DB Drill Manual Get Drills From Here

8/4/2019 DB Drill Manual Get Drills From Here

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The purpose of this section is to describe and illustrate different drills used to

improve Defensive Back technique.


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Pre-Practice DrillsFLEXIBILITY:

Drill: Duck Walk

Purpose: To improve leg and hip flexibility.

Coaching Points: DBs must stride within their body and keep chest up. DB willslightly rise with each stride, but maintains duck walk position. Do

drill on yard line from sideline to numbers or near hash. Across and

back equals 1 repetition.

Drill: Low Pedal

Purpose: To emphasize keeping shoulders and chin over toes when backpedaling.

Coaching Points: DBs must keep their shoulders and chin over toes throughout drill.

The bottom of DBs stomach should be grazing the top of his thigh.This provides a solid base for a smooth back pedal. Elbows should be

parallel to back. Progress from walking to half speed pedal. DBshould graze grass with the balls of his feet. Do drill on yard line fromsideline to numbers or near hash. Across and back equals 1 repetition.

Drill: Karoke

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs foot quickness and hip flexibility.

DB DB DB DB

COACH

Coaching Points: Start by voice command. Next DB starts after 3 yard cushion. Watchfor quick feet and hips, use arms. DBs karoke facing coach. Add a

ball for coordination and go in both directions.


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TURNOVERS:

Drill: Rake

Purpose: To teach technique of stripping the football during or shortly after reception.

Coaching Points: DB aligns 3 yards behind receiver. On receivers movement drillbegins. Receiver runs half speed, when DB closes receiver extends

ball. DB keys hands for when to strip the ball. Once this occurs DB

rips down on the ball and then attempts rake the ball out and up from

the receivers hands. Strip ball before initiating tackle so receiver doesnot squeeze it.

Drill: Punch

Purpose: To teach technique of punching the ball out of a receivers hands after he has

possession.

Coaching Points: DB aligns 3 yards behind receiver. On receivers movement drillbegins. Receiver runs half speed and keeps ball tucked. When DB

reaches receiver he punches the ball up through receivers hands.

DB should punch at ball before initiating tackle so receiver does notsqueeze ball.

Drill: Fumble Recovery (Crowd/Clear)

Purpose: To teach technique of how to recover a fumble.

CLEAR CROWD

Coaching Points: When area is clear DB bends at knee and scoops ball by sliding

fingertips underneath. If ball bounces it should hit DBs body and

move forward. In a crowd DB slides across ball surrounding and

securing it with arms, chest and thighs.


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Footwork DrillsBACKPEDAL:

Drill: Backpedal

Purpose: To improve the technique of backpedaling, while maintaining a good pad level.

COACH DB

DB

Coaching Points: DB starts pedal on a yard line on coaches command. Drill is

worked from sideline to near or far hash. Make sure each DB

maintains a good tempo and pad level the entire drill. The speed of thepedal can vary so proper body positioning can be emphasized. Arm

movement is crucial in this drill.

Drill: Fast / Slow

Purpose: To improve the ability of backpedaling while increasing and decreasing speed.

COACH DB

DB

Coaching Points: DB starts pedal on a yard line when football is raised. Drill is

worked from sideline to near or far hash. Make sure each DB maintains a good tempoand pad level the entire drill. The speed of the pedal varies by the coach extending and

pulling the ball from his chest. Execute 34 changes in speed.

Drill: Pedal and Turn

Purpose: To improve the technique of backpedaling and opening the hips to run.

Coach DB

Coaching Points: Start DB into backpedal for 8-10 yards by raising football with both

hands. When hand comes off ball DB must open hips, rip arm and

shoulder through low and sprint through hash. Work drill fromsideline to near hash on yard line. It is important to stay on line for

proper transition into run. Can be done with a partner for realistic feel

of speed threatening cushion. Turn right and left.


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LEAVERAGE:

Drill: Weave ( line/angle )

Purpose: To improve the technique of backpedaling while maintaining leverage.

