The purpose of this section is to describe and illustrate different drills used to improve defensive back technique.
Pre-Practice Drills FLEXIILIT!" Drill" Duck #alk Purpose" To improve leg and hip flexibility.
DB’s must stride within their body and keep chest up. DB will $oachin% Points" DB’s slightly rise with each stride, but maintains duck walk position. Do drill on yard line from sideline to numbers or near hash. Across and back euals ! repetition.
Dril rill"
&ip Fle'ibi ibilit( it( E'ercises ses
Purpose" To increase flexibility by using exercises designed to loosen the hips.
Drill" Lo) Pedal Purpose" To emphasi"e keeping shoulders and chin over toes when backpedaling.
DB’s must keep their shoulders and chin over toes throughout drill. $oachin% Points" DB’s The bottom of DB’s DB’s stomach should be gra"ing the top of his thigh. This provides a solid base for a smooth back pedal. #lbows should be parallel to back. $rogress from walking to half speed pedal. DB should gra"e grass with the balls of his feet. Do drill on yard line from sideline to numbers or near hash. Across and back euals ! repetition. Drill" *aroke Purpose % To improve a defensive backs foot uickness and hip flexibility. flexibility.
DB DB DB DB &'A&(
$oachin% Points" )tart by voice command. *ext DB starts after + yard cushion. atch for uick feet and hips, use arms. DB’s karoke facing coach. Add a ball for coordination and go in both directions.
T+,/E,0" Drill" ,ake
o f stripping the football during or shortly after reception. Purpose" To teach techniue of
$oachin% Points" DB aligns + yards behind receiver. 'n receivers movement drill begins. -eceiver runs half speed, when DB closes receiver extends ball. DB keys hands for when to strip the ball. 'nce this occurs DB rips down on the ball and then attempts rake the ball out and up from the receivers hands. )trip ball before initiating tackle so receiver does not suee"e it. Drill" Punch Purpose" To teach techniue of punching the ball out of a receivers hands after he has possession.
$oachin% Points" DB aligns + yards behind receiver. 'n receivers movement drill begins. -eceiver runs half speed and keeps ball tucked. hen DB reaches receiver he punches the ball up through receiver’s hands. DB should punch at ball before initiating tackle so receiver does not suee"e ball. Drill" Fumble ,ecover( 1$ro)d2$lear3 Purpose" To teach techniue of how to recover a fumble. $LE4,
$,#D
$oachin% Points" hen area is clear DB bends at knee and scoops ball by sliding fingertips underneath. f ball bounces it should hit DB’s DB’s body and move forward. n a crowd DB slides across ball surrounding and securing it with arms, chest and thighs. Do drill by rolling ball to DB and step away or step to DB to give him a clear or crowded look.
Foot)ork Drills 4$*PED4L" Drill" ackpedal Purpose" To improve the techniue of backpedaling, while maintaining a good pad level. &'A&(
DB DB
$oachin% Points" DB starts pedal on a yard line when wh en football is raised. Drill is worked from sideline to near or far hash. /ake sure each DB maintains a good tempo and pad level the entire drill. The speed of the pedal can vary so proper body positioning can be emphasi"ed.
Drill" Fast 2 0lo) Purpose" To improve the ability of backpedaling while increasing and decreasing speed.
&'A&(
DB DB
$oachin% Points" DB starts pedal on a yard line when wh en football is raised. Drill is worked from sideline to near or far hash. /ake sure each DB maintains a good tempo and pad level the entire drill. The speed of the pedal varies by the coach extending and pulling the ball from his chest. #xecute + 0 1 changes in speed.
Drill" Pedal and Turn
o f backpedaling and opening the hips to run. Purpose" To improve the techniue of
&oach
DB
$oachin% Points" )tart DB into backpedal for 23!4 yards by raising football with both hands. hen hand comes off ball DB must open hips, rip arm and shoulder through low and sprint through hash. ork drill from sideline to near hash on yard line. t is important to stay on line for proper transition into run. &an be done with a partner for realistic feel
of speed threatening cushion. Turn right and left. LE4/E,45E" Drill" #eave 1 line2an%le 3 Purpose" To improve the techniue of o f backpedaling while maintaining leverage.
&'A&(
DB
DB
$.P. )tart DB into backpedal with ball and
direct weave by moving football from right to left. ork on (ard line from side line to near or far hash. &an do both both drills drills with with partne partners. rs. 7se desire desired d cushion.
