VITAL ASPECTS OF CORNERBACK PLAY SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES.

VITAL ASPECTS OF CORNERBACK PLAY

SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

TABLE OF CONTENTS• 1. Defensive Concepts and Defensive Terminology• 2. Qualities of Great Cornerbacks• 3. Responsibilities• 4. Body Position and Movement • 5. Alignment• 6. Keys and Reads• 7. Coverages• 8. Skills• 9. Drills• 10. Appendix

SO MUCH OF WHAT YOU DO PHYSICALLY HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU’VE THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND MENTALLY PREPARED FOR IT.

-Dan Fouts

PREPARATION

Qualities of an Great Cornerbacks

SmartFast PhysicalResilient

Cornerbacks are the best athletes on the field.

Characteristics of Corners

• Movement: be athletic and fast.

• Toughness: mental and physical.

• Physical Toughness: shed blocks, tackle, press man

• Mental Toughness: endure adversity, disappointment, success.

• Concentration: concentration leads to things being done correctly. Be in the correct position, the correct alignment.

Five Phases of Every Defensive Play

Know and understand the call.

Recognize the formation.

Align Properly.

Read your keys.

Execute your responsibility.

Basic Principles of Secondary Play

• Call: a coverage call is made on every play. Adjustments may be made.

• Vison:

• Alignment: positioning is determined by call, formation, down and distance, hash mark, and field position.

• Stance: the best starting body position to enable quick and aggressive reactions.

• Backward Run: the most used fundamental technique executed on the snap of the ball to put you in position to play.

• Playing the football: ability to effectively know where the ball is and to anticipate and react to it.

• Play Recognition: identifying the play (run or pass) by your key.

• Execution: carrying out a defensive assignment to prevent an offensive gain.

GAP RESPONSIBILITIES

BCD A A B C D

PURSUIT Effective pursuit is the result of desire and taking

proper angles to the ball. It can result in great plays for the defense and eliminate big offensive plays. When a gap responsibility is not carried out, great pursuit can make up for individual errors. Great desire is great effort.

PURSUIT: DESIRE AND PROPER ANGLES.

WHAT IS A LOAF? GIVING UP AT ANY POINT DURING A PLAY.

LAYING ON THE GROUND

NOT TURNING AND GOING TO THE BALL.

CHANGE OF SPEED.

GETTING PASSED UP BY ANOTHER PLAYER.

TURNING DOWN A HIT.

ANY LACK OF EFFORT---MENTAL OR PHYSICAL

FOOTWORK AND MOVEMENT FUNDAMENTALS

MOVEMENT

• The most important movement skill of a cornerback is being able to open and run. This is a transition from a backpedal to a crossover run once your cushion has been broken. Being able to turn quickly and efficiently with great body control and pad level is crucial.

WEAVE DRILL

Allow DB to maintain horizontal relationship

Head and Shoulders Stay Square to Target

Inside or Outside Leverage

No Crossover with Feet

Maintain Base with Feet (No Heel Clicks)

Keep Feet Underneath Core

Combine Movements with Weave

Backpedal, Weave, Backpedal

THREE WEAVE DRILL

Receiver Attacks Leverage 3x

Three Different Directions

Elbows Tight

Grab Grass on Angles

Maintain Initial Leverage

Angles to the Ball

• If you can picture the compass while reacting to your respective drops in coverage or breaks on the ball, you will take a straight line route directly to the ball at the correct angle.

Angles to the Ball!NORTH

EASTWEST

SOUTH

NE

SE

NW

SW

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STEMS AND ROUTE ANGLES

A. Dig/Square In B. Slant/Comeback, Out, Curl C. Post D. Post Corner E. Vertical F. Hitch, Curl

A.B.

C.

D. E.F.

DEGREE TREE

TO THE BALL: BACKPEDAL CURL

DB DB

BACKPEDAL

CP: Push DBs off the ball and then bring them back in a straight line.

TO THE BALL: BACKPEDAL OUT/DIG

DB DBCP: Drive steps out of the break and active arm cycle should be emphasized.

TO THE BALL: BACKPEDAL OPEN CURL

DB DB

Open hips.

