I would like to get straight to the point! Coaches love guys that can make plays to change the outcome of the football game. Turnovers matter and if you can win that battle, the chances of success improve tremendously.
As a defensive back, players should want to be circled on film by the opposing film. So how do you get that done? How do you get more interceptions?
Work On Your Angles
Your initial steps out of break are super important, and I always tell the athletes that wasted steps. What breaks am I talking about?
Breaks For Defensive Backs
Retrace
45 Degree Downhill Angle
90 Degree Angle
45 Degree Open Angle
Players need to complete lots of repetitions with these angles. The focus should be on having an elite level burst out of the breaks. Keeping feet underneath the shoulder while have a good body lean. If your body position is too high, you will have a hard time bursting out of the breaks and often will stumble.
The next part is to focus on your arms and hands. I prefer open hands or a slight squeeze for a relaxed pedal and break. This will help you with the smoothness of your technique. Also, if your arms stop moving in any phase of the movement, you will have a hard time transitioning so keep them active.
Anticipation matters as well! Learn what routes a receiver likes to run. Learn the plays that offensive teams and coaches love to complete. Learn the keys and tips to put yourself ahead before the play starts. Understand the down and distance, time in the game, split of the receiver, formation and the location of the ball.
Your ball skills are important as well. Spend to catching footballs to get more confidence. Focus on looking the ball into your hands. Learn to relax your hands and receive the ball rather than staying tight and fighting the pass.
Those are your keys to success. My next post with talk about being able to transition and re-direct. If you have any question, feel free to reach out astrategyathlete@gmail.com
By Rod Rogers
Athlete Strategy