Habits… We become what we repeatedly do. To perform like a champion…you must prepare and practice like one!! Football is a game of preparation and execution. In order to execute on the field you must prepare properly.
Defensive Back Philosophy
Desire – You must give 100% at all times, which means giving it your all every time the opportunity presents itself-off the field, in the classroom, at practice and in the game.
Knowledge – To be able to perform like a champion you must have a thorough understanding of all assignments –coverages, alignments, techniques and responsibilities.
Commitment – You must combine your desire and knowledge and have the ability to put
them into action. A fully committed player knows his assignments and carries them out100% on each and every play. Commitment is also doing what is necessary, on your own time, to get prepared for your opponents (film study, injury etc.)
Mobility – A DB has to be able to move quickly, fast and in a hurry. You must play with a
sense of urgency. You must be quick with your eyes, hands and feet. You must have the
speed to recover and get back in position.
Toughness – You must be mentally tough to suck it up when you’re tired, in pain or have
just been beat on a route. You must be able to bounce back from little aches and pains. You must punish your opponent every opportunity.
Confidence – As a DB you must build a confidence that is untouchable. You must want
them to throw the ball in your area, dare them. Always believe in your ability to cover and that they cannot complete a pass in your zone or against your man. Do not let a
completed pass break your confidence.
completed pass break your confidence.
Two main functions of the secondary
1. NO LONG PASSES – Prevent all passes to 25 yards or less
2. NO LONG RUNS – Prevent all runs to 15 yards or less
Two things that get a defensive back in trouble more than anything else
1. EYES – not reading or leaving your keys
2. FEET – having your feet in the wrong position, taking the wrong or extra step
First thing we do in the secondary
1. SWARM to the ball
Coverage
Two types of coverage
1. Zone
2. Man
Every coverage has its own theory, strengths, weaknesses and adjustments
1. Theory – an idea or plan, a way to get something done
2. Strength – the power to resist attack
3. Weakness – a weak point, fault
4. Adjustment – to alter or change as to make fit
base coverage theories
1. 4 deep
2. 3 deep
3. 2 deep
4. Man
5. Man Free
Three main fundamentals of a secondary
1. Tackling
2. Block protection
3. Catching the ball
Secondary individual coverage skills
1. Dice or backpedal
2. Take off or open n’ run
3. Drift step or three step break
4. Concentration and focus
Coverage techniques
Technique is a method or procedure to carry out an operation. Technique is what happens when the ball is snapped – it’s either right or wrong – There is no grey area!
1. 1/4’s
2. 1/3’s
3. 1/2’s
4. Curl/flat
5. Flat
6. Man
Three types of routes
1. Quick
4-7 yard area 3 step drop, hitch, slant, quick/speed out
2. Intermediate
10—12 yard area 5 step drop curl, dig, come back, pivot
3. Deep (15 yards plus_
5 or 7 step drop, post, Post-corner, go, seam
Four types of blocks
1. Cut
2. Stalk
3. Crack
4. Arc
Teaching progression
S.A.K.R.a.T.S. – is the first progression you must go through before every snap
Stance
1. C’s-perpendicular to the LOS
2. S’s-staggered heel to toe with inside foot up.
3. Feet are shoulder width apart
4. Good base with shoulders over your toes. Be relaxed-knees bent and hips flexed, straight back.
Alignment
1. Varies depending on formation, coverage and field position.
inside, outside, cut split, sideline, goal line
strong or weak, motion, shift or trade
Keys
1. Know your keys for each coverage and formation
Run keys and pass keys
QB is main key in passing plays –read ball to man in zone coverage
§ When in doubt, read the nearest receiver
2. In man coverage, play through the man to the ball
Responsibilities
1. Run and pass responsibility
2. Bootleg
3. Screen
4. Trick and gadget formations and plays
Technique
1. Zone technique
2. Man technique
3. Run technique
Escape blocks
Force
Cutback
Leverage
Situations
1. Down and distance
2. Field position
3. Where’s the ball – near, far hash or middle
4. Time in game
Time remaining in 2nd quarter or 4th quarter
5. Score
In lead – use time
Behind – conserve time
6. Directional read of the QB
Read the front shoulder of the QB for direction and elevation
Focus on the point of the shoulder as to what 1/3rd of the field he is intending to throw it to
Shoulder level
Shoulders parallel – short to medium
Front elevated – deep
When the front hand comes off the ball, drive to the interception point
7. Recognition and interception point
Recognition point
The instant or spot at which the DB identifies the pattern being run
Four things a receiver can do at the three route levels
§ Stop – only in Level I and Level 2
§ Outside route
§ Inside route
§ Push up field
o Receivers are taught three things when running a pass pattern
1.Release – DB maintain leverage
1.Release – DB maintain leverage
2.Deceptive move – DB maintain concentration and proper cushion
3.Pattern – DB will recognize route and explode to the interception point
3.Pattern – DB will recognize route and explode to the interception point
Interception point
The point where the pass will actually be caught and can be intercepted
6 yards from recognition point for inside routes and routes coming tothe ball
8-10 yards from recognition point for routes going away from the ball
When exploding to the interception point, always see the man you are covering. Do not look for the ball until the cushion has been closed. Close on the up field shoulder.