!5yds
!4 yards
&'A&(
$.P. DB starts with ball
movement. 6irst stem step with inside foot then pedal at angle with with should shoulders ers parallel to coach. 7se dots if available.
Drill" 0tem Purpose" To enhance the ability of a defensive back to backpedal and maintain hori"ontal and vertical leverage, while keeping his shoulders suare.
-
DB
$oachin% Points" DB must backpedal and maintain inside leverage throughout drill. -eceiver will stem inside and push vertical, then stem opposite and do the same movement. The receiver will finish drill by breaking off a route.
$&45E F DI,E$TI" Drill" Plant 0tep Purpose" To teach proper step when changing direction.
-ight 6oot )tep
8eft 6oot )tep
$oachin% Points" DB’s DB’s line up on sideline or yard ya rd line in a right or left foot stance. 'n the &oaches whistle, DB’s DB’s take plant step and return foot to original position. #xecute + 0 5 steps per side, then rotate.
Drill" 0tep and Drive Purpose" To teach DB how to plant then drive to execute change of direction. &'A&(
DB
DB
$oachin% Points" DB’s align in two lines, slightly facing in 5 yards from cones.hen front hand comes off the ball DB must plant back foot and explode off of front foot through the cones. $lace cones 5 yards apart. 9o one line at a time. Drill" 4n%le reak Purpose" To teach how to change ch ange direction and break at a 15 degree angle an gle from a ba backpedal. &'A&( DB
$oachin% Points" )tart DB into backpedal for 53: yards by raising a football with both hands. hen coach turns and front hand comes off ball DB must plant, point and drive at a sharp 15 degree angle over outside part of cone.
Drill" #
$lace cones 5 yards apart. 9o right and left in single movements or together.
Purpose" To improve the techniue of o f efficiently backpedaling and changing directions at a angle. &'A&( DB DB DB DB
$oachin% Point" )tart first DB in a single file line at first cone with ball or voice command. #ach DB must pedal to the outside of the back cone and plant and drive to the the outside of the the front front cone until all the the cones are passed. The next in in line starts when DB plants off first back cone. /ake sure all breaks are at sharp angles. )tagger cones !43!; yards apart in width width and 5 yards apart in depth. Do drill drill to right right and left. &an do drill without cones.
Drill" &ip Turns 163
b ack how to change directions once his hips are open. Purpose" To teach a defensive back !.< &ip Turn and reak 7 DB pedals, hip turns and executes break from open position.
8 6 reaks = back, in and out <
;.< &ip Turn9 aseball and reak 7 DB pedals, hip turns and continues to execute baseball turn, then accelerates back to coach.
+.< &ip Turn9 aseball and reak 1ut2In ,oute3 7 DB pedals, opens and baseball turn to drive a out route.
$oachin% Points" The defensive back must learn when to break from a hips open position and when to baseball turn. 5eneral ,ule % !.< hen a DB has his hips open =hips are facing middle middle of field<, break back.
;.< hen his hips are closed =hips are facing goal line<, execute a baseball turn. Drill" ackpedal :; Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to backpedal and open to a right and left angle on command. &'A&( DB
DB
$oachin% Points" )tart DB into backpedal by raising football. ith ith football and shoulders give a right or left directional turn. This turn tells DB to open up and run at a 153degree angle with eyes on coach. &hange direction ;3+ times.
Drill" Post 0ideline Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to recover from a route run opposite his turn. &'A&( DB
DB
)peed turn
$oachin% Points" )ame as Backpedal 15 except when DB opens at 153degree angle, coach fakes throw opposite to get DB to turn his hips and eyes all the way around. Do drill in both directions.
Tacklin% Drills Drill" 6 0tep Pro%ression Purpose" To teach the fundamental techniues of tackling.
Fit Position
0tep and Fit
0tep9 Fit and Drive
$oachin% Points" DB should have eyes up, good bend in knees and strike with same foot, same shoulder. shoulder. $rogress from fit position to step and fit to step fit and drive. -otate from right to left side. &oach can execute drill by voice or by whistle.
Drill" 0ame Foot9 0ame 0houlder Purpose" To teach defensive back how to gather and deliver a blow using the same foot and same shoulder on contact.