COACH DB DB COACH

C.P. Start DB into backpedal with ball and 15yds C.P. DB starts with ball

direct weave by moving football from movement. First stem

right to left. Work on yard line from 10 yards step with inside foot

side line to near or far hash. Can do then pedal at angleboth drills with partners. Use desired with shoulders

cushion. parallelto coach. Usedots if available.

Drill: Stem

Purpose: To enhance the ability of a defensive back to backpedal and maintain

horizontal and vertical leverage, while keeping his shoulders square.

WR

DB

Coaching Points: DB must backpedal and maintain inside leverage throughoutdrill. Receiver will stem inside and push vertical, then stem

opposite and do the same movement. The receiver will finish drill

by breaking off a route.


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CHANGE OF DIRECTION:

Drill: Plant Step for T-Plant

Purpose: To teach proper step when changing direction.

Right Foot Step Left Foot Step

Coaching Points: DBs line up on sideline or yard line in a right or left foot stance. Onthe coaches whistle, DBs take plant step and return foot to original

position. Execute 35 steps per side, then rotate.

Drill: Step and Drive

Purpose: To teach DB how to plant then drive to execute change of direction.

COACH

DB DB

Coaching Points:DBs align in two lines, slightly facing in 5 yards from cones.Whenfront hand comes off the ball DB must plant back foot and explode off

of front foot through the cones. Place cones 5 yards apart. Go one line

at a time.

Drill: Angle Break

Purpose: To teach how to change direction and break at a 45 degree angle from a

backpedal.COACH

DB

Coaching Points: Start DB into backpedal for 5-7 yards by raising a football with both

hands. When coach turns and front hand comes off ball DB must plant,point and drive at a sharp 45 degree angle over outside part of cone.

Place cones 5 yards apart. Go right and left in single movements or

together.


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W Drill

Purpose: To improve the technique of efficiently backpedaling and changing directions

at a angle.COACH

DB DB DB DB

Coaching Point: Start first DB in a single file line at first cone with ball or voice

command. Each DB must pedal to the outside of the back cone and

plant and drive to the outside of the front cone until all the cones are

passed. The next in line starts when DB plants off first back cone.Make sure all breaks are at sharp angles. Stagger cones 10-12 yards

apart in width and 5 yards apart in depth. Do drill to right and left.

Can do drill without cones.

Drill: Hip Turns (3)

Purpose: To teach a defensive back how to change directions once his hips are open.

1.) Hip Turn and Break DB pedals, hip turns and executes break from open position.

* 3 Breaks ( back, in and out )

2.) Hip Turn, Baseball and Break DB pedals, hip turns and continues to execute

baseball turn, then accelerates back to coach.

3.) Hip Turn, Baseball and Break (Out/In Route) DB pedals, opens and baseball turn

to drive a out route.

Coaching Points: The defensive back must learn when to break from a hips openposition and when to baseball turn.

General Rule:

1.) When a DB has his hips open (hips are facing middle of field), break back.

2.) When his hips are closed (hips are facing goal line), execute a baseball turn.


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Drill: Backpedal 45

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to backpedal and open to a right and left

angle on command.

COACH

DB DB

Coaching Points: Start DB into backpedal by raising football. With football and

shoulders give a right or left directional turn. This turn tells DB to

open up and run at a 45-degree angle with eyes on coach. Changedirection 2-3 times.

Drill: Post Sideline

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to recover from a route run opposite his

turn.

COACH

DB DB

Speed turn

Coaching Points: Same as Backpedal 45 except when DB opens at 45-degree angle,coach fakes throw opposite to get DB to turn his hips and eyes all the

way around. Do drill in both directions.


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Tackling Drills

Drill: 3 Step Progression

Purpose: To teach the fundamental techniques of tackling.

Fit Position Step and Fit Step, Fit and Drive

Coaching Points: DB should have eyes up, good bend in knees and strike with samefoot, same shoulder. Progress from fit position to step and fit to step

fit and drive. Rotate from right to left side. coach can execute drill by

voice or by whistle.

Drill: Same Foot, Same Shoulder

Purpose: To teach defensive back how to gather and deliver a blow using the same foot

and same shoulder on contact.

