Soft Press Man Drill

Much of what you have seen me talk about in this member’s area has to do with what would be termed “hard press”.  This means trying to get hands on the wide receiver at the line of scrimmage,  restrict their space and attempting to widen their release.   It’s a more aggressive style of press man and more becoming of the term bump and run.

However,  there is more than one way to skin a cat and there is something known as soft press.  Soft press involves giving the wide receiver space at the line of scrimmage by motoring out.  The objective is to buy time to read the wide receiver’s release and determine which way he’s going.  From that point you latch on to his hip and try to stay in close contact as he moves down the field.

In the video I have posted down below,  I am working a drill that teaches soft press.  My version of soft press does incorporate a hard press element to it.  Here are the principles

• First motor out
• Second,  if receiver gets close enough,  give him a pop either with one of two hands
• Three when the WR attempts to exit outside of your frame,  you kick slide with him to widen the release and jam him if the opportunity presents itself.

I go into more detail on how to execute those steps in the video below as I talk through the drill the players are performing.  I am sure you will find this informative and a nice addition to your press man toolbelt.

This technique favors smaller,  quicker defensive backs that are adept at using their feet to mirror receivers and cut off routes.  If you are a hard press proponent and have a talented DB that is struggling with the technique,  you may want to try this to give him some more comfort playing press man.

As always,  if you have any questions,  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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