)tarting $osition
6inishing $osition
$oachin% Points" DB takes short chop steps forward while back walks towards him. 'nce DB gets close to back, he gathers and explodes through ball carrier delivering a same foot, same shoulder form tackle. Drill is executed with a straight ahead tackle and an angle tackle.
Drill" $lub +p Purpose" To teach a DB how to deliver a blow from his hips, while ripping his arms up and through a ball carrier and bu""ing his feet.
$oachin% Points" DB and back line up + yards apart and move towards each other on the sound of the whistle. DB delivers a blow from his hips and then recoils back along with the ball carrier. carrier. This movement is repeated rd three times with the + hit ending with a form tackle.
Drill" 4n%le Tackle9 Tackle9 4n%le 0pin Purpose" To teach defensive backs how to tackle a ball carrier at an angle by getting there head gear across and striking with the top of the pads.
BBBB
;yds
DB DB DB DB &'A&(
$oachin% Points" $lace 1 cones ; yards apart on both sides. *e(s" !. (ead across &oach gives a set call to get both sides in ;. (it with top of football position. Ball carrier starts drill pads =)6,))< =)6,))<
by movement. 9o right then left.
4n%le 0pin $oachin% Points" )ame as angle tackle except back spins on contact. To stop spin throw hip in the direction of the spin. Angle )pin Tackle initially can be taught from a fit position.
+. 7pper cut arms 1. )uare up back 5. Drive until whistle blows
Drill" Levera%e Tackle Purpose" To teach DB how to attack and tackle back while communicating and using proper leverage when he has help from either side. B
!53;4 yards
DB
DB
!4 yards apart
$oachin% Points" Drill starts on the movement of the back. The back will attack down hill until he feels the DB’s DB’s have closed down the cushion, at this point he will try to bounce outside to either direction. The DB’s DB’s will close on the back communicating inside or outside keeping there shoulders suare and then execute a tackle.
Drill" utside 7 In Tackle Tackle Purpose" To teach DB how to tackle a ball carrier from an outside3in position using proper leverage and body position. >’s
DB
&oach
-B
$oachin% Points" Drill starts when coach tosses the ball to running back. Back attacks
in front of cone and either cuts up field or bounces outside. &orner takes backpedal steps and attacks back toward the cone. &orner keeps shoulders suare and executes a tackle on the bounce or cross faces the back when he cuts up field. Drill" 0ideline Tackle Tackle 1 Inside or ver the top 3 b ack how to use the sideline as an extra defender to pin p in Purpose" To teach a defensive back the ball carrier and make a tackle.
>’s B
&oach
>’s B
DB =5 yards< yards<
=!5 yards<
DB
$oachin% Point" The drill starts when the ball is thrown to the receiver. The DB must close hard, shorten his stride and sink his hips as he constricts the ball carriers running lane. 'nce he takes away the backs angle he should accelerate through the carrier and make the tackle.
Drill" pen Field Tackle 14n%le3 Purpose" To teach techniue of leveraging and tackling a ball carrier one on one in the open field from an angle.
B B
;4 yards
middle of field
>’s
DB DB DB
&'A&(
$oachin% Points" Ball carrier starts drill by movement and can go right or left. DB sprints while keeping inside leverage on ball carrier. carrier. hen DB
approaches cones he shortens his stride and sinks his hips to come under control. DB must maintain inside position and mirror ball carrier, carrier, before sliding head across and executing tackle. Ball carrier can make one move. 6ull speed to cones ? tempo on tackle. Drill" pen Field Tackle 1&ead +p3 Purpose" To teach techniue of leveraging and tackling a ball carrier one on one in the open field from an initial head up position. 4.
. -B -B
>
5 @D)
>
> !4 @D)
> DB DB
$oachin% Points" n drill 143, DB’s align !5 yards apart. hen -B moves drill begins. They both sprint 5 yards. The DB wants to beat the -B to that position and break down. hen the -B commits to a side the DB shuffles laterally then presses to the inside hip. This will flatten the -B’s -B’s move and give DB inside advantage. hen -B gets within ; yards DB attacks and executes tackle. f DB gets beat to a side he must drop step and take proper angle to -B. &oach can allow -B to make one or more moves before declaring direction. -B must run between sideline and numbers.
n drill 13, DB’s align !5 yards apart. DB starts drill on movement. (e must sprint and breakdown 5 yards from the -B. hen DB is in breakdown position -B goes right or left. DB attacks -B and executes tackle. -B runs directly at cone do not allow for any moves.
lock Protection Drills Drill" 0talk 1 6 step pro%ression 3 Purpose" To teach techniue of defeating stalk block.
