The best defensive backs to play our game have mastered the art of playing physical and disrupting the path of the offensive player.
That’s why today we’re going to talk about a great drill for developing press man coverage technique with your DBs!
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The Press Man Mirror Drill
This drill is set up by aligning a DB on a WR in press technique with an agile pad behind the heels of the DB to prevent him from giving the WR any ground.
On the coach’s signal, the WR will move laterally within a 2 yard window and the DB will move his feet to stay square to the WR and keep his body turned so that he can see the WRs chest.
The DB will use his hands as the WR closes ground and runs into him to keep the WR under control. If the WR plays physical with his hands, the DB should get two hands on during the bump. If the WR is coming to the DB at an angle, the DB should catch him with the hand in the direction that the WR is coming towards him. If the WR releases wide to either side, the DB needs to move laterally and cut him off.
It’s extremely important that the DBs keep their toes pointed in and under control during this drill to allow their hips to stay loose and open.
Teach this drill slow at first and speed it up as technique develops. The best use of this technique is when it allows the DB to feel what proper technique should feel like during a game.
The DB needs to be intentional about their hand use. If they get them both too far extended outside of their frame, their feet are going to stop and slow them down, allowing the WR to get by. This is why it can be advantageous to use one hand at a time because it keeps the rest of the body under control and the other hand is still there to recover if needed.
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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