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What Happens If a Cornerback Can’t Tackle?
There was a time in football when you could get away with not being able to tackle as a cornerback. That time is gone. About 25 years ago, when offenses primarily focused on forcing the ball downfield to their top wide receivers and relied on a ground game centered around runs...
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You Keep Getting Pass Interference Penalties, and Here’s Why
Sure, if you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you’ve seen me occasionally criticize referees for pass interference calls. No doubt, the game is changing, and what you are allowed to do as a DB in coverage is shrinking. However, some of you are racking u...
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The Role of the DB in Complex Blitz Packages
In today’s fast-paced and high-powered football, the role of the defensive back (DB) has evolved far beyond traditional coverage responsibilities. One area where DBs are increasingly making a significant impact is within complex blitz packages. These schemes require defe...
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Where’s My Help in Man Coverage? (2 Man)
Continuing my series on man coverage and playing to your help, in this article, we will discuss 2-man coverage. Two-man coverage involves five men underneath playing hardcore man coverage, with two safeties on the hash over the top providing help on deep throws. That explanati...
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Leveraging Split-Field Coverages: A Guide for Defensive Backs
In modern football, offenses have become increasingly adept at exploiting defensive weaknesses, particularly when it comes to coverage schemes. To counteract this, many defenses have turned to split-field coverages as a way to balance the need for versatility and adaptability....
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Integrating Hand Techniques in Coverage: Elevating Your DB Play
In the world of defensive back play, mastering hand techniques can be the difference between breaking up a pass and watching a receiver make a catch. While footwork and positioning are crucial, the use of hands in coverage adds an extra layer of control and precision, allowing...
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Understanding Offensive Route Combinations: A Defensive Back’s Guide
As a defensive back, one of the most critical skills you can develop is the ability to recognize and understand offensive route combinations. The more you can anticipate the routes that are coming, the better you can position yourself to make a play on the ball or prevent a co...
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This Undertrained Skill by DBs is Costing Them Big
Training in the offseason as a defensive back can be intense and involves a lot of elements. From foot placement, getting out of breaks, changing directions, backpedaling, and training eyes, the tasks can be plentiful. However, there is one element that is often undertrained, ...
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Where’s My Help in Man Coverage? (Cover 1)
Man coverage is a very important element of a defensive game plan and a defensive back’s skill set. The common thought process when it comes to man coverage is that you are “on an island,” but in reality, that is not the case. There is always help, and in thi...
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Recent Posts
Every year, NFL teams invest millions into evaluating college defensive backs ahead of the draft. They analyze film, interview players, review testing numbers, and dig deep into football IQ and character. As a high school...
The Key to Using Your Hands in Press Man CoverageApril 9, 2025The idea of press man coverage is to disrupt the timing and route of the wide receiver. To do this, your hands will often come into play, as they help redirect the receiver. However, many...
One of the biggest advantages a defensive back can have is the ability to read a wide receiver’s body language. Being able to anticipate where the receiver is going before they make their move can...