CP: Push DBs off the ball, open hips away in a straight line, bring them back in that straight line.

Backpedal

AWAY FROM THE BALL: BACKPEDAL ZONE TURN,MAN TURN/HIGH POINT

DB DB

Backpedal

Zone Turn-Open Hips Away

Open Run

CP: Throw ball to the outside. Highpointing the ball is the often the difference between a ball that is caught or a play made by the DB.

SPACING AND FIELD CONCEPTS

DIMENSIONS OF THE PLAYING FIELD

Playing Surface: 53 1/3 yards wide and 100 yards long with two scoring areas---the end zones at each end of the field. The end zones are 10 yards deep.

Hash marks: divide the field into thirds. About 80% of the game is played at the hash marks. The area between the hashes is 13 /13 yards.

Yard line numbers: top of the numbers-9 yards from the sideline (boundary) and bottom of the numbers is 7 yards from the sideline. The middle of the numbers is 8 yards from the sideline.

Offenses use these landmarks to determine their alignments and scheme.

2 0

Fiel

d

Dim

ensi

ons

End

Zone

End Zone

10

9

7

17

13

1/3

17

10

3

Deep Outside 3rdDeep Outside 3rd

Cover 3This a 3 Deep Zone with 5 underneath zones.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

TE

Flat Flat

Curl Hook Curl

COVER THREE DEFINITIONS

HOOK: area 15 yards deep from the center’s head to tight end’s outside leg or the tight slot.

CURL: area 15 yards deep from the tight end’s outside leg to the inside leg of the widest receiver.

FLAT: area 15 yards deep from the receiver’s inside leg to the near sideline (boundary).

DEEP 1/3: area extending from 15 yards deep that divides the field into equal thirds.

SEAM: weakest area of the coverage in Cover 3. Receivers must be rerouted out of this area.

NO COVER ZONE: area extending 5 yards from the LOS; execute drops out of this area; sprint up and make the tackle.

VERTICAL RELEASE: a release straight up the field of 5 yards or more.

OUTSIDE RELEASE: a release away from the core of the formation.

INSIDE RELEASE: a release towards the core of the formation.

NO COVER ZONE 5 YARDS

Underneath Zones

Flat Curl Hook Hook Curl Flat

Deep 1/3

Deep 1/3

Deep Middle

Seam Seam

Line of Scrimmage

NO COVER ZONE

In Cover Three, the seams represent the weakest part of the coverage. The deep seams is the vertical space that the secondary is the farthest from.

C C

FS


Underneath Zones

Field Width: 53 1/3 yards


Deep 1/3

Deep 1/3

Deep Middle

Seam Seam

Line of Scrimmage

NO COVER ZONE

Stretch Principle

• Vertical Stretch

• Horizontal Stretch

Stretch Principle

The stretch principle is the fundamental concept to the passing game. Offenses will stretch the defense vertically or

horizontally in three ways: 1. Formation2. Releases of Receivers3. Complimentary Routes

Return to Table of Contents

AlignmentYou will align at 11 yards in every coverage,

except Cover 5.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WRWR

Cover 3 Alignment

C RG RTLGLT

C

RT

In Cover 3, align on the inside eye of the widest receiver (# 1 receiver at seven yards depth (1 x 7). The inside shade protects against the quick slant. The depth may be adjusted based on personnel. Define and maintain initial leverage. Be aware of route tendencies based on ball position (hash, field.).

Cover 3 Alignment

C RG RTLGLT

C

RT

The purpose of Cover 3 is to protect the deep zones. As we will see later, once we master landmark drops, we will pattern read the routes of receivers.

Cover 4 Alignment

C RG RTLGLT

C

RT

In Cover 4, align on the inside eye of the widest receiver (# 1 receiver at seven yards depth (1 x 7). The inside shade protects against the quick slant. The depth may be adjusted based on personnel. Define and maintain initial leverage. Be aware of route tendencies based on ball position (hash, field.).

