Post Views: 1,302 When you are playing zone coverage, you are required to make quick reactions to what is happening in front of you. Most of often this requires you to drop to a certain area, get eyes on the quarterback and then read his body to defend a throw. I sharpen this skill in my training sessions with the FIFA Drill. I have explained it with the video down below but here are the basics of the drill: 1 – You need a soccer goal (They are plentiful is South Florida) 2 – The defender (DB or LB) sets up in front of the goal like a goalie defending a penalty kick In soccer. 3 – The QB sets up at the penalty stripe (the line where the soccer player kicks the ball from on a penalty kick) 4 – The defender reads the QBs shoulders and defends the throw he is trying to make to the post or into the goal. 5 – QB wins if he hits the post or gets the ball in the net. The defender wins if he keeps the ball away from the post or in the net or if the QB misses the goal or the post. Skills developed here are sharpened eye focus on the QB, proper explosion out of stance and efficient movement towards the ball. Finally, ball skills are developed as well as the defender has to try to catch a hotly thrown football to a spot. It’s a fun drill that players like and works on a fundamental skill that is used quite often during a game as most teams run zone more than man. If you have any questions or comments about this drill, feel free to reach out to me via email at: cwilson@alleyesdbcamp.com – Thank you for being a member. Author Recent Posts alleyesdbcampOwner at All Eyes DB CampChad 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. Latest posts by alleyesdbcamp (see all) The Secret to Elite DB Play: Striving for Technique Perfection - March 17, 2026 The Alien Era: How Defensive Backs Can Win vs Athletic Tight Ends - March 4, 2026 These 4 Drills Will Drastically Improve Your Off Man Coverage - February 25, 2026 Related Posts:Pass Drop Drill for Nickel Backs and Outside LBsKeys to Playing Zone Defense the Right WayReading the QB Drop in Man / Zone Coverage4 Big Mistakes You Are Making in Zone Coverage Post navigation Leveraging Split-Field Coverages: A Guide for Defensive Backs Where’s My Help in Man Coverage? (2 Man)
