Defensive Back Drills

DB Drill Library1Stance & Position 19DB Tackle Box Drill2 In Phase & Out of Phase 20Twilight Zone Drill390 Degree Drill 21Perfect Position Man Drill4Back Peddle Drill 22Crack & Replace Drill5Tip Drill 23Shrug, Read & React Drill6Gopher Plant & Drive Drill 24DB Shimmy Tackle Drill7Catch & Strip Drill 25Reach, Chase & Punch Drill8Weave Drill 26Temp Line Drill9Gang Up Drill 27Whip Route Defense

10Stalk Drill 28DB Box Drill11Deep Ball Drill 29Shuffle, Turn & Watch 12Ball Angle Drill 30Race Drill 13Back Peddle, Shuffle & Break Drill 31Route Identification Drill14Distraction Drill 3215Zone & Pass Zone Numbers 3316Stretch & Break Drill 3417Triangulating of Safeties 35 18Space Needle Cone Drill 36

Stance, Position, Keys & BPStance (Staggered)-Inside foot is up, outside is back-Shoulder over toes-Comfort is importantStance (Balance)-Feet shoulder width apart-1st Step 4”-6” w/lead step-Shoulders over toes-Keep center of gravityRegular Keys-Defensive backs aligned on WR’s should focus on the WR’s as they take their first few steps, then pick up QB.Back Peddling-Good body position is required. -Hips and upper torso should be forward of the ankle joint. “Shoulders of toes.”-The DB should reach for distance with his backward steps. Stride out and back!-Difficulty occurs when the “body lean” becomes either too straight or backward.

#1

Note: The Stance should be slightly more narrow than shoulder width. Feet should be in toe-to-instep relationship. Inside foot back.

In Phase and Out of PhaseIn Phase: This is when the DB is in close proximity to the receiver. He is in phase when he can reach the receivers hip. You can still make a place on the ball.

Procedure: Stay on hip and play the man tell the ball shows.

Out of Phase: This is when the DB is not in close proximity to the receiver. He is out and front and you are beat.

Procedure: Watch the receivers hands and when they go up rake down across. Stay with them and play physical.

#2

90 Degree Break Drill

#3

90 Degree Break Drill

Explanation: the 90 degree and break drill teachers our DB’s to shuffle and back pedal.Note: Disc cones work best.Coach: Stand outside of cone path.Technique: Shuffle is wide base with peck on quad. Feet do not click or cross over.1. Back pedal is shoulders over toes.2. Break on ball when QB (Coach) pulls the

pin.3. Catch ball at its highest point. 4. Return ball to near sideline with the ball in

the outside hand.End: Return ball to coach and get back in line. DB

Coach

DBDB

“Back Pedal”

“Shuffle”

“Break to ball”

Back Peddle Drill

#4

Back Peddle Drill

Explanation: Working the back pedal.Note: React on coaches command.Coach: Be definitive in movement.Technique: From good position & knees bent at 45 degree angle.1. Head up, back straight and hanging loose in

your front body.2. Weight on the balls of your feet.3. Shoulders over toes.4. Good arm churn.5. Push off of the staged front foot.End: Alternate lines.

DB DB

“Back Pedal10 Yards”

Coach

Back Pedal, Shuffle & Break Drill

#5

Back Pedal, Shuffle & Break Drill

Explanation: Breaking on ball in air after movement.Note: Be definitive in movement.Coach: Stand at centerline of cones.Technique: Catch ball at its highest point. Near sideline and outside hand.1. From the back pedal go into a shuffle for two

to three steps to get knees turned in order to be able to run with opponent.

2. Turn both feet at 45 degree angle to the inside and go into shuffle.

3. DB breaks on the ball when coach puts ball into air.

4. Start break on QB (Coach) pulling the pin.End: Return ball to coach and get back in line.

DBCoach

“Shuffle”

“Break”

“Thr

ow”

Gopher Plant & Drive Drill

#6

Gopher Plant & Drive Drill

Explanation: The M-Drill teaches breaking towards the line of scrimmage from a back peddle. Note: Form a single line on the sideline.1. 1st man in the line begins the drill be pack

peddling. 2. At the next 5 yard stripe plant the foot away

from the way you are going and break back up.Coach:Technique: Stay low in the back pedal, feet no wider than frame. Shoulders over toes in BP.End: Coach can start and stop.

