The best defenses are skilled at taking the ball away and giving their offenses extra possessions!

That’s why today we’re going to talk about a super simple, but effective drill that teaches your DBs how to navigate the field and break on the ball when the QB releases it!

Learn how to develop lock down defenders with our latest release: The Complete Defensive Back Drill Book

The 45 Degree Backpedal Reaction Drill

This drill is a staple at combines and is used all over the country as both an indicator of a DB’s movement ability, but is also a really good way to improve angled backpedaling mechanics and vision to break on the ball.

The drill begins with the DB lining up in a back pedal stance 7 yards ahead of the coach.

On command, the DB will backpedal at a 45 degree angle reacting to the direction the coach points using the football.

The DB will maintain his strong back pedal stance as he weaves downfield with his eyes locked on the coach.

When the coach swipes the football downward either to the right or left, the DB will break on a 45-degree angle downhill and catch the football from the coach.

The DB will then sprint past the coach and return the football to a drill assistant/coach.

When teaching this drill, it’s extremely important that the DB keeps his eyes up and on the coach during the entire rep. 

If the DB gets lazy eyes, he will drift and not end up where the coach is directing him toward. This is a great way to practice following the QB’s eyes during a game and not getting lost by getting caught up in other things going on during a play. 

See inside all of the drills you need to create DBs that can defend the ENITRE field in The Complete Defensive Back Drill Book

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