1. Defensive Backs – Mind of the “D”
Five “Musts” of the Defensive Backs
Must Defend the Big Play
Must Be Great Tacklers
Must Communicate & Play in the
Concept of the Defense
Must be Focused to
Play Every Single Play
Must be
Accountable & Productive
Splitter Defensive Back Technique

2. Stance & Start
Feet Shoulder width apart. Outside foot slightly
forward – Heel/Toe Relationship. Weight on the
ball of the foot.
Eyes Identify receiving threats Pre-Snap.
Zone Coverages – Eyes on QB on the snap.
Man Coverages – Eyes on Belt Buckle of WR.
Body Great knee bend. Flat backed, shoulders over
Position toes.
First Each play begins with at least a 3 step backpedal
Step while the DB reads keys for run/pass. The DB
should be able to react to the play in those three
steps.
Block Protection
Technique When… Description
Squeeze …the ball is directly behind the blocker.  Strike with I/S Shoulder
(OL/RB Lead Sweep)  Keep O/S arm free
Technique
 Deliver from good football
position – Helmet under helmet
 Step with same foot as strike arm
 Keep feet moving
 Don’t get turned – Stay square
 Don’t run up the field – Attack
on the same angle as the block
Hand …the ball is not directly behind the blocker.  Shoulder square to blocker
…the blocker attempts to block low.  Keep O/S leg free
Shiver
 Straight arm – drive helmet &
shoulder pads to the ground
 Give ground if needed
 Keep feet moving
Rip …the defender is pursuing to the ball.  Lower I/S shoulder
…the defender is at a physical disadvantage.  Rip I/S arm across face of
Technique
blocker – Stay low!
 Keep feet moving

3. Run Support Definitions
Primary Support – Contain the Ball
 Must keep the ball in front and inside – Turn the ball back to the defense
 Meet & Defeat the Blocker – Attack the angle of the blocker & keep O/S arm free
 Maintain edge – Do not trade one for one with a lead blocker
 Tackle any ball carrier that attempts to dip & run wide
 Squeeze the running lane – force the cutback
 Don’t be content to contain – Tackle the ball from the outside in
Secondary Support – Play pass first, run second
 Must stay deep as the deepest until the ball crosses the line of scrimmage
 Attack outside in – stack 5 x 2 on the primary support player
 Understand “Crack & Replace” – Become Primary on Crack block
o Must see it!
o Don’t be fooled by Crack & Go.
Alley Runner – Inside out to the ball, pass first
 Fill run alley inside primary support player
 Must stay deep as the deepest in pass responsibility until ball crosses LOS
Job Saver – Get on your horse and make them line up again
 Rotate through next deep zone on run action away
 Take the appropriate run support angle
 Do not allow the ball to cut back on you
Fold Technique – Defend cutback & reverse
 Backpedal to 5-7 yards on run away
 Check backside gap/reverse/boot before getting in pursuit lane
 Do not allow cutback runners

4. Types of Tackles
Technique When… Description
Open …the defender is alone in the open field with a  Know where your help is – Turn
ball carrier the ball back to the defense.
Field
 Get the ball on the ground “by
any means necessary”
 Break down & keep a wide base
 If overpowered, hang on & wait
for help
Sideline …the ball is pinned against the sideline  Maintain inside leverage
 Do not allow cutback run
 Know where the sideline is – No
penalties for hitting out of
bounds
Second …the ball is already wrapped up or slowed  Attack the ball when the ball
down by another defender carrier is already secured
Man
 Violently strip & recover
 Gang tackling is intimidating –
hustle to get in on every play
Zone Coverage Principles
o Know which receivers can affect your zone pre-snap.
o Know where your help is!
o Ball – Man – Ball: Key back to QB to know when ball is in the air.
o Be aware of drastic changes in WR’s split – Inside or Outside.
o Get to your midpoint in the zone as soon as possible.
o Keep your head on a swivel for routes entering and exiting your zone.
o Matchup and cover any single route in your zone.
o Keep proper leverage on top of all routes when you are deep responsible.
o Identify the difference between WR running at full speed & one who is coming under control to
make a cut.
o Never undercut a receiver unless you can get two hands on the ball.
Man Coverage Principles
o Total concentration must be on your man.
o Know where your help is!
o Use correct leverage (Inside/Outside) & Depth (Front Pocket/Back Pocket).
o Be aware of drastic changes in WR’s split – Inside or Outside.
o Keep your eyes on the receiver’s waist.
o Identify the difference between WR running at full speed & one who is coming under control to
make a cut.
o Never undercut a receiver unless you can get two hands on the ball.
o Don’t face guard – Look when he looks & Reach when he reaches.
o If you are beat – Catch up first!
o Take pride in your ability to cover one on one.

5. Route Types – Quick/Intermediate/Deep
DB’s must understand that all routes generally fall into three categories:
Shallow Routes Intermediate Routes Deep Routes
Break Point Break Point Break Point
6 yds. 12 yds. 12 yds.
Understanding the route type will help to play each route as the ball is thrown.
Interception Point – The point where the ball will arrive is known as the interception point. The DB must play
each route at that point (5-7 yards in front of the WR), and NOT at the point where the receiver is. Depth,
speed of WR, and direction of route will affect where the interception point is.
Ball Arrival – To intercept, the DB must attack the ball when it arrives, not the WR. Interference occurs when
the DB attacks the WR. If the WR is first to the ball – attack the back arm of the WR to take away the
catch.
Defensive backs must always break to the Ball Arrival point when the ball is thrown. Make
sure to break to where the ball is going to be!

6. Cornerback Techniques
“Bail” Technique
Used to disguise in some 3 deep and 4 deep coverages in which the Corner is
deep responsible. The Bail technique gives the appearance of man-to-man
coverage. The Corner should align in press coverage, creeping out before the
snap. Depending on the speed of the DB, the creep can occur late in the
cadence, or on the snap. The DB should make sure to turn and run to get to his
midpoint.
“Bang” Technique
We will “Bang” outside receivers in some 2 deep or rotational 3 deep
coverages in which the Corner is flat responsible. The Corner must
creep to press the WR, and be as physical as possible with the WR.
He must not allow an outside release.
“Sink” Technique
Used in Cloud/Rain coverages when the Corner is flat/wheel responsible. The DB will
align 5 x 1 outside the widest receiver. On any vertical release, the DB will chest up and
funnel the receiver inside. He can then sink under any depth route to help the half field
safety to his side. The DB should only break up on the ball thrown to the flat. If the
WR disappears inside, he should sit and squeeze the field to any route attacking the flat.