If your receiver is going to catch the ball and you have no chance to
intercept or deflect the pass, make certain that you tear away the
upfield arm – the arm that is farthest from the flight of the ball.
intercept or deflect the pass, make certain that you tear away the
upfield arm – the arm that is farthest from the flight of the ball.
Remember, an incomplete pass is just the same as a running play held for no gain.
8. Interceptions
The only way to get an interception is to go after it. Concentrate only on the ball when it is in the air and nothing else.
Catch the football with your eyes. Eye the ball into your hands
Catch the ball in front of you; don’t trap it against your body if you can avoid it.
Go up and get the ball, don’t wait for it to come to you.
When making an interception in a crowd, twist immediately after intercepting the pass, this will eliminate joint possession.
When the ball is thrown in another zone, drive to the ball. You will get there for the tip, fumble tackle or block for the interception.
When the ball is in the air, you must think interception all the way, not just getting to the ball.
Yell “Oskie” or whatever term your team uses to signify an interception has just been made. when you have intercepted the ball
The nearest defender is responsible to block the intended receiver.
Head to the nearest sideline with the return. Try to avoid cutting back, we are not ball carriers; secure the ball and don’t let blind shots jar the ball loose.
9. Don’t get beat deep- basic concepts
Expect the opponents to pass on every play
Always maintain your cushion
Study all backs and receivers for give-always
Stance
Pointing
Glances
Wetting fingers
Leaning
Invite the long ball, be confident of your ability to intercept every pass
Know receiver substitutions
Get and maintain proper position on your receiver
Practice the ability to see the ball being thrown. Get proper position on the interception and play only the ball
10. Breaking on the ball
Confidence –Believe in yourself, you can make the play.
Knowledge – Know what the offense likes to do. What type of routes at what depth?
Eyes – Focus on the throwing angle of the QÎ’ shoulders. Study film and know his
11. throwing motion.
Knee bend – Play with your knees bent and your pads down.
Settle – Don’t be too deep on your drop. Settle when the QB settles if you have no deep threat.
Make a decision – Know where the QB is looking and the depth of drop. Play in that direction (hot or cold). Over play when coverage/routes allow. (SOP/Flat)
Break distance before the throw – Go before the throw of the QB – when the off-
hand comes off the ball GO! Go not on the ball, but on the throwing motion.
hand comes off the ball GO! Go not on the ball, but on the throwing motion.
Explode – A fraction of a second will make the difference. Explode to the ball with the correct footwork and pad level. Push, push, push! Don’t run with your arms out, pump your arms. Reach for the ball at the last instant.
Collusion angle – Take an angle to the ball that allows you to secure the receiver.
Step in for the ball when you are sure of the interception.
Always remember – You will not get every ball thrown into your zone.
Intimidation – Will be your most powerful ally – great hitting.
12. Zone principals
Talk, Talk, Talk
Communication is the key to a cohesive and confident secondary.
Be as deep as the deepest in your zone.
Use proper leverage according to coverage
Stop the home run ball. Never an excuse for this type of ball being completed.
Keep your concentration.
In zone coverage, you must be able to overlap. We must be able to secure the seams.
Always keep the receiver far enough in front so you can see through him to the QB.
Never break until the ball is thrown.
We are playing man in the zone
Don’t chase receivers out of your zone.
If two receivers come into your zone, you are responsible for the deeper route.
Our drops depend on the routes we see. Work on problem routes for every coverage.
Everyone must break to the ball when it is thrown.
Don’t worry about short passes being completed in front of you, they may lead to first downs but the long ones lead to touchdowns.
13. Zone advantages
Provides for long ball security
Easier to learn
Covers and area rather than a man
Plays the ball from QB hand, not the man
Secondary has a clearer picture which allows:
Diagnose passing plays from running plays and vice versa.
Interceptions will increase because of the position of defenders with everyone playing the ball.
Eliminates mismatches of man coverage.
14. Zone disadvantages
Higher percentage of short passes completed.
This can be offset by coverage change-up, excellent reads and great hustle.
15. Man coverage principals
Concentrate
Proper body position on the receiver
If you have high hole help – outside leverage .If no high hole help – inside leverage
Keep your eyes on the man at all times, watch hips for direction keys
Play the man first, the ball second.
Play the cues of the receiver to tell when the ball is coming.
If you get beat deep, fix your eyes on the receiver and sprint to close the gap.
