Habits… We become what we repeatedly do.

To perform like a champion…you must prepare and practice like one!!

Defensive Back Philosophy

 Desire – You must give 100% at all times, which means giving it your all every time the opportunity presents
itself-off the field, in the classroom, at practice and in the game.
 Knowledge – To be able to perform like a champion you must have a thorough understanding of all assignments
–coverages, alignments, techniques and responsibilities.
 Commitment – You must combine your desire and knowledge and have the ability to put them into action. A
fully committed player knows his assignments and carries them out 100% on each and every play. Commitment
is also doing what is necessary, on your own time, to get prepared for your opponents (film study, injury etc.)
 Mobility – A DB has to be able to move quickly, fast and in a hurry. You must play with a sense of urgency. You
must be quick with your eyes, hands and feet. You must have the speed to recover and get back in position.
 Toughness – You must be mentally tough to suck it up when you’re tired, in pain or have just been beat on a
route. You must be able to bounce back from little aches and pains. You must punish your opponent every
opportunity.
 Confidence – As a DB you must build a confidence that is untouchable. You must want them to throw the ball in
your area, dare them. Always believe in your ability to cover and that they cannot complete a pass in your zone
or against your man. Do not let a completed pass break your confidence.

I. Two main functions of the secondary

a. NO LONG PASSES – Prevent all passes to 25 yards or less
b. NO LONG RUNS – Prevent all runs to 15 yards or less
II. Two things that get a defensive back in trouble more than anything else
a. EYES – not reading or leaving your keys
b. FEET – having your feet in the wrong position, taking the wrong or extra step
III. First thing we do in the secondary
a. SWARM to the ball
IV. Coverage
a. Two types of coverage
i. Zone
ii. Man
b. Every coverage has a theory, strengths, weaknesses and adjustments
i. Theory – an idea or plan, a way to get something done
ii. Strength – the power to resist attack
iii. Weakness – a weak point, fault
iv. Adjustment – to alter or change as to make fit
c. 5 base coverage theories
i. 4 deep
ii. 3 deep
iii. 2 deep
iv. Man
v. Combination man and zone
 d. Three main fundamentals of a secondary
i. Tackling
ii. Block protection
iii. Catching the ball
e. Secondary individual coverage skills
i. Dice or backpedal
ii. Take off or open n’ run
iii. Drift step or three step break
iv. Concentration and focus
f. Coverage techniques
i. Technique is a method or procedure to carry out an operation. Technique is what happens when
the ball is snapped – its either right or wrong – no grey area.
1. 1/4’s
2. 1/3’s
3. 1/2’s
4. Curl/flat
5. Flat
6. Robber
7. Man
g. Three types of routes
i. I. Quick 4-7 yard area 3 step drop hitch, slant, quick/speed out
ii. 2. Intermediate 10—12 yard area 5 step drop curl, dig, come back, pivot
iii. 3. Deep 15 yards plus 5 or 7 step drop post, corner, go, seam
h. Four types of blocks
i. Cut
ii. Stalk
iii. Crack
iv. Arc
V. Teaching progression
a. SAKRaTS – is the first progression you must go through before every snap
i. Stance
1. C’s-perpendicular to the LOS
2. S’s-staggered heel to toe with inside foot up.
3. Feet are shoulder width apart
4. Good base with shoulders over your toes. Be relaxed-knees bent and hips flexed,
straight back.
ii. Alignment
1. Varies depending on formation, coverage and field position.
a. inside, outside, cut split, sideline, goal line
b. strong or weak, motion, shift or trade
iii. Keys
1. Know your keys for each coverage and formation
a. Run keys and pass keys
2. QB is main key in passing plays –read ball to man in zone coverage
a. When in doubt, read the nearest receiver
 3. In man coverage, play through the man to the ball
iv. Responsibilities
1. Run and pass responsibility
2. Bootleg
3. Screen
4. Trick and gadget formations and plays
v. Technique
1. Zone technique
2. Man technique
3. Run technique
a. Escape blocks
b. Force
c. Cutback
d. Leverage
vi. Situations
1. Down and distance
2. Field position
3. Where’s the ball – near, far hash or middle
4. Time in game
a. Time remaining in 2nd quarter or 4th quarter
5. Score
a. In lead – use time
b. Behind – conserve time
VI. Directional read of the QB
a. Read the front shoulder of the QB for direction and elevation
b. Focus on the point of the shoulder as to what 1/3rd of the field he is intending to throw it to
c. Shoulder level
i. Shoulders parallel – short to medium
ii. Front elevated – deep
d. When the front hand comes off the ball, drive to the interception point
VII. Recognition and interception point
a. Recognition point
i. The instant or spot at which the DB identifies the pattern being read
ii. Four things a receiver can do at the three route levels
1. Stop – only in Level I and Level 2
2. Outside route
3. Inside route
4. Push up field
iii. Receivers are taught three things when running a pass pattern
1. Release – DB maintain leverage
2. Deceptive move – DB maintain concentration and proper cushion
3. Pattern – DB will recognize route and explode to the interception point
b. Interception point
i. The point where the pass will actually be caught and can be intercepted
1. 6 yards from recognition point for inside routes and routes coming to the ball
2. 8-10 yards from recognition point for routes going away from the ball
 3. When exploding to the interception point, always see the man you are covering. Do not
look for the ball until the cushion has been closed. Close on the up field shoulder.
4. If your receiver is going to catch the ball and you have no chance to intercept or deflect
the pass, make certain that you tear away the upfield arm – the arm that is farthest
from the flight of the ball.
5. Remember, an incomplete pass is just the same as a running play held for no gain.
VIII. Interceptions
a. The only way to get an interception is to go after it. Concentrate only on the ball when it is in the air and
nothing else.
b. Catch the football with your eyes. Eye the ball into your hands
c. Catch the ball in front of you; don’t trap it against your body if you can avoid it.
d. Go up and get the ball, don’t wait for it to come to you.
