Chad Wilson
December 17, 2024
In today’s pass-heavy era of football, defensive backs face more pressure than ever to be playmakers. Offenses are spreading the field, quarterbacks are more accurate, and receivers are faster and more skilled. As a DB, being “in position” is no longer good enough—you need the ball skills to turn opportunities into takeaways. Here’s why mastering ball skills is now the most critical skill for defensive backs and how you can elevate your game.
1. The Rise of the Passing Game
Football has evolved. Teams at all levels—high school, college, and the pros—are passing more than ever. Spread offenses and air raid concepts force defenses to cover more space and defend more passes.
- Stat Alert: In the NFL, teams are throwing the ball nearly 60% of the time, a number that has steadily increased over the last two decades.
- What This Means for DBs: Defensive backs are being targeted more frequently. This gives you more chances to make plays, but it also exposes weaknesses in your ball-tracking ability if you don’t take advantage.
2. PBUs Aren’t Enough Anymore
Pass breakups (PBUs) are nice—they prevent completions—but the reality is that PBUs don’t change games. Interceptions do. A PBU means the offense still has the ball. An interception takes it away and gives your team an opportunity to score.
- Defensive backs who excel at creating turnovers become difference-makers for their teams.
- College coaches and NFL scouts value DBs who can take the ball away because turnovers win games.
The goal should always be to turn a PBU into a pick. A receiver gets two hands on the ball, so why shouldn’t you?
3. Ball Skills Separate Good from Great DBs
There’s a reason why players like Ed Reed, Deion Sanders, Xavien Howard and Trevon Diggs stand out—they make plays on the ball. Ball skills are the difference between being a lockdown corner who simply prevents catches and being a game-changer who creates momentum-shifting turnovers.
Ball skills include:
- Tracking the Ball: Being able to locate the ball while in coverage.
- Positioning: Knowing how to stack the receiver, adjust your leverage, and put yourself in the best spot to make a play.
- Hands: Being able to catch the ball cleanly in traffic, high-pointing it when necessary.
- Awareness: Understanding where the ball is going based on the quarterback’s eyes and receiver’s route.
Great defensive backs don’t wait for the ball to hit them—they attack the ball as if they are the receiver.
4. How to Improve Your Ball Skills
If you want to dominate in today’s game, here are four key ways to sharpen your ball skills:
- Repetition with High-Point Drills
Practice catching the ball at its highest point. Set up drills where you have to jump and time the ball perfectly, simulating game situations. - Blind Ball Drills
Work on turning your head late to locate the ball. This improves your tracking skills and reaction time, two crucial elements of ball skills. - Use Smaller Balls
Train with tennis balls or lacrosse balls to improve focus and hand-eye coordination. If you can consistently catch smaller objects, catching a football will feel natural. - Play Like a Receiver
Incorporate route-running and catching drills into your training. Understanding how a receiver approaches the ball will make you better at attacking it.
5. The Value of Turnovers in Today’s Game
Coaches preach “takeaways” because they’re game-changers. A well-timed interception can stop a scoring drive, flip field position, and energize your team. Defensive backs with elite ball skills don’t just prevent touchdowns—they create opportunities to score.
- College recruiters are actively looking for DBs who can turn defense into offense. Highlight reels showing interceptions will grab their attention more than just good coverage.
- In big games, one turnover can be the difference between winning and losing.
Conclusion
In today’s game, ball skills are what separate good defensive backs from elite ones. A defensive back who can track the ball, high-point it, and turn PBUs into interceptions is invaluable to any team.
If you’re ready to take your ball skills to the next level, focus on improving your tracking, catching, and reaction drills. Great DBs aren’t just playing defense—they’re making plays. Start working now, because turnovers are currency in football, and the best DBs know how to cash in.
For more drills, tips, and techniques to develop your ball skills and dominate as a defensive back, join the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area where we break down everything you need to become a game-changer. Click here to learn more!
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
