PLAYING DEFENSIVE BACK is one of the hardest positions to master in all of the game. DBs must know all coverage responsibilities, instantly react to either the assigned man or the play as it develops, backpedal, plant, make cuts, take good pursuit angles and master all the intricacies of solid DB technique, such as proper stance, bump coverage, playing the ball, shedding blocks, sound tackling, etc.
Bob Pieper, head football coach,Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook, Ill., offers up what he calls the “10 Commandments” to help each of his DBs learn this critical and challenging position.
10 Commandments For DBs
1. Communicate with your teammates.
2. Always know the formation and tendencies of the opposing offense.
3. Always know the down and distance.
4. Always be in the correct coverage and alignment.
5. Be aware of the time on the game clock.
6. Watch the receiver when he leaves the huddle for clues. See if he rubs his hands, licks his fingers, etc., as this may be an indicator that a pass is coming his way.
7. Attack the football at its highest flight point.
8. Always make sure that someone in the secondary stays deeper than the deepest opponent.
9. Remember that the best open-field tackle is the one that is made.
10. If something isn’t happening in front of you, it’s happening behind you.
Pieper wrote an excellent article featuring DB drills to enhance DB’s footwork, reaction time and break on the ball that appears in the Gridiron Strategies Special Coaching Report “Developing Championship Defensive Backs.” To order this report and others to increase your knowledge this off-season, see page 23.