Cover 2 AlignmentsCOVER 2-ALIGN HEAD UP AND OUTSIDE SHADE OF # 1 RECEIVER

COVER 2 MAN UNDER-ALIGN HEAD UP INSIDE SHADE OF # 1 RECEIVER

COVER 2 SKY LIGHTNING AND CLOUD

C RG RTLGLT

C

WRWR

Cover AlignmentsAll Cover 2 CoveragesApply the Hash Rule – in all Cover 2s, align no more than 3 yards off of the hash marks.If the ball is on the -LH/RH– Shift to the inside or outside of the hash, but no more than 3 yards off of hash landmark.M – Align just outside of hash marks.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR

WR

FS

Cover AlignmentsAll Cover 2 CoveragesApply the Hash Rule – in all Cover 2s, align no more than 3 yards off of the hash marks.

If the ball is on the -LH/RH– Shift to the inside or outside of the hash, but no more than 3 yards off of hash landmark.M – Align just outside of hash marks.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WRWR

FS

WRWR

Bear AlignmentsYou are man to man with inside leverage on the # 1 receiver to your side.

Slot and Clemson: corners are man to man on the # 1 and # 2 receivers. You are on the same side of the formation.

Slot and Clemson: there is not a receiver split to one side of the formation.

C RG RTLGLT

C

WRWR

C

WRWR

# 1 receiver # 1 receiver

Bear AlignmentsYou are man to man with inside leverage on the # 1 receiver to your side.

Slot and Clemson: corners are man to man on the # 1 and # 2 receivers. You are on the same side of the formation.

Slot and Clemson: there is not a receiver split to one side of the formation. Corner Over.

C RG RTLGLT

C

TE

C

WRWR

# 1 receiver # 2 receiver

WR

No split receiver to this side.

Cover AlignmentsSky/Cloud/Lightning – Communicate rotation of the coverage to the secondary.Align yourself in the correct position to get to your respective rotation coverage.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WRWR

FS

TE

INITIAL KEY AND READ1. Key through End Man on Line of Scrimmage (EMOL) to Quarterback for Run/Pass Read

2. EMOL can be a tight end (TE) or a Tackle (T)

3. Read High Hat or Low Hat by EMOL

4. High Hat = Pass Low Hat = Run

5. Quarterback: 3 Step Drop or 5 Step Drop?

6. Read # 2 receiver, Feel (Periph) # 1

7. Low Hat: Proper Pursuit Angle on Run

8. Must have vision! Do not let your eyes get stuck in the backfield!

TTE

11

QB

CC

READS

PASS

• Read EMOL

• 3 Step or Five Step Drop by QB

• Read # 2, Feel # 1

• Define and maintain leverage.

• Execute pass coverage drops or man techniques.

• Protect against the vertical.

RUN

• Read EMOL

• Low hat/down block: get downhill and stay outside in on the ball.

• Force all traffic inside (fencepost)

• Be sure ball declares (crosses LOS).

• Destroy blocks and keep outside shoulder free.

• Protect vertical first.

• Always outside in on the football!

READS

1. TE or T blocks down

T

1QB

CC

READS

PASS

• Read EMOL

• 3 Step or Five Step Drop by QB

• Read # 2, Feel # 1

• Define and maintain leverage.

• Execute pass coverage drops or man techniques.

• Protect against the vertical.

RUN

• Read EMOL

• Low hat/down block: get downhill and stay outside in on the ball.

• Force all traffic inside (fencepost)

• Be sure ball declares (crosses LOS).

• Destroy blocks andkeep outside shoulder free.

• Protect vertical first.

2

3

1 2

1

Receiver Numbering System

We will identify receivers from the outside to inside on each side of the formation. The widest receiver on each side would be the # 1 receiver. The second widest receiver would be # 2.

1

1

21

3


2

2-3

2-3

11

2


11

2-3

Motion by Slot Changes Receiver Numbering

He becomes # 2, Y becomes # 3


PRE-SNAP MENTAL CHECKLIST1. Know the Down and Distance.

