Skill: Defensive skills
How to: This is a defensive drill that is going to teach you the best way to position yourself when covering receivers. Break off into groups of three—one person is the quarterback, one is the wide receiver, and the other is the defensive back. First, the quarterback and wide receiver will huddle to decide which route to run. Then, they’ll come to the line of scrimmage, where the quarterback will call hike. The wide receiver runs the pre-determined route, while the defensive back tries to deflect the pass. After you’ve completed the drill once, rotate positions.
Tips: Defensive back technique:
• First, you want to get in a good stance – bend your knees and stagger your feet, with your dominate foot in front. You should be five steps off from the WR and one step to the inside.
• At hike, begin backpedaling. Stay low, lean slightly forward with your chin over your toes, and use your arms to drive momentum and speed. It’s important to backpedal so that you can keep your eyes on the WR, QB, and ball all at the same time.
• When the WR begins to run deep or gets more than 5 to 10 yards away from you, turn and go.
• As you’re running, keep your eyes up and turn your body slightly so that you can follow the path
of the ball.
• When you see the QB begin his or her throwing motion, open your hips and get ready to break
on the ball and intercept the pass.
• More than anything, never let the wide receiver get behind you.
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