Speed up Your Kick with This Drill

There are two things that most defensive backs lack when they first come to me.  One is the ability to weave in their back pedal and the other is the ability to kick slide.  Both are core skills that are needed to defend effectively in man to man situations.  I improve the latter with a drill I call “Trust Your Kick” which is displayed in the video at the end of this post.

Receivers exploit defensive backs who lack the ability to move laterally effectively.  They do so especially in press man.  This is why you see so many wide receivers working on sliding and juking at the line of scrimmage.  They know that most defensive backs will either open the or fall off once they slide outside of the DB’s frame.

With my “Trust Your Kick” Drill,  I am teaching the three crucial elements:

1. 1.  Developing the athletic skill of kick sliding
   2. Developing trust in the slide enough to stay in it as the receiver pressures them left or right.
   3. The ability to be under control in their slide so that they can effectively handle a change in direction by the receiver.

Consistent repetition of this drill improves the skill and thus builds the confidence in it.  An effective kick slide widens the release of the receiver and gives them less room to work with as they move down the field.  A controlled kick slide keeps the defensive back in balance so that he can change direction when the receiver inevitably attempts to attack the opposite shoulder once he sees you are squeezing his space.

The key elements in the kick slide are:

1. 1. Locking your eyes on the hips of the receiver
   2. Cutting the receiver in half and not trying to beat him to the spot but instead force him into the direction he first chooses
   3. Taking small controlled steps so that you are ready to change direction when necessary.  Do not bring your feet together nor should you cross them over in your kick.

Enjoy the video below and as always,  feel free to ask any questions 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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