Starting Position Finishing Position

Coaching Points: DB takes short chop steps forward while back walks towards him.

Once DB gets close to back, he gathers and explodes through ball

carrier delivering a same foot, same shoulder form tackle. Drill isexecuted with a straight ahead tackle and an angle tackle.


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Drill: Club Up

Purpose: To teach a DB how to deliver a blow from his hips, while ripping his arms up

and through a ball carrier and buzzing his feet.

Coaching Points: DB and back line up 3 yards apart and move towards each other on

the sound of the whistle. DB delivers a blow from his hips and then

recoils back along with the ball carrier. This movement is repeatedthree times with the 3rd

hit ending with a form tackle.

Drill: Angle Tackle, Angle Spin

Purpose: To teach defensive backs how to tackle a ball carrier at an angle by getting

there head gear across and striking with the top of the pads.

B B B B 2yds DB DB DB DB

COACH

Coaching Points: Place 4 cones 2 yards apart on both sides. Keys: 1. Head across

Coach gives a set call to get both sides in 2. Hit with top offootball position. Ball carrier starts drill pads (SF,SS)

by movement. Go right then left. 3. Upper cut arms

4. Square up back5. Drive until

whistle blows

Angle Spin

Coaching Points: Same as angle tackle except back spins oncontact. To stop spin throw hip in the direction

of the spin. Angle Spin Tackle initially can betaught from a fit position.


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Drill: Leverage Tackle

Purpose: To teach DB how to attack and tackle back while communicating and using

proper leverage when he has help from either side.

B

15-20 yards

DB DB

10 yards apart

Coaching Points: Drill starts on the movement of the back. The back will attack down

hill until he feels the DBs have closed down the cushion, at this point

he will try to bounce outside to either direction. The DBs will close

on the back communicating inside or outside keeping there shoulders

square and then execute a tackle.

Drill: Outside In Tackle

Purpose: To teach DB how to tackle a ball carrier from an outside-in position using

proper leverage and body position.

#s

DB

Coach

RB

Coaching Points: Drill starts when coach tosses the ball to running back. Back attacks

in front of cone and either cuts up field or bounces outside. Cornertakes backpedal steps and attacks back toward the cone. Corner keeps

shoulders square and executes a tackle on the bounce or cross faces

the back when he cuts up field.


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Drill: Sideline Tackle ( Inside or Over the top )

Purpose: To teach a defensive back how to use the sideline as an extra defender to pin

the ball carrier and make a tackle.

#s Coach #sB B

DB (5 yards)

(15 yards) DB

Coaching Point: The drill starts when the ball is thrown to the receiver. The DB mustclose hard, shorten his stride and sink his hips as he constricts the ball carriers running

lane. Once he takes away the backs angle he should accelerate through the carrier and

make the tackle.

Drill: Open Field Tackle (Angle)

Purpose: To teach technique of leveraging and tackling a ball carrier one on one in the

open field from an angle.

B

B

middle of20 yards #s field

DB COACH

DB

Coaching Points: Ball carrier starts drill by movement and can go right or left. DB

sprints while keeping inside leverage on ball carrier. When DB

approaches cones he shortens his stride and sinks his hips to comeunder control. DB must maintain inside position and mirror ball

carrier, before sliding head across and executing tackle. Ball carrier

can make one move. Full speed to cones tempo on tackle.


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Drill: Open Field Tackle (Head Up)

Purpose: To teach technique of leveraging and tackling a ball carrier one on one in the

open field from an initial head up position.

A. B.

RB

RB # 5 YDS

#

#

10 YDS

#

DB

DB

Coaching Points: In drill (A), DBs align 15 yards apart. When RB moves drill begins.

They both sprint 5 yards. The DB wants to beat the RB to that

position and break down. When the RB commits to a side the DBshuffles laterally then presses to the inside hip. This will flatten the

RBs move and give DB inside advantage. When RB gets within 2

yards DB attacks and executes tackle. If DB gets beat to a side he

must drop step and take proper angle to RB. Coach can allow RB tomake one or more moves before declaring direction. RB must run

between sideline and numbers.

