Archive for October, 2009

Defensive backs are required to take some of the best athletes on the field in one on one coverage. They have to not only be able to run with receivers, but change direction with them on a dime. The essential skills that defensive backs must have are:

• Backpedaling
• Changing Direction
• Catching
• Tackling

Backpedaling-The faster an corner can backpedal, the longer they can remain without turning their body to run with the receiver. Remaining in your backpedal gives you an advantage because you can now break on the route fast than if you were running side by side with the receiver. This especially helps with comeback routes.

To practice backpedaling,

• Backpedal for twenty yard lengths. -Four times per Practice
• Backpedal for lengths of ten yards, shift your weight and sprint through your original position. Then do the same, but sprint up at a 45 degree angle to the right. Then do the same once more, but sprint up at a 45 degree angle to the left.  -Four times per practice
• Finally, line up four yards off a receiver. Let them run a simple “fly” route and attempt to stay in your backpedal as long as possibly. This will force you to speed up your backpedal pace. -Four times per practice.

Changing Direction- Changing direction is needless to say essential for defensive backs. This is especially important when guarding routes and reacting to the breaks in routes.

To improve changing direction,

• The “M” drill-Set Up 5 cones in the shape of an M, between 5-7 yards apart. Start at the base of one side of the M, and backpedal to the top of the M. Then shift your weight and sprint up to the middle base cone at an angle. Then shift your weight again and backpedal at an angle to the opposite top cone of the M. Then sprint through the starting line. Complete this at least 4 times per practice.
• The T drill- Set up four cones in the shape of a T, with the top corners of the T 5 yards from the middle and the shaft of the T being 10 yards long. Start at the base of the T, and sprint up to the top middle cone of the T. Round the corner and sprint to the left upper corner of the T. Round this corner and sprint across the T to the opposite top corner. Then round the corner and sprint once again towards the top middle corner and sprint through the starting line. -Complete 2-4 times per practice

Catching- Guarding a receiver is one thing, but the biggest plays are interceptions. Good hands are an asset of any good DB.

To improve catching,

• Blind ball drill-Stand about 15 yard away from a  coach or quarterback with your back turned to him. The coach will then throw the ball relatively hard and call ball. As soon as you here ball, turn around and locate the ball and catch it. This helps build reaction time and catching.