Fit Position !. (air air line line under nder chin chin ;. (ands fit on outer chest +. Bend ankles, knees and hips
Lock ut Position !. #xp #xplod lode ank ankles, les, knee kneess and and hip hips ;. 8ock out arms for separation +. (ands at eye level
0hed Position !. iolently throw defender to side ;. After shed step and replace +. /ake tackle
Drill" 0talk < on < Purpose" To improve techniue of engaging e ngaging and defeating a stalk block through reading proper seuence of keys. + @D)
B
&'A&(
-
DB
$oachin% Points" DB lines up at depth desired by &oach. Drill starts on snap or B’s movement. DB reads B for run pass read and flow. flow. 'nce run read is recogni"ed eyes snap to -. Attack receiver keeping outside arm free. #xecute proper techniue and finish at cone in a breakdown position with shoulders parallel to yard line. &ut blocks can be mixed in.
Drill" Pads ut
delivery. Purpose" To improve hand placement and hip explosion during blow delivery. ;, 1 or C point stance
; point explosion
C point explosion
!
$oachin% Points" DB gets in football position in front of sled. hen coach blows whistle DB strikes bag while toes remain planted in the g round. After
reaching a fully extended position, the DB must recoil back to ready position as uickly as possible. (ands should be at or above eyes. &oach can blow whistle anywhere from !35 times. Drill executed from ;, 1 or C point stance.
Drill" lue a% Purpose" To teach techniue of o f engaging and defeating a block keeping your shoulders suare. +x+ from cone
6B &'A&(
DB
++ from cone
$oachin% Points" 'n whistle 6B attacks to cone with blue bag in outside arm. DB sets edge by attacking with shoulders suare and inside foot down. Aim point for shoulder is middle of numbers. &lose down run lane on line of scrimmage, be in position to play bounce.
Drill" 6 =an utt Purpose" To teach blow delivery keeping shoulders suare in confined area. DB DB DB
DB
DB
DB
!yd DB !yd
!yd
DB
)et call gets feet chopping ! yard alignment each side
8B
-B
-ight DB attacks first
8B
-B
8eft DB attacks second after DB resets
DB
DB
-otate &lockwise
$oachin% Points" DB must delivery blow with shoulder and forearm. DB must also get front foot down before contact and keep shoulders suare.
Drill" $ut lock Purpose" To teach techniue of defeating a block below the waist.
-B
&'A&(
+ yds
&'A&(
&B
&B
DB
DB
! yd DB
!4 yds
$oachin% Points" DB and cut blocker align ! yard across from each other. &B has option to cut right or left. DB will defeat block by attacking and pressing &B down and away from legs. DB must have a low base and keep outside leg clean. Bend at knees not waist. Aim point for hand placement should be on &B’s head and shoulder. shoulder. A running back can be included to complete the drill. Drill starts with with &B’s movement.
Both drills can be done with a ball.
Drill" 0tin% ut Purpose" To improve cut block techniue using a series of blocks. -B -B -B
DB DB DB DB
Pro%ression" <. a%s or 0led >. $ut lock 6. $ut lock and ack $oachin% Points" DB must shuffle and keep out side leg free and clean. /ake sure DB bends at knees more than waist keep chest, back and head upright.
$rogress from bags or sled to cut block then cut block and back. -otate from DB to -B. 'nce everyone goes through rotate cut blockers to DB. )pread bags +35 yards apart.
Drill" $rack Purpose" To improve ability to recogni"e and defeat crack block in E’s and F coverage. 6ake run action right or left B
T#
-
6orce $oint =1x!<
) &
0top make sure crack occurs
$oachin% Points" &oach tells - want he wants. 'n B’s movement drill starts. B will give run flow action to right or left. )afety an d &orner read keys and take there read steps. 'nce crack block is recogni"ed, corner gives GcrackH call to safety. )afety will eye ball blocker, attack and rip underneath the block. &orner will suee"e and stop to ensure crack, then fill over top of block for contain. &rack and 9o can be added to prevent playing the drill. &an incorporate press and bail techniue.
