Defensive Back Drills

W
K
 DB Drill Library
1Stance & Position 19DB Tackle Box Drill
2In Phase & Out of Phase 20Twilight Zone Drill
390 Degree Drill 21Perfect Position Man Drill
4Back Peddle Drill 22Crack & Replace Drill
5Tip Drill 23Shrug, Read & React Drill
6Gopher Plant & Drive Drill 24DB Shimmy Tackle Drill
7Catch & Strip Drill 25Reach, Chase & Punch Drill
8Weave Drill 26Temp Line Drill
9Gang Up Drill 27Whip Route Defense
10Stalk Drill 28DB Box Drill
11Deep Ball Drill 29Shuffle, Turn & Watch
12Ball Angle Drill 30Race Drill
Back Peddle, Shuffle &
13 Break Drill 31Route Identification Drill
14Distraction Drill 32
15Zone & Pass Zone Numbers 33
16Stretch & Break Drill 34
17Triangulating of Safeties 35
18Space Needle Cone Drill 36
Stance, Position, Keys & BP
Stance (Staggered)
-Inside foot is up, outside is back
-Shoulder over toes
-Comfort is important
Stance (Balance)
-Feet shoulder width apart
-1st Step 4-6 w/lead step
-Shoulders over toes
-Keep center of gravity
Regular Keys
-Defensive backs aligned on WRs
should focus on the WRs as they
take their first few steps, then pick
up QB.
Back Peddling
-Good body position is required.
-Hips and upper torso should be
forward of the ankle joint.
Note: The Stance should be slightly
Shoulders of toes.
-The DB should reach for distance more narrow than shoulder width. Feet
should be in toe-to-instep relationship.
with his backward steps. Stride out
Inside foot back. #1
and back!
 In Phase and Out of Phase
In Phase: This is when the DB is in
close proximity to the receiver. He
is in phase when he can reach the
receivers hip. You can still make a
place on the ball.

Procedure: Stay on hip and play

the man tell the ball shows.

Out of Phase: This is when the DB

is not in close proximity to the
receiver. He is out and front and
you are beat.

Procedure: Watch the receivers

hands and when they go up rake
down across. Stay with them and
play physical.
#2
 90 Degree Break Drill
Break to ball

90 Degree Break Drill

Explanation: the 90 degree and

break drill teachers our DBs to
shuffle and back pedal.
Note: Disc cones work best.
Coach: Stand outside of cone path.
Technique: Shuffle is wide base with
peck on quad. Feet do not click or
cross over.
1. Back pedal is shoulders over toes. Shuffle
2. Break on ball when QB (Coach)
pulls the pin. Back Pedal
3. Catch ball at its highest point.
4. Return ball to near sideline with
the ball in the outside hand. DB
End: Return ball to coach and get ach
back in line. DBDB Co
#3
 Back Peddle Drill
Back Peddle Drill

Explanation: Working the back

pedal.
Note: React on coaches command.
Coach: Be definitive in movement.
Technique: From good position &
knees bent at 45 degree angle.
1. Head up, back straight and
hanging loose in your front body.
2. Weight on the balls of your feet. Back Pedal
3. Shoulders over toes. 10 Yards
4. Good arm churn.
5. Push off of the staged front foot.
End: Alternate lines.
DB DB
Coach
#4
 Back Pedal, Shuffle & Break Drill
Back Pedal, Shuffle & Break Drill
Break
Explanation: Breaking on ball in air
after movement.
Note: Be definitive in movement.
Coach: Stand at centerline of cones. Shuffle
Technique: Catch ball at its highest
point. Near sideline and outside hand.
1. From the back pedal go into a shuffle
for two to three steps to get knees
turned in order to be able to run with
opponent.

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2. Turn both feet at 45 degree angle to

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the inside and go into shuffle.