Avoid a head up position on the receive
16. Man coverage advantages
Usually bringing pressure, anticipate a quick throw. Pressure will make things happen now.
Short yardage situations.
Under man used as deception – high hole help, or 2 deep zone
Press man
1. Stance
Feet outside shoulder width
Back flat
Hips down
Hands up
2. First movement
Step back, hop back
Pound feet
3. Inside release
Slide laterally flat and collusion with opposite arm for two steps
Be ready to counter with inside arm if he goes outside.
If he continues inside, use inside arm to flatten
Keep elbows locked out, rec at arms distance
Maintain on top position, don’t come under
Read through the rec to the QB
4. Outside release
Pivot on inside foot, drop outside foot at 45 degree angle, slide for two steps
Collusion with opposite arm
If he continues deep maintain contact with your hand (third eye)
Understand depth and routes ran at each depth
Look and lean at 15 yards
Read the cues for the ball being thrown (eyes big, hands up)
Put your hands in his hands to break up pass
If counters inside, basketball pivot inside and slide for two steps
Collusion with outside arm
Maintain high shoulder position – upfield and on top position
5. Techniques
Pivot-inside or outside depending on help
Two hand jam
Step into and jam receiver
Keep hips down react to his counter-don’t get tall
Not a knock-out punch, a stiff jab
Fake two hand jam
Need to have set this up
On movement, throw both hands as you back pedal out
Use off man techniques
1. Back pedal through three step-maintain inside leverage
2. Weave on first move (stem)
3. Break on second one
Soft
Start backpedaling just prior to snap, create 2-3 yard cushion
Use off-man techniques
Bail
Just prior to snap, zone turn (back to sideline)
Sideways run with vision on rec
Man off
Stance
1. Normal stance for safety
2. Normal depth – 7-9 yards
Technique
1. 3 step walk-away or Creep
2. Reading QB (or rec.) for three step
3. If three step route, break to correct shoulder and position Upfield shoulder Maintain inside leverage position by:
a. Stemming if the rec stems
b. Use stem steps by reaching with threatened foot and replace with opposite
i. Do not cross over
Maintain leverage position and cushion
1. Weaving on receiver’s first move
A. Use weave technique to maintain leverage position on receiver
B. If outside receiver use sideline rules…If more than 2 steps, open hips and run to position
C. If outside receiver may use zone turn or man turn depending on receiver’s location and sideline rules
2. Breaking on second move
a. Use normal zone break techniques, plant foot is threatened foot
b. rec will usually make one deceptive move, maintain our square
shoulders during this time and break when he show his second
move – his route
shoulders during this time and break when he show his second
move – his route
c. Use zone break techniques- working to upfield shoulder position
Slide technique
Stance
1. Basketball position
2. Comfortable position with hips down
First movement
1. Controlled basketball shuffle
A. Through the three step (rec 4-6 yards, DB 8-10 yards)
B. Use zone technique breaks for three step routes
C. Upfield (inside) foot is plant, outside is directional
2. After 6 receiver yards Controlled take off (sideways run)
A. Next area is 10-12 (varies) rec yards (DB 15-18 yards
B. Continue to run low
C. Use zone break techniques
3. Third area is deep
A. Recognize deep route (post, corner, go
B. .Maintain proper position
C. Read ball through the rec if inside
D. Play ball if rec is outside of you, lean
17. Film study
Offensive linemen
Vertical levels
1. Tight on ball - < 1 yard
2. Normal - = 1 yard
3. Off ball - > 1 yard
Horizontal splits
1. Tight
2. Normal
3. Big
4. All the same
5. Some tight, some big
Stances
Light hand (hips down, off ball=pass or pull)
Heavy hand (hips up, tight=run or PAP)
Backfield sets – depth and width
Do the sets key anything
Look at the eyes – are the “eyeballing” the running hole?
Read the stance – heavy or light
Wide receiver splits
Wide
Cut
Signals to the QB
Quarterback
Snap count
Shot gun - foot, hands, etc.
Signals for blitz hot read
One looker or not? Does he lock-on?
Favorite formations
Favorite runs each formation
Favorite passes each formation
Down and distance
2nd down – what yardage do they show a higher percentage of pass
3rd down – what yardage do they show a higher percentage of pass
To play defensive Back is a privilege. A privilege is something that is earned through hard work and dependability in everything you do. Have you earned that privilege?
The first thing we do on defense is: FLY TO THE FOOTBALL! In practice, drills, games Conditioning precedes everything else. Will you compete on every play? The eye in the sky doesn’t lie... Are you trustworthy? Effort and assignment…What can we expect? Are you dependable?
Your right as a defensive Back
You have the right to expect the very best from your teammates on every play. Act like a man. Want to be treated like a man – act like a man. Do what you are supposed to do…When you are supposed to do it…How you are supposed to do it! All decisions have consequences.
Life is a choice. Choose to be successful!
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