$overa%e Drills $over > Drill" =irror Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position on a receiver by shuffling laterally. laterally. -
&oach DB $oachin% Points" DB is head up or shaded depending on desired techniue. 6or cover ;, the DB is shaded. 'n coaches whistle - begins to move right and left within the 5 yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally maintaining his shade. DB should not touch heels together,
maintain medium width base. Drill should last +35 seconds. Drill" =irror ?am Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position by shuffling and Iamming the receiver. receiver. -
&oach DB $oachin% Points" DB is head up or shaded depending on desired techniue. 'n coaches whistle - begins to move right and left within the 5 yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally mirroring the receiver. receiver. 'n the second whistle, the receiver should release to his outside and the DB should shuffle and funnel the receiver inside. Drill" 0huffle ?am Drill
h ow to properly use his hands when funneling a receiver. Purpose" To teach a DB how !4
)ideline
!5
;4
DB
- ;nd
)tart
6inish
hand s and favor one side. Blow $oachin% Point" DB must Iam receiver with palm of his hands should be delivered like a boxer’s Iab. - can go in any direction for + moves. Drill" Funnel receiver. Purpose" To improve ability to collision and funnel receiver. -
DB
!; yards
$oachin% Points" -eceiver runs an inside or outside route. DB shuffles laterally to collision and funnel receiver. receiver. After DB funnel’s funnel’s receiver he drops to cone and gets in position to break on the ball. /ix in desired stems.
Drill" Trian%le
p rimary directions. Purpose" To improve ability of cover ; corner to break in three primary &'A&(
DB DB DB DB DB
5 yards
!4 yards
$oachin% Points" DB aligns on air or -. 'n snap DB collisions and drops to!; yards on numbers. hen coach fakes throw to cone ;4yards
DB breaks over top of that cone.
@As
Drill" > on < Purpose" To improve the ability of a defensive back to break on the ball at an angle from a halves or thirds techniue. &'A&(
!; yards
DB
$oachin% Points" Drill starts when coach drops back. The drop will be a + or 5 step set. DB pedals on snap reading the drop. hen coach throws ball DB breaks at proper angle intercepting ball at highest point. Ball should be sprinted back to coach when intercepted. -eceivers can be added. Drill" udd( Purpose" To teach proper positioning versus different route combinations using various coverage’s.
$over 6 $orner
$over > $orner B 0afet(
DB DB
$
DB
DB
$
0
$over : $orner B 0afet(
D
$over > $ath(
D
D
D
$ $ 0
0
$oachin% Points" /ake cards or teach route combinations. $air up in groups of + to 1 players depending on coverage emphasis. -outes are run when whistle is blown or ball is moved. &heck to make sure DB’s balance and suee"e to routes properly. properly. $air safeties with corners when working on corner routes and vice versa. Different techniues can be incorporated.
$over 6 Drill" udd( Drill Purpose" To teach a DB how h ow to cover his "one v s. different route combinations.
Drill" > on < Purpose" To test and give a DB the confidence to cover his entire "one.
Drill" Invert
an d improve the pass drop techniue of an inverted safety. safety. Purpose" To teach and - B
T#
5x5 )
>’s
$oachin% Points" DB aligns 5 x 5 from T#. hen B moves ball and pass sets, DB drops to landmark. DB suares up and reads B to determine where the ball is going to be thrown. hen B fakes throw to designated area, DB breaks on arm and sprints over cone or dot. 7se 5 step drop as base, but other pass sets such as + step, sprint out and bootleg can be incorporated.
Drill" Drop and ,ead Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to recogni"e runJpass and break on the ball at an angle from cover three techniues. -B B
)
&
&
)
DB’s break huddle and sprint to their their base alignment. 'n snap or ball $oachin% Points" DB’s movement drill begins. DB’s DB’s pedal or drop reading for run or pass. f run shows DB’s DB’s sprint through the line of scrimmage. f pass shows DB’s DB’s continue to pedal or drop. hen B throws ball all DB’s break to ball. *earest DB intercepts ball and sprints down near sideline past B. 'ther DB’s DB’s sprint to lead interceptor. interceptor. Tip drill can be incorporated to improve break and close to ball. Drill" ail
ba il techniue versus basic routes. Purpose" To teach bail DB DB DB DB B ! yd
DB
!5 yards
+ yards + yards
$oachin% Points" DB aligns ! yard from ball with inside eye on outside eye of receiver. receiver. Depending on preference DB keys ball or receiver. receiver. 'n movement, DB bails. DB must always bail ! yard outside receiver to protect against the fade route. DB must also bail hard for first 5 yards and key through receiver or receiver’s to B. This drill is designed to work the fade, skinny post and + step route. 'nce route is recogni"ed DB sprints over that routes dot or cone. -eceiver can run
route or show movement on snap to give DB read. Cuarters Drill" 6 0tep Purpose" To improve techniue of breaking b reaking on +3step read.
