When the ball is snapped, DBs need 3 things (feet, body position and eyes) to work together as they determine whether the play is run or pass.
Feet
I teach a 3 step “Creep” read step. This technique ensures the player will keep their cushion as they determine Run or Pass and keeps both feet on the ground to speed reaction to the run. This also allows the Corner to break quickly of 3-step pass routes
Body Position
During read steps, make sure your DBs do not do things that will make them less effective and less efficient. The most common issues are:
Popping straight up out their stance
Turning their shoulders and hips when they reach back to begin to drag the front foot.
Remember all DBs must:
Start Right – good alignment & stance
Stay Right- keep body in position to do damage.
Be Right- use read step to react correctly to QB action
Get Your Eyes Right!
DBs need feet, body position and eyes to work together as they determine is the play run or pass.
Learn these 3 things:
Start Right & Focus
Remember to Start Right and Be Right on your stance?
The same applies to your eyes. Focus on your run/pass keys then your pass responsibility reads.
In zone coverage, our DBs will Key the QBs action to determine Run and Pass.
As the DB gets aligned, he must turn his head towards the QB and focus the eyes on the QB – Start Right. The DB’s eyes must remain focused on the QB during the read step phase until run or pass is determined.
Reps, reps, reps!
When drilling this technique with the DB’s do it soon and do it often
Only use the QB run actions they are likely to see that week
The purpose is to speed up read and react times – not trick them.
This can only occur with Reps.
Keep on pedaling
Sometimes a DB will not know if it is a Run or a Pass.
Train them not to guess.
Train them to keep Read Stepping until they KNOW if it is run or pass.
Train them to react.
DO NOT guess.
Force Vs Contain
I have called Defensive Backs, well, Defensive Backs. In run support there are distinctions between Safeties and Cornerbacks. Safeties are expected to make both the force play and to help contain when needed. Cornerbacks are expected to contain plays but rarely have to make a force play. What is the difference between Force and Contain?
On a force play the defender aggressively attacks through the outside shoulder of a lead blocker(s) and fights up field to the outside shoulder of ball carrier to “Force” the play back inside or stop it in its tracks. Think smart bomb.
Contain – Outside Arm & Leg Free
Corner backs “Contain” by quickly defeating a WR block and if engaged with a blocker, keeping the outside arm and leg free to play off the block and make the tackle or to turn the runner back inside toward defensive help.
Put simply: A force play is a lightning quick, physical, All-In, violent assault. A contain play is an aggressive, physical play that demands excellent technique and positioning. This may seem geeky, but understanding position play requirements helps Coaches chose the right players for the right positions.
Defeating Blocks... No Dancing Allowed!!!
QB action is run. Your DB is headed up field to handle his business. WR is throttling down. A Runner and a lead blocker have gotten outside the DE. They are runniing wide.
Are your DBs ready for this? What’s next? Either you or the opposing coach is fixing to pull some hair out. Let’s make sure it is the opposing coach.
Train the DBs to:
Get There Now!
(Assumption: Zone Coverage, Run to DB side)
Teach the DBs that when they determine run, they need to aggressively attack and defeat the block in a hurry.
No dancing with blockers 8 yards down field!!!!!
The goal is to engage all run blocks as close to the LOS as possible. Being passive only increases the length of the run.
Ace the Test
The contain play is simply a Coach/Player test.
The questions are:
Can your DBs defeat a Stalk, Screen, Lead and Cut block?
The answer will always be yes, if you give them tools to beat those blocks and then get them reps to get good at it.
Be a Closer
Finally, it is the DB and the runner.
FINISH THE DEAL!
Make sure your DB has the open field and side line tackling skills to close the deal.
Get to the Ball!!!
When the run is away, we talk run pursuit. When the run is away, it is time to get moving and get to the ball.
We do not take plays off!
We work in 5 second bursts!
We hustle in 5 second bursts!
We get after it in 5 second bursts!
We stop everything, every time!
We have fun hammering the opponent!
We give our all 5 seconds at a time!
We win 5 seconds at a time!
Good defenses get off blocks and run like crazy. Set your standard high – minimum 9 players to the ball every play – and make your players work to meet that standard.
That said; Run pursuit is not a free for all. To do it well, requires communication, disciplined running, aggressiveness and a strong desire to “get there”.
Communication
When a DB turns to run he and a safety will have a view of the whole field, one or both should be among the first to ID and communicate deception plays like reverses. They must communicate.
Disciplined Running
To be in position to handle cut-backs, deception plays and to stop big gains, it is important that DBs run through the WS spot. If this seems confusing, just note that if the run is away from a DB, there is a specific path for them to run.
Legal Aggressiveness
Teach all players to play until the whistle is blown.
When DBs are the 2nd, 3rd, 4th player on the play, train them to strip, peel and tomahawk. We do not want to just defend. We want the ball and when we get the ball, we want to score.
This is the legal aggressive tempo you must set for your defensive team. Set the tone on day one, 5 seconds at a time!