In drill (B), DBs align 15 yards apart. DB starts drill on movement.

He must sprint and breakdown 5 yards from the RB. When DB is in

breakdown position RB goes right or left. DB attacks RB andexecutes tackle. RB runs directly at cone do not allow for any moves.


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Block Protection Drills

Drill: Stalk ( 3 step progression )

Purpose: To teach technique of defeating stalk block.

Fit Position Lock Out Position Shed Position1. Hair line under chin 1. Explode ankles, knees and hips 1. Violently throw defender to side2. Hands fit on outer chest 2. Lock out arms for separation 2. After shed step and replace3. Bend ankles, knees and hips 3. Hands at eye level 3. Make tackle

Drill: Stalk 1 on 1

Purpose: To improve technique of engaging and defeating a stalk block through reading

proper sequence of keys.

3 YDS

QB COACH

WR

DB

Coaching Points: DB lines up at depth desired by Coach. Drill starts on snap or QBs

movement. DB reads QB for run pass read and flow. Once run read isrecognized eyes snap to WR. Attack receiver keeping outside arm

free. Execute proper technique and finish at cone in a breakdown

position with shoulders parallel to yard line. Cut blocks can be mixedin.


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Drill: Pads Out

Purpose: To improve hand placement and hip explosion during blow delivery.

2, 4 or 6 point stance 2 point explosion 6 point explosion

1

Coaching Points: DB gets in football position in front of sled. When coach blows

whistle DB strikes bag while toes remain planted in the ground. After

reaching a fully extended position, the DB must recoil back to readyposition as quickly as possible. Hands should be at or above eyes.

Coach can blow whistle anywhere from 1-5 times. Drill executed

from 2, 4 or 6 point stance.

Drill: Blue Bag

Purpose: To teach technique of engaging and defeating a block keeping your shoulders

square.

3x3 from cone FB COACH

DB 3X3 from cone

Coaching Points: On whistle FB attacks to cone with blue bag in outside arm. DB

sets edge by attacking with shoulders square and inside foot down.

Aim point for shoulder is middle of numbers. Close down run laneon line of scrimmage, be in position to play bounce.


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Drill: 3 Man Butt

Purpose: To teach blow delivery keeping shoulders square in confined area.

DB DB

DB DB DB DB

1ydDB 1yd 1yd DB LB RB LB RB DB DB

Set call gets feet chopping Right DB attacks first Left DB attacks second Rotate Clockwise

1 yard alignment each side after DB resets

Coaching Points: DB must delivery blow with shoulder and forearm. DB must also getfront foot down before contact and keep shoulders square.

Drill: Cut Block

Purpose: To teach technique of defeating a block below the waist.

COACH RB

3 yds COACHCB CB

1 ydDB DB DB

10 yds

Coaching Points: DB and cut blocker align 1 yard across from each other. CB has

option to cut right or left. DB will defeat block by attacking and

pressing CBs head down and away from legs. DB must have a low

base and keep outside leg clean. Bend at knees not waist. Aim pointfor hand placement should be on CBs head and shoulder.A running

back can be included to complete the drill. Drill starts with CBsmovement.Both drills can be done with a ball.


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Drill: String Out

Purpose: To improve cut block technique using a series of blocks.

RB RB RB

DB DB DB DB

Progression: 1. Bags or Sled

2. Cut Block

3. Cut Block and Back

Coaching Points: DB must shuffle and keep out side leg free and clean. Make sure DB

bends at knees more than waist keep chest, back and head upright.

Progress from bags or sled to cut block then cut block and back.Rotate from DB to RB. Once everyone goes through rotate cut

blockers to DB. Spread bags 3-5 yards apart.

Drill: Crack

Purpose: To improve ability to recognize and defeat crack block in s and coverage.

Fake run action right or left

QB TE

Force Point (4x1) WR

S C

Stop make sure crack occurs

Coaching Points: Coach tells WR want he wants. On QBs movement drill starts. QB will give run flow action to right or left. Safety and Corner read keysand take there read steps. Once crack block is recognized, corner

gives crack call to safety. Safety will eye ball blocker, attack and rip

underneath the block. Corner will squeeze and stop to ensure crack,then fill over top of block for contain. Crack and Go can be added to

prevent playing the drill. Can incorporate press and bail technique.