DB B DB ;4
;5
+4
+5
14
$oachin% Points" )et one stand up bag on each side. $lace bag in position based on the particular route being emphasi"ed. DB gets base alignment from cone. Both DB’s read B for +3step drop and passing direction. hen key is read DB snaps eyes to find bag =route< then breaks to the bag. To the passing direction, the DB sprints past the outside of the bag emphasi"ing making the hit or tackles the bag. Away from the passing direction, the DB sprints to the outside part of the bag and breaks down. All +3step routes including go’s go’s can be done in this drill.
Drill" Post 2 5o Purpose" To teach a DB how h ow to over play the post and go route when playing a uarters coverage. -
-
DB =2x;<
=2x;
$oachin% Points" DB must maintain !!J; 0 ; yard inside leverage and adIust to route as it develops. /ake sure DB keeps inside attitude and breaks hard on all other routes. &an add post corner as third route.
Drill" $rack 2 $rack and 5o Purpose" To improve ability to recogni"e and defeat crack block in E’s and F coverage. 6ake run action right or left B
T#
-
6orce $oint =1x!<
) & 0top
make sure crack occurs
$oachin% Points" &oach tells - want he wants. 'n B’s movement drill starts. B will give run flow action to right or left. ) afety and &orner read keys and take there read steps. 'nce crack block is recogni"ed, recogn i"ed, corner gives GcrackH call to safety. safety. )afety will eye ball blocker, attack and rip underneath the block. &orner will suee"e and stop to ensure crack, then fill over top of block for contain. &rack and 9o can be added to prevent playing the drill. &an incorporate press and bail techniue.
Drill" ,ead Purpose" To teach techniue of o f uarters front and backside safety run support angles. -oute combinations can also be included in this drill. -B
B 6orce point 1x! 5 yards
)
) &'A&(
=fill where needed< $ontain =f !. 6lat 6oot ;. 6low To +. 6ill 1x! outside or where needed
=& gap< $utback =& !. 6lat 6oot ;. 6low Away +. )ecure backside & gap 1. hen balls declared take proper angle
$oachin% Points" Drill starts on B’s B’s movement. /ake sure proper read steps are being
taken. (ave numbered cards so run and pass patterns are shown and memori"ed. 7se corners for offensive personnel.
=an $overa%e Drills 6 0tep" Drill" 6 0tep
b reaking on +3step read. Purpose" To improve techniue of breaking
DB B DB ;4
;5
+4
+5
14
$oachin% Points" )et one stand up bag on each side. $lace bag in position based on the particular route being emphasi"ed. DB gets base alignment from cone. Both DB’s read B for +3step drop and passing direction. hen key is read DB snaps eyes to find bag =route< then breaks to the bag. To the passing direction, the DB sprints past the outside of the bag emphasi"ing making the hit or tackles the bag. Away from the passing direction, the DB sprints to the outside part of the bag and breaks down. All +3step routes including go’s go’s can be done in this drill.
Intermediate ,outes" Drill" $hop Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to read and react to a receiver who lowers and redirects his hips to run a specific route. These type of routes are generally intermediate routes run anywhere from 23!; yards. -
-
DB
DB
chop
chop
!5 yards
$oachin% Points" 'n &oaches command or receivers movement the drill will begin. The receiver must run 23!; yards and lower his center of gravity and run a route. The route should be a curl or an out. hen the DB sees the receiver start to lower and chop his feet he must settle and drive the up field shoulder of the route. The receiver should initially over emphasis lowering and chopping his feet so that the DB can get a good picture. /ake sure the DB is breaking at a sharp angle. Drill" 0tem 1 0tem 0tep9 #eave 3 Purpose" To enhance the ability of a defensive back to backpedal and maintain hori"ontal leverage when in man coverage.