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3. DB breaks on the ball when coach
puts ball into air.
DB
4. Start break on QB (Coach) pulling
the pin. Coach
End: Return ball to coach and get back #5
 Gopher Plant & Drive Drill
Gopher Plant & Drive Drill

Explanation: The M-Drill teaches

breaking towards the line of scrimmage
from a back peddle.
Note: Form a single line on the sideline.
1. 1st man in the line begins the drill be
pack peddling.
2. At the next 5 yard stripe plant the foot
away from the way you are going and
break back up.
Coach:
Technique: Stay low in the back pedal,
feet no wider than frame. Shoulders
over toes in BP.
End: Coach can start and stop. DB
Coach
#6
 Catch & Strip Drill
Catch & Strip Drill

Explanation: Strip the catch hand

helps the DB concentrate on the ball WK
to force the TO/Incompletion.
Drill: After catch the DB will strip the
ball.
1. As the DB covers the WR he wants
to take his hand & arm over the WK
top of the furthers should.
2. Club down on the receivers hand.
3. DBs inside arm and hand will
attack the near arm of the WR.
Attempting to keep the WRs from Coach
using it to help catch the ball.
Coach: Can throw or get QB. Club over hands, Outside hand
Technique: Club over the far Start on whistle
shoulder attacking the catch hand.
End: Offense, defense & out. #7
 Weave Drill
Turn and run to ball

Weave Drill

Explanation: Weave drill is a

reaction drill conducted by the coach.
Drill: On command by the coach
w/the FB in his hand. Be definitive
with ball and shoulders.
1. Move side to side as directed by
the coach. Back pedal
2. When the coach pulls the pin
break on the ball.
3. DB must keep head up and eyes

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on coach.

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Coach: Direct DB.

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DBDB DB
Technique: Pass! Ball! OSGI!!! Near
sideline with ball in outside arm.
End: Return ball to coach or feeder.
Coach
#8
 Gang Up Drill
Gang Up Drill FS 10-12
CB 8-10
Explanation: DB run recognition FS
and fits
Note: Lanes and fits of the DBs
CB CB
Coach: Direct rotations of O/D.
Drill: We can use any backfield
set
L.O.S
1. The QB and the backfield can
make any movement run any B
B B
run scheme A
A A
2. On the snap, the secondary G
G G

QB
takes their usual steps
3. The DBs should locate the
ball and take their run fit
paths
4. The DB should pursuit and Co
FB
HB
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tackle the ball with good h
angles and fits #9
 Stalk Drill
Stalk Drill
RB
Explanation: Beating the stalk block.
Drill: Use cones to make a 5x5 box.
Note: Have RB 8-10 yards away from box.
1. Have RB cut inside, outside as long as
they stay in the box. (start from 4 Point WR
and progress to 2 point) Press, shrug
and separate.
2. On command, the DB attacks the block
of the WR.
3. DB approaches square, with lower pad
level than the WR and his hands inside.
4. The DBs hands should strike the breast
pad of the WR violently while hitting at
an angle up, knocking the WR into an DB ch
upright position. o a
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5. Can add tackle to drill w/shrug, press
and tackle! #10
 Deep Ball Drill
Deep Ball Drill

1. On command the WR runs a vertical route and the

DB attempts to mirror the WR.

2. The QB throws the ball 25-35 yards downfield within

six-seven yards from the sideline over the WRs outside
shoulder.

3. The DB will get to a position close enough to touch

the WR. The DB will keep his focus on the WRs eyes.

4. When the WR turns to look for the ball, the DB will

turn to look. The DB will look up for the ball, trying to
keep his hips and shoulders square in an effort not to
slow down. In this drawing Guide with left hand
and block ball with right.

5. Any contact made with the WR must be made while

looking for the ball and trying not to draw a penalty.

6. The ball should be intercepted at a high point or

deflected with the inside arm. Catch the ball at highest
point.

7. The DB must stay in phase with the WR until the ball

is defended.