2. Know Field Position and Tendencies from Scouting Report.

3. Recognize the Offensive Formation.

4. Offensive Line: “Heavy” or “Light”?

5. Time on the Clock

PRESNAP WIDE RECEIVER INDICATORS

1. Alignment

2. Split (normal, wide narrow)

3. Is the receiver looking at the sticks?

4. Is the receiver looking up the field and trying to find an aiming point (a route)?

5. Is the receiver looking at a possible blocking assignment?

6. Does the receiver have any mannerisms as he comes to LOS?

PRESNAP QUARTERBACK INDICATORS

1. Does the quarterback delay getting to LOS? (possible quick count)

2. Where is the quarterback looking?

3. Does the quarterback do anything to indicate run or pass (dry his hands, etc.)

WINNING

The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.

-Paul “Bear” Bryant

FIELD DIMENSIONS

Importance of understanding field dimensions and landmarks

Responsibilities are clearly defined.

Defines leverage relative to scheme and call.

Understanding of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of a coverage.

Field dimensions are a constant.

Zones are clearly defined.

Gives true meaning to personnel alignments and positioning.

DEFENSIVE TEACHING PROGRESSION

STANCE

ALIGNMENT

ASSIGNMENT

TECHNIQUE

KEY

READ

BLOCK PROTECTION

BLOCK ESCAPE

PURSUIT

TACKLING

CAUSING TURNOVERS

PREPARATION

• If you are continually developing your skills and refining your approach, then winning will be the final result.

-Bill Walsh

PASS COVERAGE: THREE CATEGORIES

1. Run package: Outside runs, options, and play action. Secondary has support and fill responsibilities.

2. Flow passes: Two backs start in the same direction and the ball is leaving the line of scrimmage.

3. Ball in the pocket with no fakes: Ball has left the LOS with no fakes.

ROUTE FITS: THREE TYPES OF ROUTES

1. QUICK ROUTE• Three Step Game• Out, Hitch, Slant• Read receiver body language at 3 yards

2. INTERMEDIATE ROUTE• Five, Seven Step Game• Dig, Curl• Read receiver body language at 8 yards

3. DEEP ROUTE• Five, Seven Step Game• Fade, Corner, Go, Post• No cut at 10-12, get depth

* Comeback Route

BE GREAT

• Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

• -Theodore Roosevelt

TACKLING COMPONENTS

APPROACH

CONTACT POINT

FOLLOW THROUGH

EYES, SHOULDERS, ARMS, LEGS

PROPER CONTACT PROGRESSION

QUICK HANDS

STRIKE TO LEVERAGE

FLIPPER

PUSH-UP

SIX-INCH PUNCH

TWO-STEP PUNCH

ONE-KNEE DOWN THRUSTS

ACROSS THE BOW

The WVU Box Drill 9

DBBackpedal

CP: DB will chop feet in the middle of cones. Use: open and run, bp, sprint, shuffle to get to each cone. Drill ends with coach tossing the ball in the air. Highpoint the ball.

Box and Break Drill

DB

Backpedal

Foot Fire

SprintBackpedal

Break to Post

CP: Emphasis on low pad level. Throw the ball on each break.

10 yards

CUSHION DRILL

Goal: Turn when Receiver is within 1-3 yards

Maintain Vertical Cushion

Intersect 1/3 of his Body

Make Him Run Up your Back

Transition Tight

Do not give him a path

Transition is Backward

PING PONG DRILL

Opening and Turning

Technique Emphasis, not Speed

Accentuate Movement

Head Should Fall, Not Rise

Throw Elbow Low to Accentuate Transition

Transition in One Step

Down Back, Down Back

RELEASES

Maintain Upfield Shoulder Leverage

Do Not Beat Receiver to the Reception Point

Intersect 1/2 to 1/3 of Body

Do Not Break Too Far Ahead (or Behind)

Drive to Low Shoulder if you Have Help Over the Top

Maintain Vertical Leverage without Help

COACHING POINTS

Maintain Relationship on Route

Protect on Double Moves

No Overbreak to Outside

SKATE TECHNIQUE

Vertical Shuffle, Wider Base

Protect 3-step in 1st 3 Steps

Feet Under, Accelerate on Drive

Transition to Crossover Run

Protect the Vertical

PRESS MAN COVERAGE

MIRROR DRILL

Mirror, No Hands

Shut Off Receiver from Getting Vertical

Burn Eyes on Hips

Put Body in way of Receiver

MIRROR WITH HANDS

Hands on Numbers

Thumbs Up

Punch with Near Hand

Quick Jab, Bring it Back

Not Long or Down from Shoulders

WIDE RELEASE (FADE)

Jab, Bring Hips, Create Momentum

Don’t Chase, Intersect Vertically

Stay Square; Shut Off with Feet

Not a Chase to Sideline

Where does Charles Woodson have his eye placement versus Larry Fitzgerald?