DBCoach

Catch & Strip Drill

#7

Catch & Strip Drill

Explanation: Strip the catch hand helps the DB concentrate on the ball to force the TO/Incompletion. Drill: After catch the DB will strip the ball.1. As the DB covers the WR he wants to take

his hand & arm over the top of the furthers should.

2. Club down on the receivers hand.3. DB’s inside arm and hand will attack the

near arm of the WR. Attempting to keep the WR’s from using it to help catch the ball.

Coach: Can throw or get QB.Technique: Club over the far shoulder attacking the catch hand.End: Offense, defense & out.

“Club over hands, Outside hand”

Coach

WK

WK

Start on whistle

Weave Drill

#8

Weave Drill

Explanation: Weave drill is a reaction drill conducted by the coach.Drill: On command by the coach w/the FB in his hand. Be definitive with ball and shoulders.1. Move side to side as directed by the coach.2. When the coach “pulls the pin” break on

the ball.3. DB must keep head up and eyes on coach.Coach: Direct DB.Technique: Pass! Ball! OSGI!!! Near sideline with ball in outside arm.End: Return ball to coach or feeder.

DBCoach

“Turn and run to ball”

“Back pedal”

DBDB

“Thr

ow”

Gang Up Drill

#9

Gang Up Drill

Explanation: DB run recognition and fitsNote: Lanes and fits of the DB’sCoach: Direct rotations of O/D.Drill: We can use any backfield set1. The QB and the backfield can make

any movement run any run scheme2. On the snap, the secondary takes

their usual steps3. The DB’s should locate the ball and

take their run fit paths4. The DB should pursuit and tackle the

ball with good angles and fitsEnd: Players should be in groups and take 2-3 reps at a time. Work with the group that you play with. Coach

L.O.S

BAG

BAG

BAG

FS 10-12CB 8-10

CB CBFS

Stalk Drill

#10

Stalk Drill

Explanation: Beating the stalk block.Drill: Use cones to make a 5x5 box.Note: Have RB 8-10 yards away from box.1. Have RB cut inside, outside as long as they stay in

the box. (start from 4 Point and progress to 2 point) Press, shrug and separate.

2. On command, the DB attacks the block of the WR.3. DB approaches square, with lower pad level than

the WR and his hands inside.4. The DB’s hands should strike the breast pad of the

WR violently while hitting at an angle up, knocking the WR into an upright position.

5. Can add tackle to drill w/shrug, press and tackle!Coach: Direct start of drill w/cure.Technique: The DB must overall win the battle!End: Offense, defense & out.

DBCoach

WR

RB

Deep Ball DrillDeep Ball Drill

1. On command the WR runs a vertical route and the DB attempts to mirror the WR.

2. The QB throws the ball 25-35 yards downfield within six-seven yards from the sideline over the WRs outside shoulder.

3. The DB will get to a position close enough to touch the WR. The DB will keep his focus on the WRs eyes.

4. When the WR turns to look for the ball, the DB will turn to look. The DB will look up for the ball, trying to keep his hips and shoulders square in an effort not to slow down. In this drawing… Guide with left hand and block ball with right.

5. Any contact made with the WR must be made while looking for the ball and trying not to draw a penalty.

6. The ball should be intercepted at a high point or deflected with the inside arm. Catch the ball at highest point.

7. The DB must stay in phase with the WR until the ball is defended.

#11

Ball Angle DrillsBall Angle Drills

Explanation : Breaking on route and ball.Note: Have a single file line of DB’s standing about 10-20 yards away facing the coach.1. On command sprint towards coach and break on

one of a variety of angles. (straight, 90 or 45)Coach: Coach throws ball as a lead with designation.Technique: Use different route anglers. Start with

shuffle, turn cross-over and run!2. Straight 3. 45 to called side4. 90 to called sideEnd: Return ball to coach & get back in line.