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Coverage DrillsCover 2

Drill: Mirror

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position on a receiver

by shuffling laterally.WR

Coach

DB

Coaching Points: DB is head up or shaded depending on desired technique.

For cover 2, the DB is shaded. On coaches whistle WR begins to

move right and left within the 5 yard cone area. The DB must shuffle

laterally maintaining his shade. DB should not touch heels together,maintain medium width base. Drill should last 3-5 seconds.

Drill: Mirror Jam

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position by shuffling

and jamming the receiver.

WR

Coach

DB


On coaches whistle WR begins to move right and left within the 5yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally mirroring the receiver.On the second whistle, the receiver should release to his outside and

the DB should shuffle and funnel the receiver inside.

Drill: Shuffle Jam Drill

Purpose: To teach a DB how to properly use his hands when funneling a receiver.

10 15 20

Sideline DB

WR2nd Start Finish

Coaching Point: DB must jam receiver with palm of his hands and favor one side. Blow

should be delivered like a boxers jab. WR can go in any direction for 3

moves.


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Drill: Funnel

Purpose: To improve ability to collision and funnel receiver.

WR

DB 12 yards

Coaching Points: Receiver runs an inside or outside route. DB shuffles laterally tocollision and funnel receiver. After DB funnels receiver he drops to

cone and gets in position to break on the ball. Mix in desired stems.

Drill: Triangle

Purpose: To improve ability of cover 2 corner to break in three primary directions.

COACH DB DB DB DB

DB 5 yards

10 yards

Coaching Points: DB aligns on air or WR.

On snap DB collisions anddrops to12 yards on numbers.

When coach fakes throw to cone 20yardsDB breaks over top of that cone. #s

Drill: 2 on 1

Purpose: To improve the ability of a defensive back to break on the ball at an angle

from a halves or thirds technique.

COACH

12 yards DB

Coaching Points: Drill starts when coach drops back. The drop will be a 3 or 5 step set.

DB pedals on snap reading the drop. When coach throws ball DBbreaks at proper angle intercepting ball at highest point. Ball should

be sprinted back to coach when intercepted. Receivers can be added.


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Drill: Buddy

Purpose: To teach proper positioning versus different route combinations using various

coverages.

Cover 3 Corner Cover 2 Corner & Safety

DB DB DB DB

C C

S

Cover 4 Corner & Safety Cover 2 Hard

DB DB DB DB

CC

S

S

Coaching Points: Make cards or teach route combinations. Pair up in groups of 3 to 4

players depending on coverage emphasis. Routes are run when

whistle is blown or ball is moved. Check to make sure DBs balanceand squeeze to routes properly. Pair safeties with corners when

working on corner routes and vice versa. Different techniques can be

incorporated.


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Cover 3

Drill: Buddy Drill

Purpose: To teach a DB how to cover his zone vs. different route combinations.

Drill: 2 on 1

Purpose: To test and give a DB the confidence to cover his entire zone.

Drill: Invert

Purpose: To teach and improve the pass drop technique of an inverted DB.WR

QB TE

5x5 CB

#s

Coaching Points: DB aligns 5 x 5 from TE. When QB moves ball and pass sets, DB

drops to landmark. DB squares up and reads QB to determine where

the ball is going to be thrown. When QB fakes throw to designated

area, DB breaks on arm and sprints over cone or dot. Use 5 step dropas base, but other pass sets such as 3 step, sprint out and bootleg can

be incorporated.


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Drill: Drop and Read

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to recognize run/pass and break on the

ball at an angle from cover three techniques.RB

QB

S

C C

S

Coaching Points: DBs break huddle and sprint to their base alignment. On snap or ball

movement drill begins. DBs pedal or drop reading for run or pass. If

run shows DBs sprint through the line of scrimmage. If pass showsDBs continue to pedal or drop. When QB throws ball all DBs

break to ball. Nearest DB intercepts ball and sprints down near

sideline past QB. Other DBs sprint to lead interceptor. Tip drill can

be incorporated to improve break and close to ball.