INSIDE RELEASE

Outside then Inside Release

Recover with Opposite Hand

Grind Receiver Down

Outside Fake then Inside

Recover

Use Speed Turn to Get Out of Trouble

Inside Hip Open

Speed Turn: Protect Yourself Vertically

DEEP BALL DRILL

Create Confidence in Reaction Aspect

Don’t Look Back in Open Space

Stay Vertical with Receiver

Look for Indicators (Eyes, Hands)

Eyes Flash, Big Hands

Attack High Point, Attack Upfield Shoulder

TACKLING

Roll off front foot

Siamese arms and pinkies

Eyes to the sky

Low pad level

Run feet

Grab cloth

Explode the hands through the armpits

Roll hips

Explosive movement

Holster, Shimmy, Hit

HIGH POINT DRILL

Catch with extended arms

Reach and attack the football

Create first access to the football

Reach and attack at its highest point

Use man turn drill

Boundary---look up for the ball

Field---attack receiver’s hands

QB INDICATOR DRILLS

Read the quarterback

Direction and depth

Front shoulder, long arm action

Break on the long hand action

Force weave on direction

Move with the shoulders

High launch, low launch

Don’t break on the pump

High launch---break back

LOW LAUNCH

WR has first access to football

We have depth

Intersect wide receiver, great collision

Ball insignificant, but receiver is

Rip up through the receiver

QB shoulders down (indicator)

BALL DRILLS

Rake drill

Upfield shoulder

45 degrees

Receiver has first access to football

Rake upfield arm down + away from the ball

Bat Drill

DB on low shoulder

Reach in near arm

Hand must come down to get ball on ground

Back hand secures

Hand has to come down, not just intersect

Get great break on ball

INSIDE RELEASE

Outside then Inside Release

Recover with Opposite Hand

Grind Receiver Down

Outside Fake then Inside

Recover

Use Speed Turn to Get Out of Trouble

Inside Hip Open

Speed Turn: Protect Yourself Vertically

DEEP BALL DRILL

Create Confidence in Reaction Aspect

Don’t Look Back in Open Space

Stay Vertical with Receiver

Look for Indicators (Eyes, Hands)

Eyes Flash, Big Hands

Attack High Point, Attack Upfield Shoulder

BLOCK DESTRUCTION PROGRESSION

Explode hands to numbers

Thumbs up, use heels

Stalk

On knees

Hand placement, aiming point inside

Hand placement

Drive feet (wide)

Good balance

Explode through bag

Good habits

Establish confidence to explode through a target

HAND COMBAT

Man with hands inside wins

Fit hands; establish leverage

Slap, rip, break hands down; violent

Create hand placement and sense of urgency

Man vs. Free vs. Zone

• ManCover 5 – Lock on to #1

receiver unless game plan changes that.

• FreeCover 1- # 1 ReceiverCover 2 Man under - # 1

Receiver

• Bear Slot and Clemson: Corner over on # 2

• ZoneCover 2 Sky – Deep Outside 1/3Cover 2 Cloud – FlatCover 2 Lightning – Deep Outside 1/3Cover 2 – FlatCover 3 – Deep Outside 1/3Cover 4 – Deep Outside 1/4

Cover 5 We are matched up man to man with no help over top. We

most likely are blitzing. You need to lock down your receiver for 4 seconds!

You will lock on to the #1 receiver. Take away his inside and force him to release outside.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WRWR

TE

WR

CB CB

Cover 1You are man to man with # 1 receiver. Deny inside release.

Most dangerous route is the fade. Stay in phase---no more than an arm length behind receiver. Read receiver indicators.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WRWR

TE

WR

CB HCBL

Cover 2 Man UnderCover 2 Man Under: Man to Man on # 1 Receiver. Deny inside release.

