Route Progression Drill

One of the most difficult tasks in coaching Defensive Backs is to acquaint your players with the Route Tree and those routes which can be run from the three primary QB Drops. I have attempted to put together some drills that illustrate all the basic routes and then incorporate those routes into the Pass drop schemes instituted by any QB. The purpose of this drill is to develop route recognition and to utilize the proper cutoff path to the reception area.

This drill requires a receiver and a defensive back. The drill starts at ¾ speed and increases in tempo as proficiency is developed into a full speed. The receiver runs a progression of routes determined by the position of the defensive back and whether he shades outside or inside.

If the Defensive Back’s position is inside, run these routes until an awareness of the proper cut-off path is developed. Once achieved, mix all the routes together. Start with the Slant.

If Defender shade is inside:                         If Defender shade is outside:

Defensive Back Techniques

Inside Shade:

Play inside shade of wide-out by taking a position five yards deep on the receiver’s inside eye. Have your outside foot up and inside foot back to give you an easy opening. When the receiver comes off the line maintain your position on him as well as your inside attitude. Avoid being turned to the outside; keep your body attitude so as to be able to see the QB and the receiver. Know where the receiver is going to catch the ball. This is called the “reception area”. Know where each ball is caught. For example, the “Slant” route is 7-8 yards deep in the middle of the slot. When you recognize the “Slant” route beat the receiver to the reception area. If the receiver alters his route on the way to the Reception Area i.e. “Slant and Go”, take the easiest and most direct route to the new “Reception Area” and Attempt to cut off and control the receiver. Normally “Go” routes are run from short or shortened medium routes and can easily be sensed if you have good peripheral vision. Also there is no route run at 8 yards so if you see a stutter step at 8 yards he is running a double move route.

The “Curl”, “Dig” and “Post” routes are played like the “Slant” route. Remember that once you have inside position you must not give it up to any move made by the receiver. He will try to turn you or gain an inside position by coming off the ball at an angle. Don’t be turned to the outside and never lose your inside attitude. Maintain your inside position. Turn and go only when you have an idea of the “Reception Area”.

Off of the “Post” route will come the “Corner” route. This route is played like the “Go” meaning you will have started your sprint to the “Post” “Reception Area” when the “Corner” route shows. You must redirect your sprint to the “Reception Area by the quickest and easiest way which means using the Baseball Turn and turning your back to the QB. Sprint to cut-off and control the receiver. The “Comeback” route off of the “Go” stem is a matter of not losing your vision and reaction. This is a time consuming route and it gives the DB some time to recover to defend.

The “Dig” is played like any other inside route. It should be remembered that the reception area is well inside your original position and you must drive hard to defend the “Reception Area”. Take a straight line and cut-off the receiver.

Outside Shade:

Play outside shade of wide-out by taking a position five yards deep 1 ½ yards outside and see the QB through the receiver. You are primarily responsible for outside to deep. Trail receiver on short and medium inside routes. Your route progression is “Out”, “Corner”, “Post-Corner”, “Go” and “Comeback”. Always be in position to cut-off or play the “Skinny Post” or “Seam route”.

Your objective is the same as with your inside technique:

• Maintain proper position on the receiver
• Recognize the route and know the “Reception Area”
• Drive to the “Reception Area” on short and medium outside routes
• Cut-off and control the receiver on deep routes
• Trail and strip on secondary routes of responsibility (inside routes)

You must often convert your position on the receiver relative to his position inside our outside of our dividing lines so we can squeeze the seams and use the position of the MOF (Middle of he Field) Safety to our advantage. Wide splits and tightened splits for example.

Get your DBs to recognize all routes based on the QB Drops and you will have more PBUs!

Have a Bad Day All Day!!!