In the competitive realm of college football, defensive backs are pivotal in disrupting the opposing team’s passing plays. A key technique in their toolkit is press coverage, and few explain it better than Terry Joseph, the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator at the University of Texas.
In his clinic talk with Steve Sarkisian, Joseph breaks down the essentials of press coverage through a series of targeted drills. This blog post explores the core lessons from his coaching session, offering a detailed and polished summary of his techniques for footwork, hand usage, and receiver positioning—perfect for players and coaches aiming to sharpen their defensive skills.
Watch the video below or keep scrolling to learn more
Offhand Jam Drill: Step, Step, Punch
The Offhand Jam drill is all about mastering the sequence of movements when confronting a receiver. Using a sled for consistent practice, Joseph emphasizes a precise order: “step, step, punch.” He explains, “I want to see first step, step, punch. I don’t want to punch before I step, then I lock my legs, my feet. I want to step, step, and then punch.” This method ensures defensive backs maintain balance and avoid overcommitting early with their hands.
In the video, players like DJ and Ryan put this into action. DJ nails the step-step-punch rhythm, while Ryan’s punch needs refinement, though his footwork holds strong. The drill evolves to include counters and reactions, with Joseph simulating receiver releases to test adaptability. Players must step toward the release direction and deliver an offhand punch, targeting the receiver’s breastplate for maximum impact.
Key Takeaways from the Offhand Jam Drill:
- Sequence: Step, step, then punch.
- Balance: Stepping first prevents locked legs and maintains control.
- Reaction: Adjust to the receiver’s release with an offhand punch.
- Targeting: Aim for the breastplate to disrupt the receiver effectively.
Towel Drill: Emphasizing Footwork Over Hands
Next, the Towel Drill shifts the focus entirely to footwork by removing hand usage. Players hold a towel around their necks, forcing them to rely on positioning rather than grabbing. Joseph puts it vividly: “Your feet are your money; hands are like State Farm—they’re insurance. You’re only going to use them if you need them.” He stresses that solid footwork sets the stage for effective hand use, likening it to a fight where hands trigger instinctively once feet are in place.
The drill exposes “Grabbers”—players too dependent on their hands. Without that safety net, they overemphasize foot movement, stepping quickly and precisely. Joseph coaches patience, instructing, “Not till his space gets evaded is he going to jam.” This teaches defensive backs to wait for the receiver to close the gap before acting.
Key Takeaways from the Towel Drill:
- Footwork Focus: Eliminates hands to prioritize positioning.
- Patience: Jam only when the receiver invades your space.
- Exposure: Reveals and corrects over-reliance on hands.
Track Releases: Guiding the Receiver’s Path
The Track Releases drill trains defensive backs to control a receiver’s route without fully denying their release. Joseph introduces a setup called “half of the Octagon,” a visual guide for maintaining leverage. He notes, “I don’t want to see him go back, but also don’t want to see them open the gate.” The aim is to force the receiver around the defender, buying valuable field position—or “real estate”—and disrupting the route’s timing.
During the season, these tracks are painted on the field for efficiency, allowing consistent practice. Players like Gilbo excel here, staying within the track and pushing the receiver wide. This technique transitions into one-on-one scenarios, where maintaining a yard to a yard-and-a-half distance becomes critical.
Key Takeaways from the Track Releases Drill:
- Positioning: Tracks guide movement to maintain leverage.
- Influence: Push the receiver to take a wider route.
- Consistency: Field markings streamline training.
One-on-One Drills: Applying Techniques in Live Scenarios
The training peaks with one-on-one drills, where defensive backs face live receivers to integrate their skills. Joseph highlights flexibility in this phase: “If he wants to go inside, he can go inside; wants to go outside, we’re not denying releases. We’re squeezing or widening releases. We do not deny releases; we’ll just flatten them down.” Players maintain that yard to yard-and-a-half buffer, using a high shoulder to steer and flatten the receiver’s path.
Crawford shines in these drills, showcasing proper shoulder positioning and distance control. This live practice mirrors game conditions, blending footwork, hand timing, and spatial awareness into a unified defensive approach.
Key Takeaways from the One-on-One Drills:
- Application: Test techniques against live receivers.
- Distance: Keep a yard to yard-and-a-half spacing.
- Technique: High shoulder flattens and controls releases.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation in Press Coverage
Terry Joseph’s session offers a masterclass in press coverage, distilling complex skills into practical drills: Offhand Jam, Towel Drill, Track Releases, and One-on-One matchups. His focus on stepping before punching, treating hands as a backup to stellar footwork, and subtly influencing receiver paths equips defensive backs with a robust skill set.
As Joseph asserts, “Your feet are your money.” This philosophy underscores every drill, proving that precise movement is the cornerstone of effective defense. For players, these techniques can turn a potential offensive gain into a stalled drive. For coaches, integrating these drills into practice can transform a secondary’s performance. Whether you’re on the field or the sideline, Joseph’s insights provide a blueprint for mastering press coverage and elevating your game.
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