“Coach can throw ball at different commended breaks.”

#12Coach

DB

DB

DB

Tip DrillTip Drill

Explanation: Catching the ball off of a tip.Note: Have a single file line of DB’s standing about 10-20 yards away facing the coach.1. On command one sprints out with one trailing

behind.2. First DB tips ball high in the air and second catches it. Coach: Work the clock on throws.Technique: Look to punch it high and make sure it is count with hands at its highest point. End: Return balls to coaches side. Feed will really help.

#13

DB

Coach

DBDB

Distraction Drill

DBDB

Ball Distraction

1. Have two equal lines of DBs

2. Player under runs straight and waves hands up in order to distract DB on top line from catching the ball.

3. DB on top run straight and catch ball. Ignore the distraction.

4. Coach throws ball when the two players meet in the middle.

Coach

#14

CatcherDistracter

#15

4

Definitions of Zones and Pass Zone Numbers

7

1

6

8

2

6

9

3

10+

6-10

0-5

Yard Depth

3 Step

Intermediate

Deep

Stretch and Break Drill

#16

Triangulation of Safeties

#17

Vs. 2x1: Split #1 and #2 to strength.

Vs. 3x1: Split #1 and #2 to strength. Same as 2x1.

Vs. 3x1: Split #1 and apex of #2 & #3 of the 3 man surface.

Vs. 2x1 Twins: Split #1 and #2 to strength. Strength is defined as TE.

Space Needle Cone Drill

Explanation: Sprint, Plant & Change direction. Also ball skills.Drill: Sprint, shuffle & Back peddle around each cone. At top after sprint come down and around cone “A”. Break up and look for ball from coach.Note: 2nd time though perform same drill to the left with the “B” cone.End: Come back inline at the start once drill is complete.

#18

B A5 Yards

1

2

3

Coach

5 Yards

Tackle Box DrillDrill: There are 2 lines, each at opposite corners of a 5 x 5 Yd box. One line is made up of the tacklers and one line is made up of the bagmen. On the whistle, the tackler sprints full speed 5 yards laterally across the box, sticks his foot into the ground outside the box. See Diagram 1Note :When the tackler sticks his foot in the ground outside the box, the bag man begins to shuffle laterally across the box See Diagram 2.Note: Tackler comes down hill and fits up on bagman w/proper tackling form.End: Go from offense (Bagman) to Defense to out.

#19

Twilight Zone Drill

#20

Explanation: 1 high defend work.Drill: WR= Wide Receiver1. DB can be on stomach or back2. The WR runs any pattern designated by coach3. The DB quickly jumps to his feet and breaks

down under control4. The DB defends the pass line5. The DB should play to pick, knock down or

make the tackle on the WR.Point of Emphases: The focus of the DB is on the belt of the WR Prepare for a cut when the belt drops!End: Offense, Defense & Out

Coac

h

7 Yards

14 Yards

Laying Down

Perfect Position Man Drill

Explanation: Staying in perfect position in man coverage with trail technique.Drill: Start and stop on coaches command. Stay in trail position!1. Keep in perfect position with hand

on outside hip.2. Start and stop w/whistle.End: Par up and after going though drill switch positions.

#21

Coach

Crack & Replace Drill

OLB

DBExplanation: Toss Crack play angles, calls and fits.Drill: OLB’s & CB’s (Could add FS as middle run fit.Technique: a) OLB takes on crack with

outside shoulder. Stay square to the LOS.

b) DB must give crack call and replace alley. DB should make tackle the ball with head on the outside.

End: Ball, Bag, On deck, DB OLB…Note: Great drill week of Goodhue and Caledonia Coach

#22

DB’s on Deck

DB DBDB

BAGB

AG

Shrug, Read & React Drill

DBShrug, Read & React Drill

Explanation: Shrugging block in open filed and making the read on the RB.Drill: Blocker comes up aggressively at DB. DB presses, shrugs and separates. Now react to the ball.Technique: RB & DBa) Press with arms flexed, elbows in

and thumbs up.b) Separate with shrug and react to the

ball carrier. c) RB comes over the bag from the

starting line. RB makes 2nd move on DB’s contact to the bag.

