fast and eliminate explosive plays, invest in route teaching every week.
Want a complete coaching guide with tips, drills, and breakdowns to elevate your DB room? Grab a copy of my best-selling book “101 DB Tips” and sharpen your edge as a coach. Order Now → https://101dbtips.com
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
