INSIDE THE SESSION: Press Work

I have made a commitment to posting more of these Inside the Sessions as I believe it provides you with insight into my training sessions. It showcases some of the drills I employ and offers insight into the methodology of my teaching.

In this session on March 1st, we focused on press man coverage. After our initial Matrix Drills (our core drills done at every session), we worked on different phases of press (see video below):

(1) Kick slide drill:

This drill is done alone, with a focus on maintaining a good stance, keeping eyes on the imaginary wide receiver in front, and executing solid footwork. Players should keep their feet apart, ensuring they never come together or crossover. Additionally, players should be on the balls of their feet, moving quickly.

(2) Kick Slide Mirror:

Following the solo drill, it’s time to understand its purpose. Kick slide mirror forces the defender to move his feet to stay in front of the receiver attempting to get outside his frame and up the field. Maintaining low eyes and cutting off receiver lanes are crucial, as emphasized in the video.

(3) Slide N Get Up:

This drill is critical for teaching press man coverage. Many defensive backs excel at press at the line of scrimmage but falter when the receiver exits the line. Common issues include poor eye placement, bad angles, and spending too much time grappling with a receiver advancing up the field. It’s vital for DBs to learn the skills emphasized in this drill.

(4) Turn Ups:

This drill was added to the session due to concerns about the group’s performance when receivers got outside them in the previous drill. Turn ups emphasize planting a foot and moving vertically, essential for maintaining proper angles and position on the receiver down the field. It’s a reminder to avoid getting into battles at the line, which can lead to being stacked and beaten.

(5) 3 Releases:

This drill allows defenders to practice their technique at the line of scrimmage against rapid releases. The receiver takes three explosive steps off the line, and the defender reacts. The defensive back must maintain the proper stance, alignment, and eye placement and react appropriately to the receiver’s movement within a short timeframe.

(6) Full Releases:

After a month of training, we introduced full releases for the first time. Here, the wide receiver executes a full vertical release within a five-yard width, from the sidelines to the numbers. The defensive back uses learned skills to neutralize or widen the receiver’s release, ensuring proper positioning over the top or even with the receiver by the time they reach the numbers. We delay this drill to ensure a foundational understanding of press, as it tends to get competitive, and without solid groundwork, the reps can be sloppy, especially with young players.

Enjoy the session video below. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to 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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