Protect vertical. Most dangerous route is the fade. Read receiver indicators.

C RG RTLGLT

C

WR WR

WR

Cover 2 Man UnderGain depth and help over top of deep threats or mismatches.

Break up on the ball as you read the QB’s release.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

Deep Outside 3rdDeep Outside 3rd

Cover 3This a 3 Deep Zone with 5 underneath zones.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

TE

Flat Flat

Curl Hook Curl

Cover 3You have the deep outside third.Read your key to adjust your alignment.Read # 2 and feel # 1. (periph).Be aware of ball location (on hash, field).

C RG RTLGLT

C

TEWR


Underneath Zones

COVER 4


Deep 1/4

Deep 1/4

Deep 1/4

SeamSeam

Line of Scrimmage

NO COVER ZONE

You have deep outside quarter. Read EMOL key. Gain depth. Identify threats. Communicate with LBs and secondary players changing zones. Maintain initial leverage; break on long arm action of the quarterback. Remember the seams are the weakest part of this coverage.

Deep 1/4

Read EMOL

In Cover 4, we will have 4 deep quarter zones and 3 underneath zones.

Cover 2 ZonesWe disguise a Cover 3 Zone coverage with a Cover 2 shell.Sky –Corner has deep outside third. Cloud – CB rotates up to the Flat, FS covers deep outside or middle

thirdLightning – LB rotates to the Flat, FS sits on the Hook/Curl, CB has

deep outside third.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

H

WR

CBCB

Deep Outside 3rd

Flat

Deep Middle 3rd Deep Outside 3rd

Hook/Curl

Cover 2 Zones

Hook/Curl

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

H

WR

CBCB

FlatCollision, Funnel, Gain Depth. Protect the safeties.

Cover 2 ZonesWe will rotate to the strength of the formation.

If balanced, we will rotate to game plan determined tendencies, which could be QB’s arm strength or the field.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

H

WR

CBCB

Cover 2 Zone SkySafety has the flat zone. (Sky – stands for Safety.) You have the

deep third.Read the EMOL, recognize threats, get depth. Protect against vertical.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

C

CB covers Flat

Cover 2 Zone CloudYou will have the Flat Zone. Adjust your angle (width and depth) according

to ball location. Free Safety has the deep 1/3. Anticipate complimentary routes.

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

C

Cover 2 Zone LightningYou will have the Deep 1/3. (Lightning– stands for LB covering Flat.)Read your EMOL Key and gain depth. Adjust initial leverage.Recognize threats.

C RG RTLGLTWR WR

WR

CB

Cover 2 ZoneYou will have the flat in Cover 2.Collision, funnel, and sink. Gain depth. Protect the hash safety.Weakest spot of coverage is the hole behind you.

C RG RTLGLT

C

WR WR

WR

HOLE

Deep Outside 3rd

Flat Flat

Deep Middle 3rd Deep Outside 3rd

Hook/Curl

Cover 2 Zones

Hook/Curl

C RG RTLGLT

FS

WR WR

WR

H

WR

CBCB

PURPOSE OF MAN COVERAGE

To cover the receiver.

To prevent the completion.

To make an interception.

To strip the ball or make the tackle immediately if there is a completion.

MAN COVERAGE: POINTS OF EMPHASIS

EYES, EYES, EYES! ZONE-BALL IS FOCUS; MAN-RECEIVER IS THE FOCUS

NEVER GET BEAT BY ALIGNMENT. NO TWO WAY GOS.

KEEP EYES ON RECEIVER THROUGH THE BREAK POINT.

NEVER LOOK BACK TO BALL UNTIL YOU HAVE WR UNDER CONTROL.

KEEP THE FEET TIGHT.

KEEP SHOULDERS LOW.

BIG PLAYS COME ON THE SLANT OR POST!

MAKE THE BALL GO THROUGH THE DEFENDER TO GET TO WR

KEY QUESTIONS IN MAN COVERAGE

What are the abilities of the receivers? Who are their two best receivers?

What ability do they have to get open in addition to their speed?