e. When making an interception in a crowd, twist immediately after intercepting the pass, this will
eliminate joint possession.
f. When the ball is thrown in another zone, drive to the ball. You will get there for the tip, fumble tackle or
block for the interception.
g. When the ball is in the air, you must think interception all the way, not just getting to the ball.
h. Yell “Oskie” when you have intercepted the ball
i. The nearest defender is responsible to block the intended receiver.
j. Head to the nearest sideline with the return. Try to avoid cutting back, we are not ball carriers; secure
the ball and don’t let blind shots jar the ball loose.
IX. Don’t get beat deep - basic concepts
a. Expect the opponents to pass on every play
b. Always maintain your cushion
c. Study all backs and receivers for give-aways
i. Stance
ii. Pointing
iii. Glances
iv. Wetting fingers
v. Leaning
d. Invite the long ball, be confident of your ability to intercept every pass
e. Know receiver substitutions
f. Get and maintain proper position on your receiver
g. Practice the ability to see the ball being thrown. Get proper position on the interception and play only
the ball
X. Breaking on the ball
a. Confidence –Believe in yourself, you can make the play.
b. Knowledge – Know what the offense likes to do. What type of routes at what depth?
c. Eyes – Focus on the throwing angle of the Q shoulders. Study film and know his throwing motion.
d. Knee bend – Play with your knees bent and your pads down.
e. Settle – Don’t be too deep on your drop. Settle when the QB settles if you have no deep threat.
f. Make a decision – Know where the QB is looking and the depth of drop. Play in that direction (hot or
cold). Over play when coverage/routes allow. (SOP/Flat)
g. Break distance before the throw – Go before the throw of the QB – when the off-hand comes off the
ball GO! Go not on the ball, but on the throwing motion.
 h. Explode – A fraction of a second will make the difference. Explode to the ball with the correct footwork
and pad level. Push, push, push! Don’t run with your arms out, pump your arms. Reach for the ball at
the last instant.
i. Collusion angle – Take an angle to the ball that allows you to secure the receiver. Step in for the ball
when you are sure of the interception.
j. Always remember – You will not get every ball thrown into your zone.
k. Intimidation – Will be your most powerful ally – great hitting.
XI. Zone principals
a. Talk, Talk, Talk
i. Communication is the key to a cohesive and confident secondary.
b. Be as deep as the deepest in your zone.
c. Use proper leverage according to coverage
d. Stop the home run ball. Never an excuse for this type of ball being completed.
e. Keep your concentration.
f. In zone coverage, you must be able to overlap. We must be able to secure the seams.
g. Always keep the receiver far enough in front so you can see through him to the QB.
h. Never break until the ball is thrown.
i. We are playing man in the zone.
j. Don’t chase receivers out of your zone.
k. If two receivers come into your zone, you are responsible for the deeper route.
l. Our drops depend on the routes we see. Work on problem routes for each coverage.
m. Everyone must break to the ball when it is thrown.
n. Don’t worry about short passes being completed in front of you, they may lead to first downs but the
long ones lead to touchdowns.
XII. Zone advantages
a. Provides for long ball security
b. Easier to learn
i. Covers and area rather than a man
ii. Plays the ball from QB hand, not the man
c. Secondary has a clearer picture which allows:
i. Diagnose passing plays from running plays and vice versa.
d. Interceptions will increase because of the position of defenders with everyone playing the ball.
e. Eliminates mismatches of man coverage.
XIII. Zone disadvantages
a. Higher percentage of short passes completed.
i. This can be offset by coverage change-up, excellent reads and great hustle.
XIV. Man coverage principals
a. Concentrate
b. Proper body position on the receiver
i. If you have high hole help – outside leverage
ii. If no high hole help – inside leverage
c. Keep your eyes on the man at all times
d. Play the man first, the ball second.
e. Play the cues of the receiver to tell when the ball is coming.
f. If you get beat deep, fix your eyes on the receiver and sprint to close the gap.
g. Avoid a head up position on the receiver.
XV. Man coverage advantages
a. Usually bringing pressure, anticipate a quick throw. Pressure will make things happen now.
b. Short yardage situations.
c. Under man used as deception – high hole help, or 2 deep zone.
1. Press man
a. Stance
i. Feet outside shoulder width
ii. Back flat
iii. Hips down
iv. Hands up
2. First movement
a. Step back, hop back
b. Pound feet
3. Inside release
a. Slide laterally flat and collusion with opposite arm for two steps
i. Be ready to counter with inside arm if he goes outside
ii. If he continues inside, use inside arm to flatten
iii. Keep elbows locked out, rec at arms distance
iv. Maintain on top position, don’t come under
v. Read through the rec to the QB
4. Outside release
a. Pivot on inside foot, drop outside foot at 45 degree angle, slide for two steps
b. Collusion with opposite arm
c. If he continues deep maintain contact with your hand (third eye)
i. Understand depth and routes ran at each depth
ii. Look and lean at 15 yards
iii. Read the cues for the ball being thrown (eyes big, hands up)
iv. Put your hands in his hands to break up pass
d. If counters inside, basketball pivot inside and slide for two steps
i. Collusion with outside arm
ii. Maintain high shoulder position – upfield and on top position
5. Techniques
a. Pivot-inside or outside depending on help
b. Two hand jam
i. Step into and jam receiver
ii. Keep hips down react to his counter-don’t get tall
1. Not a knock-out punch, a stiff jab
c. Fake two hand jam
i. Need to have set this up
ii. On movement, throw both hands as you back pedal out
iii. Use off man techniques
1. Back pedal through three step-maintain inside leverage
2. Weave on first move (stem)
3. Break on second one
d. Soft
i. Start backpedaling just prior to snap, create 2-3 yard cushion
 ii. Use off-man techniques
e. Bail
i. Just prior to snap, zone turn (butt to sideline)
ii. Sideways run with vision on rec