Drill: Bail

Purpose: To teach bail technique versus basic routes.DB DB DB DB

QB

1 yd DB

15 yards

3 yards 3 yards

Coaching Points: DB aligns 1 yard from ball with inside eye on outside eye of

receiver. Depending on preference DB keys ball or receiver.On movement, DB bails. DB must always bail 1 yard outside receiver

to protect against the fade route. DB must also bail hard for first

5 yards and key through receiver or receivers to QB. This drill isdesigned to work the fade, skinny post and 3 step route. Once route is

recognized DB sprints over that routes dot or cone. Receiver can run

route or show movement on snap to give DB read.


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Quarters(4) or Man Coverage

Drill: 3 Step

Purpose: To improve technique of breaking on 3-step read.

DB

QB

DB

20 25 30 35 40

Coaching Points: Set one stand up bag on each side. Place bag in position based on

the particular route being emphasized. DB gets base alignment from

cone. Both DBs read QB for 3-step drop and passing direction. When

key is read DB snaps eyes to find bag (route) then breaks to the bag.To the passing direction, the DB sprints past the outside of the bag

emphasizing making the hit or tackles the bag. Away from the passingdirection, the DB sprints to the outside part of the bag and breaks

down.

Drill: Post / Go

Purpose: To teach a DB how to over play the post and go route when playing a Quarterscoverage.

WR WR

DB (2x8) (2x8)DB

Coaching Points: DB must maintain 11/22 yard inside leverage and adjust to route as

it develops. Make sure DB keeps inside attitude and breaks hard onall other routes. Can add post corner as third route.


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Drill: Crack / Crack and Go

Purpose: To improve ability to recognize and defeat crack block in s and coverage.

Fake run action right or left

QB TEForce Point (4x1) WR

S C

Stop make sure crack occurs

Coaching Points: Coach tells WR want he wants. On QBs movement drill starts. QB

will give run flow action to right or left. Safety and Corner read keys and take there readsteps. Once crack block is recognized, corner gives crack call to safety. Safety will eyeball blocker, attack and rip underneath the block. Corner will squeeze and stop to ensure

crack, then fill over top of block for contain. Crack and Go can be added to preventplaying the drill. Can incorporate press and bail technique.

Drill: Read (Safeties)

Purpose: To teach technique of Quarters front and backside safety run support angles.

Route combinations can also be included in this drill.

RB

QB

Force point 4x1

5 yards

S S

COACHContain (fill where needed) Cutback (C gap)

1. Flat Foot 1. Flat Foot2. Flow To 2. Flow Away

3. Fill 4x1 outside or where needed 3. Secure backside C gap

4. When balls declared take proper angle

Coaching Points: Drill starts on QBs movement. Make sure proper read steps are being

taken. Have numbered cards so run and pass patterns are shown and

memorized. Use corners for offensive personnel.


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Man Coverage Drills3 Step:

Drill: 3 Step

Purpose: To improve technique of breaking on 3-step read.

DBQB

DB

20 25 30 35 40

Coaching Points: Set one stand up bag on each side. Place bag in position based on

the particular route being emphasized. DB gets base alignment from

cone. Both DBs read QB for 3-step drop and passing direction. Whenkey is read DB snaps eyes to find bag (route) then breaks to the bag.

To the passing direction, the DB sprints past the outside of the bag

emphasizing making the hit or tackles the bag. Away from the passing

direction, the DB sprints to the outside part of the bag and breaksdown. All 3-step routes including gos can be done in this drill.


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Intermediate Routes:

Drill: Feel the Weight/OFF

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to read and react to a receiver who

lowers and redirects his hips to run a specific route. These type of routes are

generally intermediate routes run anywhere from 8-12 yards.

WR WR

DB DB

chop chop

15 yards

Coaching Points: On Coaches command or receivers movement the drill will begin. The

receiver must run 8-12 yards and lower his center of gravity andrun a route. The route should be a curl or an out. When the DB sees

the receiver start to lower and chop his feet he must settle and drive

the up field shoulder of the route. The receiver should initially over

emphasis lowering and chopping his feet so that the DB can get agood picture. Make sure the DB is breaking at a sharp angle.

