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Photo by Ronald Martinez Getty Images |
Defensive backs who make great interceptions do so not because of blind luck but because of hard work, hours of studying the opponent so that they mentally can see the pass before it ever is thrown, and correctly playing the defense called. More often than not, when a player returns to the sideline after making an interception, the first words he says are, "I knew he was going to throw the pass in my direction." Interceptions, like any great plays in a football game, are the result of careful planning, dedication to detail, and an intense desire by the player to make a significant contribution to his team's chances for victory.
The defensive backs line up 20 yards away from, and facing, the coach. When the coach raises the ball to a throwing position, the defensive back who is first in line steps in the direction that the coach is going to throw the pass. As the coach takes his steps and throws, the defensive back rolls over his foot in that direction, and starts funning that way while coming at a forward angle toward the ball.
If the defensive back sees that the pass is going to be caught at his chest or lower, he must cup his hands, palms up, with his little fingers touching, ready to receive the ball.
On any high pass, emphasis also must be placed on the defensive back leaping to catch the ball at its highest possible point rather than waiting for it to come down.
Most defensive backs never are directly in front of a quarterback during a game. In this interception drill they actually see the ball coming at the same angles as they will in game situations.
Often players will make an interception with ease during practice when there is no possible chance for a collision, but they will shy away if there is a possibility of contact. Contact is likely to occur in a game, so it is important to run this type of drill to allow the defensive backs an opportunity to become accustomed to making an interception with people around them. If one player in the two-man drill sees that he is going to make the interception easily, he should start yelling, "I have it, I have it," so that his teammate does not run into him, causing him to drop the ball.
Drill: Over-the-Head Interceptions
One at a time, the defensive backs line up five yards directly in front of the coach, facing down the field. When the coach yells "Hit!," each player begins running down the field away from the coach. After the defensive back has run five yards, the coach lobs the ball over the player's head. As the player runs, he should lean his head back as far as possible and attempt to see the ball as it starts its downward path. When he locates the ball, the defensive back should raise both arms upward, his hands forming a cup, little fingers together, palms up, and wrists cocked.
Drill: Tipped Passes
To set up the drill to simulate tipped balls, have the players line up, single-file facing the coach. When the coach raises the ball, the first defensive back starts toward the coach with the second man in line following directly behind him. The coach then throws a high, easy pass to the front man, who tips the ball into the air rather than catching it. The trailing defensive back then must adjust his path and do everything he can to intercept. If the ball is tipped high into the air and the defensive back easily can run under it, he should not forget to jump up to make the interception, always trying to catch the ball at the highest possible point.
- To intercept pass at numbers or below, hold hands with little fingers together.
- To intercept pass at numbers or above, hold hands with thumbs together; cock wrists back.
- To intercept pass over shoulder or head, reach for ball with little fingers held together; look ball into hands.
- Call for interceptions to avoid collision with teammates.
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Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.
For a defensive back, there is no greater thrill than intercepting an opponent's pass, then avoiding the offensive players who are trying to tackle him, and returning the ball for a touchdown. An interception by a defensive back can cause a shift in momentum of the game, giving a tremendous boost to the intercepting team.
The defensive back must keep his eyes focused on the ball as it approaches him, bringing his hands into a position so he can see his fingers and watch the ball all the way into his hands. He must not look downfield or think about running the interception back for a touchdown.
Drill: Angle Interceptions
All the important techniques that were emphasized and taught concerning the proper way to catch the ball should continue to be reinforced during this drill.
When making this type of catch, the defensive back must bring his hands high enough so he can see the ball and his hands at the same time as the interception is made. Without running this type of drill, most players will keep their hands at chest level, will never see their hands near the ball, and will lose an opportunity to make an interception because they are unable to watch the ball all the way into their hands.
Winning Points
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Drill: Straight-Ahead Interceptions
This drill is run the same as the previous one except that the players spread across the field so they are in positions similar to those they will be in during an actual game. When initially running the drill, the coach should designate only the one player to try to make the interception. After the players become accustomed to the drill, the coach may activate two adjacent players to see which of them actually get to the ball.
Many times during the course of a game, defensive backs will have the opportunity to catch a pass that has been touched, tipped, or somehow deflected by either another defensive player or by an offensive receiver. These balls will not come on a level path but usually will be knocked high into the air, thus diminishing the original velocity of the pass. Often players will have to make diving catches when making this type of interception, catching the ball just before it hits the ground.
Interceptions
Occasionally during a game, a defensive back has an opportunity to make a difficult interception--when he has to catch a ball coming directly over his head as he is running toward his own goal line. To prepare for this situation, it is important for the defensive backs to practice this type of catch and to learn the proper technique to use in making the interception.
If the pass is at shoulder level or above, the defensive back then must cup his hands, cock his wrists so that his palms are slightly up, but now have his thumbs, rather than his little fingers, touching. Many high passes that should be intercepted are not caught because the defensive back has not cocked his wrists, and his palms are not up but actually are facing the ground. Instead of catching the ball, the defensive back deflects it to the ground; a big play is lost for his team.
"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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