Get The Ball Back!!!
In tight games there are several ways defenses can affect the outcome of a game.
Prevent an opponent from scoring
Limit offensive chances for the opponent – stack up 3 & Outs
Give the offense good field position
Get a big stop when needed – 3rd/4th & short
Goal line stands
But one of the best things a defense can do in a tight ball game is to simply exploit all opportunities to get the ball back.
Get your defense ready by preparing your players to be opportunistic in run pursuit. Running hard, hustling and getting the ball back is a defensive mind set not a fancy scheme or complicated technique? You don’t have to be good to hustle! Fly to the ball!!!
Arm your unit with this mind set and drill, daily, taking the ball away, recovering the ball and scoring!
Run pursuit is a low risk, high reward opportunity that will happen 30 to 40 times in a football game.
Want some? Get your mind right and go take some!
It’s a Pass! Are Your Ready?
When the ball goes up, we want it.
Breaking Upfield
Stance and Alignment coaching performed in run drills begin to pay dividends when it comes to pass coverage because the major principles are the same.
Start Right to Be Right!
Alignment
Getting in a good stance
Focus eyes on QB
Read step
Getting out of a stance properly
So what is different?
There are two big things you need to learn in the beginning phase of pass:
QB Action
Like Run, use pass actions players are most likely to see that week. Pass action also dictates how our Coverage is deployed. DBs need a lot of reps reading and reacting to their Pass Keys and Run Keys.
Read Step Discipline
Demand a 3 step read step every single play, every single rep.
Why 3?
In our system, DBs need to be Right First and aggressive second.
The 3 step read step reminds DBs of their primary responsibility when the ball is snapped which is to defend the Pass 1st. Defend the Run 2nd.
It Is A Pass! Now What?
In the pass game you will notice similar themes from the run game. If a concept/principle is reoccurring they are important and good coaches will take advantage of multiple opportunities to expose players to them. Players learn football through repetition. In the read step phase (assumption: zone coverage), when it comes to a pass play, the DB must be trained to do three things:
Key QB action to quickly identify Pass.
Communicate PASS call when pass is identified
Key QB action to determine zone drop or read
To an inexperienced Coach this may seem like a lot for young players. Let me explain why it is not.
Number 1 In the Run game, we covered Keying QB action. Foundation is set. In the pass game, we are merely adding a few more actions.
Number 2 In the run game, we introduced communication. Foundation is set. In the pass game, we will add a few more calls.
Number 3 In the run game, DBs read QB for run keys. Play flow determines the direction the DB runs. Foundation is set.
In pass, it is simpler because the DB stays with QB for both the pass read and direction of the zone drop or key reads. So when you are coaching the run game:
Demand Read Step discipline. DBs will need it in the pass game.
Demand Communication discipline. It won’t be such a big deal in the pass game.
Give your DBs reps at keying QB action in the run game. Help them get good at it. It will make learning zone coverage easier.
Focus on the “little” individual skills the player needs to perform the “big” thing you want him to do. Then teaching them zone pass coverages will not be a big deal.
DB – Pass Coverage Part 1 Zone
Slow Feet and Bad Angles
To learn Zone coverage you must have the image of the end result firmly fixed in your brain.
Quick pass reads, piston like footwork, razor-sharp drop angles, exacting zone drop depth, “ESP” like communication and finally interceptions and incomplete passes.
You will need this image fixed in your brain because what you are likely to start with is
Slow/No pass reads sloppy footwork, slow feet, false steps, inexplicable dropped balls and maddening completions.
If you have done a good job in the run game learning read steps, run support, run pursuit and communication your job will be much easier.
The first step to playing zone pass defense effectively is getting players to drop fast and deep enough to:
Keep WRs in front of them
See routes develop
Players have to understand that when they identify pass, they must get to their zone or to identify their route reads NOW!!!
You will have to overcome a huge barrier; multi-tasking.
When young players identify pass, they will attempt to do everything at once in 1.8 seconds:
Watch the QB
Watch the WRs
Figure out who they should cover even though it is zone
Figure out where the ball is going
Try to remember what they are actually supposed to be doing.
This mental activity, makes the feet slow down and leads to players taking poor drop angles and poor key reads.
Take a focused, step by step coaching approach.
1st focus should be on speeding up drops.
Get there now!!
Once players demonstrate they are reacting properly to pass keys, then, and only then, should you move on to teaching the other components of zone coverage:
Improving footwork
Sharpening drop angles
Hitting landmarks or rout drops
Communication
Ball skills
Pass Pursuit
DB – Pass Coverage Part 2 Zone
Teaching your players zone coverage is a step by step process with a lot of reps involved. Once you consistently demonstrate an ability to react properly to Pass Keys (you truly understand what “Get there Now!” means), it is time to help them Get there Now! –better.
A well thought out Every Day Drill (EDDs) period begins to pay dividends now To help your players get better, at getting there now, focus on footwork, angles and landmarks.