-
DB
$oachin% Points" DB must backpedal and maintain inside leverage throughout drill. -eceiver will stem inside and push vertical, then stem
opposite and do the same movement. The receiver will finish drill by breaking off a route. Drill" &ip Turns 163 Purpose" To teach a defensive back b ack how to change directions once his hips are open.
!.< &ip Turn and reak 7 DB pedals, hip turns and executes break from open position.
8 6 reaks = back, in and out <
;.< &ip Turn9 aseball and reak 7 DB pedals, hip turns and continues to execute baseball turn, then accelerates back to coach.
+.< &ip Turn9 aseball and reak 1ut2In ,oute3 7 DB pedals, opens and baseball turn to drive a out route.
$oachin% Points" The defensive back must learn when to break from a hips open position and when to baseball turn.
5eneral ,ule % !.< hen a DB has his hips open =hips are facing middle middle of field<, break back.
;.< hen his hips are closed =hips are facing goal line<, execute a baseball turn.
Deep ,outes" Drill" $ushion 2 $ushion and Turn Turn Purpose" To improve a defensive backs cushion awareness and ability to open hips while covering a receiver. receiver. $.P. nside leverage for man coverage.
'utside leverage for man free and "one coverage. coverage. DB must stay in pedal throughout cushion phase. -eceiver must run full speed until he passes DB. hen working turn transition tighten cushion for teaching purposes. pu rposes. ork ork drill from sideline to near hash.
- DB =53: cushion<
DB =+ yd cushion<
Drill" ackpedal :; Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to backpedal and open to a right and left angle on command. &'A&( DB
DB
ith football and $oachin% Points" )tart DB into backpedal by raising football. ith shoulders give a right or left directional turn. This turn tells DB to open up and run at a 153degree angle with eyes on coach. &hange direction ;3+ times. Drill" Post 0ideline Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to recover from a route run opposite his turn. &'A&( DB )peed turn
DB
$oachin% Points" )ame as Backpedal 15 except when DB opens at 153degree angle, coach fakes throw opposite to get DB to turn his hips and eyes all the way around. Do drill in both directions. Drill" Phase 1 In B ut 3
o f when to look back for the ball versus when to play a Purpose" To teach techniue of receiver’s head and hand movement.
In Phase
ut of Phase
hen hip to hip
hen trailing receiver
$oachin% Points" )tagger two DB’s with one yard of separation from front to back. #ach rep starts on lead DB’s DB’s movement. Do drill at F to ? speed. In phase9 press hip with inside hand and lean into receiver. hen you feel you have control and are hip to hip look for ball. &an achieve phase position with bar arm or bod( position . ut of phase9 play receivers head turn and raise of hands for football. ork to smack receiver’s far wrist if possible. Avoid contact with body and near hand before ball arrives. hile catching up to receiver try to smack near wrist to break his stride.
Drill" Dominate Position Purpose" To teach techniues that will allow a defensive back to gain the advantage on a receiver.
!.< ar 4rm 0 DB Iams the receivers chest with his inside hand to slow the speed of the receivers vertical movement.
;.< od( 7 DB places his body in front of the receiver and applies pressure to the hip of receiver with his inside hand while fading to the sideline.
+.< reak 0tride 0 DB slaps at receivers wrist in order break his stride and allow himself to gain ground when he is trailing a receiver.
Drill" ,oute Pro%ression Purpose" To improve recognition of route patterns.
&oach
$ost
Dig
DB
)lant
'ut
$ost &orner
$oachin% Points" DB keys ball before he begins his initial backpedal. (e imagines + step drop by B. DB progresses through drill by breaking on shorter to deeper routes. 6or example, all DB’s break on slant, then out, then dig, etc. 'n any +3step route DB looks at ball imagines drop then snaps eyes to cone and breaks. 'n all other routes DB snap eyes to imaginary receiver then once he has seen the cone he breaks. /ust feel distance for post and feel distance for speed turn for post corner. corner. Drill begins on ball movement or coach’s whistle.