Who are our best cover personnel?

What kind of pressure tie-ins do we have with man coverage? What is their protection scheme?

Are there hot schemes? Is there a hot receiver?

MAN COVERAGE: TEACHING COMPONENTS AND TERMINOLOGY

PRESS MAN Stance Stagger Shadow Hands/Active Fingers Reading Receiver Declares Release MDR: fade, slant Open Step Low Elbow Stab/Stab Arm Opposite Hook and Wedge In Phase/Out of Phase Force Width Finish Become WR Trail Technique

OFF MAN Eyes Shoulders/Weight/Feet Bubble Key Cushion Inside/Outside Wide Feet/Tight Feet Ball Go Through You Peripheral Vision Three Step Drop Quick Set/Quick Throw Clue QB All Dead Key

OFF MAN COVERAGE DRILLS

Dead Key

Weave Dead Key

Settle and Break

Turn and Run

Catch

Route Fits (Programmed)

Route Fits (Random)

Route Fits with QB

• R1 R2 R3 R4

• DB DB DB DB

4 yards

DRILL ORGANIZATION

OFF MAN VISION: DEAD KEY/DEAD KEY RECEIVER

C SC

S

Dead Key Dead Key Receiver

CP: Dead key WR if he is close to QB; Clue WR for wide split.

OFF MAN DRILLS: WEAVE DEAD KEY

R

DB

CP: R take two steps straight ahead, then weave to right or left. Do not allow R to get nose up---two way go. Maintain leverage. Backpedal with low pad level, do not cross over.

OFF MAN DRILLS: DEAD KEY

R

DB

CP: R go half speed. Keep at least two yard cushion with shoulders square. Work four at a time.

4 ya

rds

OFF MAN DRILLS: SETTLE AND BREAK

R

DB

CP: R settle as if they are going to break. Go half speed. Shoulders come down, belt buckle square. Exaggerate. DB maintain cushion, backpedal and settle. Keep feet active. Settle to get ready to transition.

OFF MAN DRILLS: TURN AND RUN

R

DB

CP: R crosses face. Turn and hook the hip. Takeaway inside of body. Work both sides. Lean him into the boundary.

4 ya

rds

OFF MAN DRILLS: MUSH

R

DB

CP: R breaks cushion. Runs up on toes of DB. DB feels he is beat. Catch and mush the R. Keep feet moving on the mush.

Catch/Mush

4 ya

rds

PRESS MAN DRILLS

SHADOW

BASKETBALL CUTOFF

HOOK AND WEDGE TO FADE

QUICK TURN

PUSH-OFF DRILL

COMBAT DRILL

QUICK-JAM BAG DRILL

QUICK-JAM COVER 2

4 x 4 DRILL

ROUTES

UNIVERSAL ROUTES

INFORMATION•Maintain vertical leverage

in deep zone

• Don’t bite on hitch

•Anticipate complimentary route

• Read # 2

• Intercept ball at highest point

Smash


in deep zone

•Maintain outside leverage

• Anticipate double move

Out and Up


in deep zone

• Stay between the two verticals

• Break on long arm action of QB


Two Verticals in Zone

INFORMATION• RAP

• Don’t lose leverage on play pass

• Maintain vertical leverage.

• Break on the long arm action of QB

• Intercept the ball at highest point

Run Action Pass


in deep zone


• Read # 2

• Make IN call

Y Smash, In Call


in deep zone

•Anticipate complimentary routes

• Read # 2

• Make IN call


Counter Read/RAP


in deep third.

• Keep leverage on the double move.

• Fit the hitch on the outside shoulder.

Double Move


in deep zone.

• There is help underneath on slant

• Stop the wheel route.

Wheel

INFORMATION• Alert S with “In, In, In!”

call

•Maintain vertical leverage on #2.

•Anticipate complimentary route.

Divide


in deep zone


• Don’t bite on short route

RAP/Spacing/Motion


in deep zone

• Don’t bite on hitch


• Read # 2


Smash


in deep zone

•Maintain outside leverage

• Anticipate double move

Out and Up


in deep zone

• Stay between the two verticals



Two Verticals in Zone