_____________________________________________________________________ DEFENSIVE BACKS __________________________________________________________________ DEFENSIVE BACKS A defensive back’s life is filled with pressure – one mistake can result in a game breaking score for the opponent. A missed tackle by a defensive lineman can be covered up by a linebacker or defensive back, and a pass coverage blown by a linebacker often will be picked up by a defensive back, but the defensive back is on his own. As the last line of defense, the defensive back is expected to compensate for the mistakes of others, constantly being aware there is no one on the field to cover for him. Prerequisites for a great defensive back includes great speed, perfect body control, toughness to stop the run, great hands, and most importantly confidence. Defensive backs must have an “I DARE YOU” attitude. One of the most important traits of any good defensive back is his intense desire to compete. Poor defensive backs enter a game fearing the ball will be thrown there way. Great defensive backs hope that every pass will be thrown there way. They long to test and re-test their abilities. The better the offense they will face, the more emotional they are in preparing for the game. In order to develop this necessary attitude, a good defensive back must be dedicated student of the game. He must continually practice and develop the physical skills he needs to accomplish his job. He also must understand all the coverage’s he will use and study the tendencies of the team he will face. He must be familiar not only with the movement and style of the man he expects to cover most often, but also with other receivers he might occasionally face in the game. While sure aggressive tackling is important, a good defensive back must understand that he can’t miss any tackle. Sometimes he must sacrifice a hard hit for a game-saving shove out of bounds. He also must take the knowledge that an incomplete pass – A pass deflected or knocked down – is the same as a running play stopped for no gain, and balance it with knowledge that making an interception often can be the spark that ignites his team. In other words, he must know when to lay back and when to take his shot. Good judgment is critical. STANCE BACKPEDAL • Balance stance • Outside foot forward • Feet staggered, heel to toe or heel to instep relationship • Feet positioned slightly less than shoulder width apart • Arms hanging loosely with hands positioned in front of knees • Bend at the knees and waist with hips positioned underneath shoulders • Flat back with slight arch in the upper and lower region • Eyes focused on the quarterback • Head set in a stationary level position • Relaxed and comfortable PRESS, BUMP AND BAIL • Balanced stance • Inside foot forward • Feet staggered, heel to toe or heel to instep relationship • Feet positioned slightly less than shoulder width apart • Arms cocked with hands in a ready position • Bend at the knees and waist with hips positioned underneath shoulders • Flat back with slight arch in the upper and lower region • Eyes focused on the receiver’s outside belt loop • Head set in a stationary level position • Gravity centered on the balls of the inside foot • Relaxed and comfortable PRESS 1. ALIGNMENT - Minimum depth off LOS. Corners outside eye to WR’s inside eye. 2. STANCE – Feet staggered with inside foot up, slight bend in knees and waist dropping to ¾ of his original height. Head, knees and inside toe should be in line. Hands are cocked in a threatening position. 3. KEY – Outside hip. 4. RUN RESPONSIBILITY – Primary- none/ Secondary- Late Leverage save TD. 5. PASS RESPONSIBILITY – Man PURPOSE: To eliminate the quick throw by alignment. To keep top shoulder free for defending the vertical route and throw. COACHING POINTS: Press Technique will primarily be used from the 10 yard line out. Executed correctly it puts the defender in position to play the short passing game, yet is very sound versus the vertical route and throw. The versatility of this technique comes from the mirrored step and opposite hand punch. By opening roughly 33° in the direction of the WR’s release and punching with the opposite hand, allows the top shoulder to remain free. If the top shoulder remains free, dominant position on the vertical released is secured. Bottom line though, is that Press is a Man Technique. The WR should be covered anywhere and everywhere. EYES WILL LOCK ON AND STAY LOCKED ON! BUMP 1. ALIGNMENT - Minimum depth off LOS. Corners outside eye to WR’s inside eye. 2. STANCE – Feet staggered with inside foot up, slight bend in knees and waist dropping to ¾ of his original height. Head, knees and inside toe should be in line. Hands are cocked in a threatening position. 3. KEY – Outside hip. 4. RUN RESPONSIBILITY – Primary- none/ Secondary- Late Leverage save TD. 5. PASS RESPONSIBILITY – Man PURPOSE: To drastically alter the receivers route. To disrupt the QB – WR timing. To force the vertical route on the goaline where the field is condensed. COACHING POINTS: Bump Technique will primarily be used from the 10 yard line in. Executed correctly bump will eliminate the short passing game forcing the vertical route and throw into the condensed field where a perfect throw and catch is the only chance for the offensive success. Bump Technique is controlled aggression. It allows the defender to attack rather than react. There is little time for reaction in goaline situations. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A RECEIVER RELEASE WITHOUT HAVING TO DEFEND HIMSELF! BAIL 1. ALIGNMENT - Minimum depth off LOS. Corners outside eye to WR’s inside eye. 2. STANCE – Feet staggered with inside foot up, slight bend in knees and waist dropping to ¾ of his original height. Head, knees and inside toe should be in line. Hands are cocked in a threatening position. 3. KEY – QB - 1 - 2 4. RUN RESPONSIBILITY – Primary- none/ Secondary- Late Leverage save TD. 5. PASS RESPONSIBILITY – Zone PURPOSE: To create a false read To force the vertical route COACHING POINTS: Bail Technique will be used from the 10 yard line out. Executed correctly bail will eliminate the short passing game by alignment forcing the vertical routes. On the snap turn 180° and bail to the deep third. Keep inside leverage of the WR and expect the deep ball. Bail Technique is designed to give the offense a false read. It allows the defender to play for the deep ball. DO NOT SHOW IT TO EARLY AND MAKE THE PLAY! RUN SUPPORT TECHNIQUES & RESPONSIBILITY FORCE: Applies to the corner who is responsible for meeting the perimeter run aggressively on or behind the line of scrimmage. He is responsible for turning the play inside while constricting the cutback lane. He cannot get reached, hooked or blocked. He must keep his outside arm free. SECONDARY FORCE: Applies to corner who is responsible for turning an offensive play inside if the primary force has been broken down. He will normally have deep pass responsibility. Secondary force is executed once all thread of pass is eliminated. FOLD: Applies to corner away from flow who will take an approach to the ball which will never allow the ball carrier to cross his face. SAVE TD: Applies to corner away from flow who is responsible for stopping the touchdown. This is done by taking an angle to the ball that will stop the TD and at the same time, not allow the ball carrier to cut back, reverse or cross his face. .