ump and ,un Drills Drill" =irror Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position on a receiver by shuffling laterally. laterally. -
&oach DB $oachin% Points" DB is head up or shaded depending on desired techniue. 'n coaches whistle - begins to move right and left within the 5 yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally maintaining his shade. DB should not touch heels together, maintain medium width base. Drill should last +35 seconds. Drill" =irror ?am Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position by shuffling and Iamming the receiver. receiver. -
&oach DB $oachin% Points" DB is head up or shaded depending on desired techniue. 'n coaches whistle - begins to move right and left within the 5 yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally mirroring the receiver. receiver. 'n the second whistle, the receiver should release to his outside and the DB should punch the receiver with his inside hand and cover him down the field. Drill" 0huffle ,elease Purpose" To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position on a receiver by cutting the top of his route. &oach
DB
DB
DB’s line up ; yards apart facing the coach. 'n the coaches command $oachin% Points" DB’s he moves the DB’s laterally with a ball or his hands. 'n the second command the DB to that side becomes the receiver by turning and releasing down field. The opposite DB becomes the defender and cuts the receivers route. &an do drill between yard lines. Drill" 0nake Purpose" To improve lateral footwork, hip flexibility and hand placement when playing bump and run techniue. -
DB
$oachin% Points" DB begins bump techniue on receiver’s movement. After contact is made receiver works DB in and out down the field. -eceiver should move in and out enough to allow DB to shuffle or move laterally and alternate hands. ork drill !43!5 yards. Drill" Dot Drill Purpose" To teach the proper angle an gle that a DB should have on the + basic releases employed by a receiver when playing bump and run. DB DB DB DB B ! yd
DB
!5 yards
+ yards + yards
$oachin% Points" DB aligns ! yard from ball with outside eye on inside eye of receiver. receiver. DB keys the receivers inside hip or number. 'n movement, DB executes bump techniue and punches or counter punches the receiver. receiver. The aim point for the DB’s punch should be the inside or
outside number of the receiver depending on the release. hen the punch is executed the receiver stops and the DB runs over the dot to the side of the receivers intended route. The drill is designed to work the fade and skinny post. The third route is designated for a hard outside release where the receiver comes back inside. The DB should execute a speed turn. Drill" Trail Technique Purpose" To teach man underneath trail techniue.
!.<
;.<
+.<
,ules" DB should trail ! yard behind = arms length < with inside leverage.
!.< ;.< +.< 1.<
Key receivers receivers hip initiall initially y to his eyes and hands, then play the ball. (onor (onor all insi inside de fakes. fakes. =step )ith inside move < Be patient patient on on all outside outside fakes.= fakes.=stutter and )ait for crossover step < After !;3!5 !;3!5 yards yards close close hard for strea streak. k.
$oachin% Points" &an teach drill from a funnel position, press position or from a pre3aligned trail position. -un various routes after the the basic three fundamentals are taught. The key is to cut the receivers angle, and not to trail in his hip pocket. =be bet)een the receiver and the ball <
all Drills Drill" 0trai%ht all Purpose" To develop hand and eye coordination when catching a ball at full sprint.
&oach
DB DB DB DB
$oachin% Points" Throw ball at different heights and angles to provide a range of movement. DB must maintain full speed and catch ball with hands.
Drill" 4n%le $ut
concen trate on a ball thrown in front of a defensive Purpose" To improve the ability to concentrate back, while cutting to the right or left.
&oach
DB DB DB DB
$oachin% Points" Throw ball in front of DB so he has to extend his arms. DB must maintain full speed out of break and catch ball with hands.
Drill" Tip Purpose" To improve awareness and reaction to a tipped ball.
&oach
DB
DB
DB DBDB DB
$oachin% Points" DB’s align 5 yards apart. 6irst DB tips ball in air and trailing DB intercepts ball at highest point. Drill" ackpedal reak Purpose" To improve a defensive backs coordination with angle breaks and catching ca tching the ball.
&oach
7se desired alignment DB
DB’s may align with width or head up on coach depending depend ing on $oachin% Points" DB’s preference. 7se desired cushion and do drill to right and left. DB’s must catch ball in hands at highest point. Breaks must be sharp Drill" ,oute Purpose" To improve ball skills in combination with route recognition.
&oach
DB DB
DB
$oachin% Points" DB’s align at desired depth and start pedal on ball movement. 'n B’s B’s first command DB stems or opens copying route. hen B gives direction and begins throwing motion DB executes break to complete route. hen the ball is thrown the DB intercepts it at the highest point. Drill can be alternated from right to left DB. /ake sure DB’s DB’s go in both directions.