End: Blocker should be 2nd coach. Offense to Defense is rotation.

Coach

#23

DB’s on Deck

DB

DB

BAG

BAG RB

Blocker

RB

DB Shimmy Tackle

DBDB Shimmy Tackle

Explanation: Working Angle types. • Aggressive angle (Offense does not

have a 2-way go.)• Non-aggressive angle (Offense

does have 2-way cut.)Drill: Start at cone line, break down shuffle at 2nd cone. Make tackle fit on bag Blocker pad).Technique: Head up and across. Run feet on contact.End: Defense, Bag to out.

Coach

#24

DB

BA

G

BA

G

“Shuffle break down”

Reach, Chase & Punch Drill

DB

Reach, Chase & Punch

Explanation: Reacting to the ball carrier and forcing the fumble. Chase & Punch!Drill: 1. Defense breaks to coach.2. Ball is tossed to offensive

player. Play runs out!3. Defense reacts & chases.4. Defender grips & strips

the ball.Technique: Ride & Rip tech!End: Next in line for both.

Coach

#25

RB#1

#2

Ride & Rip tech to force the fumble!

Tempo Line Drill

DB

Tempo Line Drill

Explanation: BP and working different routes.Note: Can add weave instead of BP.Coach: Stands middle behind cone lines.1. Coach controls movement.2. Ball up = stop3. Ball angled = slow4. Ball 90 = fastTechnique: Can be Dig, Out, Curl or any route of designated opponent. Other: 1-2 Side, Shuffle @ 45, Hips rotate, Hockey stopEnd: 2 at a time through 2nd cone.

#26

DB

Coach

Shuffle, Turn Cross over and

run!

Turn & Run

Whip Route Def. Drill

DB

Whip Route Defense Drill

Explanation: Defending the “Whip Route”Note: Other variations can occurCoach: Stands middle behind cone lines.1. Shuffle, turn cross over and run2. After steps pursuit to the ball/bagTechnique: Shuffle, turn cross over and run!End: Single file line behind the cones.

#27

DBCoach

Shuffle, Turn Cross over and

run!

DBDB

DB Box Drill

DB

DB Box Drill

Explanation: Movement and athleticismNote: Start with shuffle turn, cross over and run.Coach: Stands middle behind cone lines.1. Coach can direct movement in any

number of sequences. 2. Start with our STCR!Technique: Shuffle, turn cross over and run!End: Single file line behind the cones.

#28

DBCoach

Shuffle, Turn Cross over and run!

DBDB

12

3 4

Shuffle, Turn

Cross over and

run!

Shuffle, Turn & Watch

DB

Shuffle, Turn & Watch Drill

Explanation: Hips, Footwork & Press TechNote: Shuffle with a series of 6-8” steps.1. Do not cross over feet2. Do not click heals3. Turn on the whistle and look for ball!Coach: Control to outside of the cone line and let rip with the whistle and the ball!Technique: Turn to the coach and the ballEnd: Up and back of the line.

#29

DB

Coach

DBDB

Shuffle facing forward

Turn, See ball & Look In!

Race Drill

DB

Race Drill

Explanation: Man to Man distance vs. all routes. (Depths of 5-10)Note: Use routes that given opponent uses for that week. 1. Use full route tree.2. DB must race the WR to the spot.3. This teaches Man to man.Coach:Technique: 1x5 Man or Press Man if required. End: Offense to defense and back of line.

#30

DB

Coach

DB“Run with WR”

Start on whistle

5

10

WR

Route Identification Drill

#31

Route Identification Drill

Explanation: Identifying Opponents routes. Note: Shuffle turn, cross over and run1. See route as it comes up2. Break on route!Coach: Make sure we are using opponents routes.Technique: Shuffle turn, cross over and runEnd:

DB

Coach

“Shuffle”

“Break”

“Thr

ow”

WR