Chris Booth’s drills included the vast variety of drills that are essential to playing the defensive back position efficiently, effectively, and productively.
We are reinforced how to make a concentrated play on the football with the ‘Impaired View Drill.’ The ‘W Drill’ and ‘Wave Drill’ reinforces using the proper back pedal, arm movement, and body lean to and away from the football.
I like the ‘Rotation’ and ‘Shell’ drills for D-backs because they include all of the elements of playing a particular technique and coverage. Your alignment and stance is detailed, your assignment and keys are read, and your adjustments and communications are all covered and reinforced with those two drills.
In conclusion, I thought Chris’ drills did a great job of including the essential elements of playing defensive back. He included drills in which you: 1-played the ball; 2-used proper footwork; 3-leveraged and tackled the ball; and 4-read your keys and communicated.
One of my favorite drills is called the ‘3 Man Tackle Strip.’ This drill emphasizes tackling and creating a turnover. The purpose of the drill is for one defender to secure the initial tackle and have the next defender recognize the tackle is secured and then attempt to rip the ball out (See Diagram).
The coach stands about 10 yards away from the players. The players are in three lines, five yards apart. The coach will throw the ball to the receiver in the middle line. The receiver catches the ball and runs to his right or left. The defender the receiver is running towards secures the tackle with proper technique. The defender the receiver ran away from comes and rips the ball from the receiver’s arms and picks the ball up to score.
Each line is 5 yards apart. Coach throws the ball to middle receiver. Receiver runs to his right or left. First tackler makes the tackle. Next defender rips the ball out.