2. Off man

a. Stance
i. Normal stance for safety
ii. Normal depth – 7-9 yards
2. Technique
a. 3 step walk-away
i. Reading QB (or rec.) for three step
1. If three step route, break to correct shoulder and position
a. Upfield shoulder
b. Maintain inside leverage position by:
i. Stemming if the rec stems
1. Use stem steps by reaching with threatened foot and replace with opposite
a. Do not cross over
2. Maintain leverage position and cushion
c. Weaving on rec first move
i. Use weave technique to maintain leverage position on receiver
1. If outside receiver use sideline rules
ii. If more than 2 steps, open hips and run to position
1. If outside receiver may use zone turn or man turn depending on rec location and
sideline rules
d. Breaking on second move
i. Use normal zone break techniques, plant foot is threatened foot
1. A rec will usually make one deceptive move, maintain our square shoulders during
this time and break when he show his second move – his route
ii. Use zone break techniques - working to upfield shoulder position
3. Slide technique
a. Stance
i. Basketball position
ii. Comfortable position with hips down
b. First movement
i. Controlled basketball shuffle
1. Through the three step (rec 4-6 yards, DB 8-10 yards)
a. Use zone technique breaks for three step routes
b. Upfield (inside) foot is plant, outside is directional
2. After 6 receiver yards
a. Controlled take off (sideways run)
b. Next area is 10-12 (varies) rec yards (DB 15-18 yards)
c. Continue to run low
d. Use zone break techniques
3. Third area is deep
a. Recognize deep route (post, corner, go)
 b. Maintain proper position
c. Read ball through the rec if inside
d. Play ball if rec is outside of you, lean