Footwork
Cross-Over Step.
In some systems, players use cross-over footwork when they play zone coverage. It is fairly easy to teach and most importantly, players can cover a lot of ground quickly using cross-over steps.
Angles
Crisp Angles and Down the line. In D-Back EDDs, expose players to the concept of breaking and attacking at 45 and 90 degree angles as well as carrying the cross-over step “down the line”. These are the drop and break angles used in zone coverage. Attempting to teach these concepts as you are trying to teach zone drops and responsibilities is asking for trouble. You will have a hot mess on your hands.
LANDMARKS
If you have seen kids play “Clump” ball; bad basketball or bad soccer, you understand how difficult it can be to teach young people the concept of spacing.
Players need help when it comes to spacing. Unfortunately, average coaches do not give it to them. You are not average.
Landmarks, landmarks, landmarks Use cones, hats, rags – whatever you can get your hands on.
No excuses
Set them at the angles and depth you want to your players to execute. Give them reps and help them get better.
DB – Pass Coverage Part 3 Zone
When the ball gets in the air, DBs need to be highly effective in three areas: Communication, Pass Pursuit and Ball Skills.
Communication
The “Pass” call identifies pass. The “Ball” call is made when the ball is in the air.
DB communication is absolutely vital to defensive success.
DBs must be alert and above average at identifying and communicating what is happening on the field.
DBs have the best view of the action. Train them to use it.
Pass Pursuit
The purpose of the Ball call is to get everyone to locate the ball and fly to it.
No standing!!!
No watching!!!!
To have a chance at tipped balls, wobbly passes, fumbles, stopping long gains, eliminating YAC (Yards After the Catch) players must run like their hair is on fire when the Ball call is made.
Ball Skills
Everything discussed above is focused on getting to the ball. When you get to the ball, players need the skills to get the ball back. Learn how to:
Defend passes with the inside hand
Hit, pin and Strip
Swoop, Scoop and Score!
Break on the ball
Catch the ball while running at it
Catch the ball at its highest point
Alert teammates they made an interception (“FIRE” call)
The most important thing you will coach your DBs on is their mindset. You must absolutely convince your DBs of two things:
If the ball is on the ground or in the air, it is their responsibility to get it!
You are never ever beat until the ball is caught. Never quit on a play.
DB – EDDs
Equipment Needed: Football (2), Flat Cones (8), and Field with some lines useful.
Coaching Points
Use period to:
Develop fundamental skills
Improve technique
Teach players to distinguish between man techniques (back pedal) and Zone techniques (read step & X-over)
Stress communication where appropriate (Pass, Ball, Oskie)
Hold players accountable for not communicating, dropped balls and after a time wrong technique.
ALWAYS finish each rep of drill with a burst/explosion. Never permit a player to simply “walk” out of a drill.
Drills
Loosen the Feet
Back Pedal (BP) to reinforce stance and form. Distance 5 – 10 yards. 1- 2 reps each.
BP 1/2 speed
BP 3/4 speed
BP Full
Man Footwork
Toe Taps (TTs).
Stationary quick feet drill. 2 reps of 15 seconds. Emphasize good form, coordinated rapid fire arms and feet.
Wave/M drill.
Breaking, Cutting and Planting feet on 45 degree angle. Flat cones needed to mark starting point, breaking points and finish of Drill. Emphasize form and foot planting technique.
Player begins drill by running forward, on a 45 degree angle, towards the first cone. At first cone, player shift hips and begins BP on a 45 degree angle toward 2nd cone. At 2nd cone, player plants foot to change direction, on a 45 degree angle, toward 3rd cone.
Pattern repeats.
Zone Footwork
Zone Drop footwork. Run support Footwork. Need Football and Flat Cones for landmarks. Emphasize two read steps each rep and communication if ball is thrown.
3 Read Steps and Plant
3 Read Steps X-Over @ a 45 degree angle, break up field on a 90 degree angle
3 Read Steps X-Over down the line (flip the hips), plant and come up field.
Tool Belt
Defeating Stalk and Screen Blocks will teach all three but emphasize the one players do best.
Through the Window
Grab and Shuck
Jab and Rip
Throat slash
Ball Skills
For Zone technique you can repeat Zone footwork drill, player breaks up field when ball is thrown. Hold player accountable for communication and dropped balls.
For Man technique use cushion and Turn and Run drills.
Cushion Drill – place two players about 5 yards apart. One DB, the other a WR. On command the WR runs at the DB. The DB tries to maintain the “cushion” by BP as fast as possible. When cushion is broken. Players are re-set.
Turn and Run Drill. In man, when “cushion” is broken, DBs must turn and run with WRs. This drill starts at that point. Set WR and DB in turn and run position. DB facing WR and WR in position to look back for ball.
On command, WR runs down field. On WR cue and or teammates BALL call, DB turns to locate ball and defend pass. Hold teammates accountable for communication – Ball Call and DB for dropped balls.
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