YOU CAN SPEND hours diagramming and developing the most swarming coverage scheme imaginable vs. multiple formations and offensive packages, but it’ll all be for naught if your secondary players haven’t mastered the proper fundamentals for coverage.
Tim Able, the head coach of Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind., highlights 10 critical defensive back objectives that corners and safeties should utilize on every play.
1. Always play the ball at its highest point.
2. Always keep a proper cushion but when a receiver catches the ball in front of you, make sure he pays the price with a hard hit and solid tackle.
3. Know a receiver’s keys. When a WR hip’s sink, his feet begin to break down and chop, his hands come out as brakes or his head rises — it means that he’s going to make a cut or preparing to catch the ball.
4. Know a QB’s delivery keys. If the QB’s off-hand comes off the ball, if the ball goes behind QB’s head, or if the QB’s eyes lock on to a receiver — it means that the QB is preparing to throw the ball.
5. When a DB is behind a receiver, he must never look back until he catches up.
6. Each practice should be a challenge for self-improvement in some phase of the game.
7. Relentless pursuit by all 11defensive players is a must. If a DB gets beaten, the LBs and linemen should be hustling and in hot pursuit until the whistle blows.
8. Play error-free ball — remember that the team with the fewest errors and turnovers usually wins.
9. Remember that no points are awarded for a first down. Make sure they do not score!
10. Behind every successful coach stands an exhausted athlete. Physical conditioning proceeds mental toughness. Swarm the run, steal the pass, attack the ball and don’t let them score on you!
Editor’s Note: Check out coach Able’s favorite defensive coverages on page 10.