XVI. Tackling
a. Most important factors
i. Courage and desire
b. Fundamentals
i. Hitting position – head up, eyes open, good base, arms loaded
ii. Approach runner under control – short choppy steps but moving forward. Widen your base as
you get near the ball.
iii. Hit through the runner – don’t leave your feet unless necessary
iv. Shoot the arms through and grab cloth.
v. On contact – accelerate the feet, roll the hip, and pick up the knees and the runner backward.
c. Sideline tackle
i. Get your head in front of the runner – take a great angle to the ball
1. Never have your head behind the runner – head across the bow
a. Take angle to eliminate cutback
b. You can go high with your head at the numbers
c. You can go low with your shoulder pad on the thigh pad.
d. Gang tackle
i. Take a shot at the ball carrier as long as he is standing up
ii. Punish the runner and force a fumble
e. Open field
i. Take a side and force the runner one way
ii. Not to punish, but to be sure – grab cloth
iii. Better to stay high
XVII. Stalk block
a. Three factors
i. Leverage – pad under pad; your shoulder pads have to be under the blocker if you are going to
be in a position of control. Attack with outside leverage.
1. Identify the blocker; deliver a blow with your hands and face.
2. Have your inside foot up
ii. Explosion – six inch power step; power step is used to stop the charge of the blocker. Use the
power of your lower body. You must explode to stop the blocker’s charge.
1. Get your hands inside. Grab the breast plate of the blocker; fingers on the outside with
thumbs up.
iii. Separation – separate chest to chest with the blocker
1. Bench press the blocker away from you and lock out your elbows. Now you can escape.
2. Do not try to escape until you have separation.
3. Keep your eyes on the blocker until your hands are inside and you are controlling him.
iv. Escape – locate the ball carrier
1. Use one of the following techniques to escape
a. Push pull
b. Rip/cross-over rip
c. Swim/club swim
 v. Bullet
1. The ability to take a route to the ball carrier by defeating the blocker with speed and or
deception
a. You can see the ball carrier, the blocker cannot – advantage us
b. You may take a direct route and avoid contact only if you can maintain or regain
proper leverage.
XVIII. Film study
a. Offensive linemen
i. Vertical levels
1. Tight on ball - < 1 yard
2. Normal - = 1 yard
3. Off ball - > 1 yard
ii. Horizontal splits
1. Tight
2. Normal
3. Big
4. All the same
5. Some tight, some big
iii. Stances
1. Light hand (hips down, off ball=pass or pull)
2. Heavy hand (hips up, tight=run or PAP)
b. Backfield sets – depth and width
i. Do the sets key anything
ii. Look at the eyes – are the “eyeballing” the running hole?
iii. Read the stance – heavy or light
c. Wide receiver splits
i. Wide
ii. Cut
iii. Normal – what is normal
iv. Signals to the QB
d. Quarterback
i. Snap count
1. Shot gun - foot, hands, etc.
ii. Signals for blitz hot read
iii. One looker or not
e. Favorite formations
i. Favorite runs each formation
ii. Favorite passes each formation
f. Down and distance
i. 2nd down – what yardage do they show a higher percentage of pass
ii. 3rd down – what yardage do they show a higher percentage of pass
XIX. Mustang Defensive Football
a. To play defense for SMSU is a privilege
i. A privilege is something is earned through hard work and dependability in everything you do.
ii. Have you earned that privilege?
b. The first thing we do on defense is:
i. RUN TO THE BALL
1. In practice, drills, games
2. Conditioning precedes everything else
c. Will you compete on every play?
i. The eye in the sky doesn’t lie
d. Are you trustworthy?
i. Effort and assignment
e. What can we expect?
i. Are you dependable
f. Your right as a Mustang defensive player
i. The right to expect the very best from your teammates on every play
g. Act like a man
i. Want to be treated like a man – act like a man
ii. Do what you are supposed to do…
iii. When you are supposed to do it…
iv. How you are supposed to do it.
h. All decisions have consequences