Drill: Stem ( Stem Step, Weave )

Purpose: To enhance the ability of a defensive back to backpedal and maintain

horizontal leverage when in man coverage.

WR

DB

Coaching Points: DB must backpedal and maintain inside leverage throughoutdrill. Receiver will stem inside and push vertical, then stem

opposite and do the same movement. The receiver will finish drill

by breaking off a route.


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Drill: Hip Turns (3)

Purpose: To teach a defensive back how to change directions once his hips are open.

1.) Hip Turn and Break

DB pedals, hip turns and executes break from open position.

* 3 Breaks ( back, in and out )

2.) Hip Turn, Baseball and Break DB pedals, hip turns and continues to execute

baseball turn, then accelerates back to coach.

3.) Hip Turn, Baseball and Break (Out/In Route) DB pedals, opens and baseball turn

to drive a out route.

Coaching Points: The defensive back must learn when to break from a hips open

position and when to baseball turn.

General Rule:

1.) When a DB has his hips open (hips are facing middle of field), break back.

2.) When his hips are closed (hips are facing goal line), execute a baseball turn.


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Deep Routes:

Drill: Cushion / Cushion and Turn

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs cushion awareness and ability to open hips

while covering a receiver.

C.P. Inside leverage for man coverage.Outside leverage for man free and

WR zone coverage. DB must stay in

DB pedal throughout cushion phase.(5-7 cushion) Receiver must run full speed until

he passes DB. When working

turn transition tighten cushion forteaching purposes. Work drill

WR from sideline to near hash.DB

(3 yd cushion)

Drill: Backpedal 45

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to backpedal and open to a right and left

angle on command.

COACH

DB DB

Coaching Points: Start DB into backpedal by raising football. With football and

shoulders give a right or left directional turn. This turn tells DB to

open up and run at a 45-degree angle with eyes on coach. Change

direction 2-3 times.

Drill: Post Sideline

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to recover from a route run opposite his

turn.COACH

DB DB

Speed turn

Coaching Points: Same as Backpedal 45 except when DB opens at 45-degree angle,

coach fakes throw opposite to get DB to turn his hips and eyes all the

way around. Do drill in both directions.


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Drill: Phase ( In & Out )

Purpose: To teach technique of when to look back for the ball versus when to play a

receivers head and hand movement.

In Phase Out of Phase

When hip to hip When trailing receiver

Coaching Points: Stagger two DBs with one yard of separation from front to back.

Each rep starts on lead DBs movement. Do drill at to speed.

In phase, press hip with inside hand and lean into receiver. When youfeel you have control and are hip to hip look for ball. Can achieve

phase position with bar arm or body position.

Out of phase, play receivers head turn and raise of hands for football.Work to smack receivers far wrist if possible. Avoid contact with

body and near hand before ball arrives. While catching up to receiver

try to smack near wrist to break his stride.


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Drill: Route Progression

Purpose: To improve recognition of route patterns.

Post

Dig

Coach

DB

Slant

Out

Post Corner

Coaching Points: DB keys ball before he begins his initial backpedal. He imagines 3

step drop by QB. DB progresses through drill by breaking on

shorter to deeper routes. For example, all DBs break on slant, thenout, then dig, etc. On any 3-step route DB looks at ball imagines drop

then snaps eyes to cone and breaks. On all other routes DB snap eyes

to imaginary receiver then once he has seen the cone he breaks. Must

feel distance for post and feel distance for speed turn for post corner.

Drill begins on ball movement or coachs whistle.


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Bump and Run Drills

Drill: Mirror


by shuffling laterally.

WR

Coach

DB


On coaches whistle WR begins to move right and left within the 5yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally maintaining his shade.

DB should not touch heels together, maintain medium width base.

Drill should last 3-5 seconds.

Drill: Mirror Jam

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs ability to maintain proper position by shufflingand jamming the receiver.

