Good pass defense is a team responsibility and sound Secondary play is an integral part of that success. Defensive Backs will have the most impact on pass defense while in coverage downfield. An aggressive Secondary is important in stopping the run game. You must execute run force, contain and run/pass responsibilities. Every good Defensive player is an excellent tackler. You must be an excellent tackler. Ankle Divers need not apply!
The intelligent Defensive Back:
Eliminates all mental errors thus assuring his team never beats itself.
Realizes that constant concentration and focus is necessary to execute his assigned responsibility within the framework of the defense called.
Always knows the game situation as to down, distance, period, time left, score and opponent formation and field tendencies.
Respects his teammates and is mentally and physically prepared to carry out his assignments in order to play effective team defense.
Expects to create and take advantage of offensive errors that make Big Plays for his team. He is a Playmaker!
Communicates all coverage checks, provides run support, makes all run/pass calls, alerts routes to teammates and communicates any tip or tell that the offense is showing such as a Crack back split by a WR.
Basic Tips of Winning Secondary Play
Know the offense you are going to defend, the speed of their receivers, and pattern recognition by formation. You must also know how the offense counteracts our Blitz schemes. Do they call “Hot” routes? Good preparation eliminates mistakes, helps anticipation and allows you to play fast.
Always think about making the big play or game changing interception. Play the ball through the receiver and at its highest point. Yell “Fire” and expect to run the ball back for a TD! If you hear a “Fire” call block the nearest receiver or lead interference to the end zone.
Always cover receivers downfield in run/pass as long as there is a threat of a pass suvch as a QB fumble, halfback pass.
Leverage the ball with the proper position, coverage rotation and pursuit angle. Remember we SWARM to the football. We must always have four men in position to tackle the ball carrier and if we hustle in pursuit we can leverage the ball. This allows us to gang tackle which delivers a devastating and psychological blow to the offense. We must intimidate and humiliate all receivers and ball carriers with our physicality!
Having good position on the receiver is very important and you must maintain position maintenance. Keep the proper vertical and horizontal cushion. Always play high through the receiver’s upfield shoulder. Only play low if your technique determines so. Never go low with two hands unless you are 100% certain you can intercept the pass.
Always see through the receiver to the ball and know where the reception area is by using your peripheral vision. Always know whether you are “in phase” or “out of phase” with your receiver and the reception area in order to play the ball or the man.
Always mentally repeat the call, the coverage, your alignment, your key, your run responsibility and your pass responsibility. This pre-snap preparation and concentration will not only eliminate mental mistakes but also allow you to play faster.
Be confident! Believe in your ability to cover your man or your zone. Play to win, not to prevent from being beaten deep. Never allow a completion to deflate your confidence. Remember that the other guy is trying too. Football is a game played in 5 second intervals. Give 100% effort for 5 seconds at a time.
Be mentally and physically tough. Toughness is an element of pass defense that cannot be overlooked. Intimidate and punish their receivers and ball carriers at all times. Destroy any Lead or Stalk blocks they attempt to deploy.
Great Defensive Backs have pre-snap concentration and anticipation. They communicate information, read the play, react to the play and hustle and hit with great enthusiasm using leverage and toughness. Make sure you do the little things in order o be the best player you can possibly be.
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