- Desire to compete and finish the play.
- Stays mentally and physically tough on every snap.
- Always tries to perfect his technique.
- Realizes he must be an effective and aggressive tackler and recognizes the importance of not missing tackles.
- Never panics when things seem out of control.
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Every great DB has the following traits:
The following four steps will get you started:
The defender should lean forward, have a slight bend at the waist and knees, bring his outside foot forward, a heel-toe relationship, until it lines up directly under the chin and his body weight should be on his front foot.
The defensive back must start in a stance in which he aligns himself outside or inside of the wideout. His depth must be determined by the type of coverage he is required to play.
The purpose of the back pedal is to coordinate proper body alignment and footwork so that it becomes second nature. The DB's stance is very important before he begins to back pedal. Before pushing off his front foot, the DB should take his initial read to allow him to read run or pass.
3. Tackling
- Keep your eyes open and look through the ball carriers numbers.
- Bull your neck, arch your back and stay square to the ball carrier. Do not hit or tackle with the top of your head.
- Keep your feet alive and accelerate your feet and club up through with your arms on contact. Squeeze as tight as possible (wrap arms, grab cloth) and drive the ball carrier back.
- Always bring your feet to the ball carrier. Do not lunge.
- Do not dive unless going over a man to make the tackler or as a last resort.
- Gather feet and momentum slightly before making a tackle.
- Use the sideline if possible.
- Keep proper pursuit position.
- Eliminate cutback.
- Tackle high, do not lunge or dive.
- Keep body and feet square throughout approach and tackle.
There are two types of preparation: physical and mental. To be physically prepared, you must maintain top physical condition throughout the year. To be mentally prepared, you must study the opponent. Film study involves examining personnel, formations, the down and distance and field positions. All of these are indicators which will allow you to know the situation of the game, and thereby eliminate the potential for mental errors.
Below are some things to look for while studying film:
A. What type of release and stem is the receiver trying to run?
B. What type of false movements does he make (head fakes, stutter steps, arm movement, body leans, etc.)?
*Studying both of these will help you determine the type of route (long or short, inside or outside) the receiver is going to run.
C. What type of receiver are you facing (speedster or possession type)?
*Knowing this will help you determine how you should play against him.
D. Is he a tough and physical receiver or can he be easily intimidated?
E. What are his favorite patterns (most frequently run patterns)?
F. How effective is he versus bump and off coverage?
*Knowing these three things will help you determine what type of coverage is best suited to play against him.
G. What are his favorite routes in the red zone?
H. Is he a primary receiver on 3rd down?
I. What kind of runner is he after he catches the ball?
J. Does he carry the ball loosely after he makes the catch?
A. What type of arm strength does the QB have?
B. Is he accurate? Does pressure affect him?
C. What are his favorite routes?
D. Will he look you off before he throws?
E. Will he run with the ball? In what situations?
F. Does he have problems when coverages are disguised on him?
Secondary Play
The best way to develop these traits is to become a practice player that is always willing to learn and be coached. Paying attention to the details of the position provides the best opportunity to play with confidence and aggressiveness.
His arms should hang down in a relaxed manner, and his head should be titled slightly to the inside so that he can use his vision to see the wideout and the quarterback.
After he has read pass, he must start to pedal by taking short steps backwards. The DB's shoulder should slowly and naturally rise, keeping his shoulders slightly in front of his hips. The DB must learn to change direction or angles with proper foot work and not cross his feet or be forced out of his back pedal too soon. Once he starts his pedal his arms should be relaxed and swing in a normal motion. If the DB is forced to speed up his feet while in the coverage, he is to continue to relax his arms and let them swing naturally. It is important for the DB to keep his shoulders square so that he can keep his coverage position on the receiver based on the coverage called. The DB must use the proper shade which can be determined by the alignment of the receiver.
Open field tackling tips:
However, the study of individual receivers is equally important. Studying the quarterback is also very valuable.
Studying the quarterback - things to look for:
A defensive back's life is filled with lots of challenges. Keeping that in mind, he must learn to control his emotions no matter what type of situation he is faced with during the game. A defensive back is constantly expected to compensate for the mistakes of others, yet he must be awarded that there is no one to cover for him.
2. Back Pedal
4. Preparation
Herman Edwards was recently named head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Edwards had previously been head coach of the New York Jets from 2001-05. Before that, Edwards had served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and San Jose State University.
A good tackler must have a good base and balance, and should follow these tips:
1. Proper Stance and Alignment
Studying the receiver - things to look for:
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