WR

Coach

DB

Coaching Points: DB is head up or shaded depending on desired technique.On coaches whistle WR begins to move right and left within the 5

yard cone area. The DB must shuffle laterally mirroring the receiver.

On the second whistle, the receiver should release to his outside and

the DB should punch the receiver with his inside hand and cover himdown the field.

Drill: Shuffle Release


by cutting the top of his route.Coach

DB DB

Coaching Points: DBs line up 2 yards apart facing the coach. On the coaches command

he moves the DBs laterally with a ball or his hands. On the secondcommand the DB to that side becomes the receiver by turning and

releasing down field. The opposite DB becomes the defender and

cuts the receivers route. Can do drill between yard lines.


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Drill: Snake

Purpose: To improve lateral footwork, hip flexibility and hand placement when playing

bump and run technique.

WR

DB

Coaching Points: DB begins bump technique on receivers movement. After contact ismade receiver works DB in and out down the field. Receiver should

move in and out enough to allow DB to shuffle or move laterally andalternate hands. Work drill 10-15 yards.

Drill: Dot Drill

Purpose: To teach the proper angle that a DB should have on the 3 basic releases

employed by a receiver when playing bump and run.DB DB DB DB

QB

1 yd DB

15 yards

3 yards 3 yards

Coaching Points: DB aligns 1 yard from ball with outside eye on inside eye of

receiver. DB keys the receivers inside hip or number. On movement,

DB executes bump technique and punches or counter punches the

receiver. The aim point for the DBs punch should be the inside oroutside number of the receiver depending on the release. When the

punch is executed the receiver stops and the DB runs over the dot to

the side of the receivers intended route. The drill is designed to workthe fade and skinny post. The third route is designated for a hard

outside release where the receiver comes back inside. The DB should

execute a speed turn.


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Drill: Trail Technique

Purpose: To teach man underneath trail technique.

1.)

2.)

3.)

Rules: DB should trail 1 yard behind ( arms length ) with inside leverage.

1.) Key receivers hip initially to his eyes and hands, then play the ball.2.) Honor all inside fakes. (step with inside move)3.) Be patient on all outside fakes.(stutter and wait for crossover step)4.) After 12-15 yards close hard for streak.

Coaching Points: Can teach drill from a funnel position, press position or from apre-aligned trail position. Run various routes after the basic three

fundamentals are taught. The key is to cut the receivers angle, and not

to trail in his hip pocket. (be between the receiver and the ball)


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Ball Drills

Drill: Straight Ball

Purpose: To develop hand and eye coordination when catching a ball at full sprint.

Coach DB DB DB DB

Coaching Points: Throw ball at different heights and angles to provide a range of

movement. DB must maintain full speed and catch ball with hands.

Drill: Angle Cut

Purpose: To improve the ability to concentrate on a ball thrown in front of a defensive

back, while cutting to the right or left.

Coach DB DB DB DB

Coaching Points: Throw ball in front of DB so he has to extend his arms. DB mustmaintain full speed out of break and catch ball with hands.

Drill: Tip

Purpose: To improve awareness and reaction to a tipped ball.

Coach DB DB DB DBDB DB

Coaching Points: DBs align 5 yards apart. First DB tips ball in air and trailing DB

intercepts ball at highest point.


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Drill: Backpedal Break

Purpose: To improve a defensive backs coordination with angle breaks and catching the

ball.

Coach

Use desired alignmentDB

Coaching Points: DBs may align with width or head up on coach depending on

preference. Use desired cushion and do drill to right and left. DBs

must catch ball in hands at highest point. Breaks must be sharp

Drill: Route

Purpose: To improve ball skills in combination with route recognition.

Coach

DB DB

Coaching Points: DBs align at desired depth and start pedal on ball movement. On

QBs first command DB stems or opens copying route. When QB

gives direction and begins throwing motion DB executes break tocomplete route. When the ball is thrown the DB intercepts it at the

highest point. Drill can be alternated from right to left DB. Make sure

DBs go in both directions.


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DB Drill Manual Get Drills From Here

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Transcript of DB Drill Manual Get Drills From Here