#11
Ball Angle DrillsBall Angle Drills
Explanation : Breaking on route and ball.
Note: Have a single file line of DBs
standing about 10-20 yards away facing
the coach.
1. On command sprint towards coach and
break on one of a variety of angles. Coach can
(straight, 90 or 45) throw ball at
Coach: Coach throws ball as a lead with different
designation. commended
Technique: Use different route anglers. breaks.
Start with shuffle, turn cross-over and
run!
2. Straight DB
3. 45 to called side
4. 90 to called side
End: Return ball to coach & get back in DB
line.
DB Coach
#12
 Tip Drill
Tip Drill

Explanation: Catching the ball off of a tip.

Note: Have a single file line of DBs standing
about 10-20 yards away facing the coach.
DB
1. On command one sprints out with one
trailing behind. DB
2. First DB tips ball high in the air and second
catches it.
DB
Coach: Work the clock on throws.
Technique: Look to punch it high and make
sure it is count with hands at its highest
point.
End: Return balls to coaches side. Feed will
really help.

Coach

#13
 Distraction Drill
Ball Distraction

1. Have two equal lines of DBs

2. Player under runs straight and

waves hands up in order to distract DB Catcher
Distracte
on top line from catching the ball. r
3. DB on top run straight and catch
ball. Ignore the distraction.
DB
4. Coach throws ball when the two DB
players meet in the middle.

Coach

#14
Definitions of Zones and Pass
Zone Numbers

Yard Depth

10+ 7 8 9
3 Step

6-10 4 6 6
Intermediate

0-5 1 2 3
Deep

#15
Stretch and Break Drill

#16
 Triangulation of Safeties

Vs. 2x1: Vs. 3x1:

Split #1 Split #1
and #2 to and apex
strength. of #2 & #3
of the 3
man
surface.

Vs. 3x1: Vs. 2x1

Split #1 Twins:
and #2 to Split #1
strength. and #2 to
Same as strength.
2x1. Strength is
defined as
TE. #17
 Space Needle Cone Drill
Explanation: Sprint, Plant & 2
Change direction. Also ball
5 Yards
skills.
Drill: Sprint, shuffle & Back 1 3
peddle around each cone. At
top after sprint come down
and around cone A. Break
up and look for ball from
coach. B 5 Yards A
Note: 2nd time though perform
same drill to the left with the
B cone.
End: Come back inline at the
start once drill is complete.
Coach
DB

DB
#18
 Tackle Box Drill
Drill: There are 2 lines, each at opposite corners of a 5 x 5 Yd box. One line is made up
of the tacklers and one line is made up of the bagmen. On the whistle, the tackler
sprints full speed 5 yards laterally across the box, sticks his foot into the ground outside
the box. See Diagram 1
Note :When the tackler sticks his foot in the ground outside the box, the bag man
begins to shuffle laterally across the boxSee Diagram 2.
Note: Tackler comes down hill and fits up on bagman w/proper tackling form.
End: Go from offense (Bagman) to Defense to out.

#19
 Twilight Zone Drill
14
Explanation: 1 high defend work. Ya
Drill: WR= Wide Receiver rd
s
1. DB can be on stomach or back
2. The WR runs any pattern designated
by coach Laying Down
3. The DB quickly jumps to his feet and

DB
breaks down under control
4. The DB defends the pass line
5. The DB should play to pick, knock

7 Yards
down or make the tackle on the WR.
Point of Emphases: The focus of the
DB is on the belt of the WR Prepare for a
cut when the belt drops!
End: Offense, Defense & Out

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WRWR WR #20
 Perfect Position Man Drill

Explanation: Staying in
perfect position in man
coverage with trail technique.
Drill: Start and stop on
coaches command. Stay in
trail position!
1. Keep in perfect position
with hand on outside hip.
2. Start and stop w/whistle.
End: Par up and after going
though drill switch positions.

Coach
DB WR

#21
 Crack & Replace Drill

Explanation: Toss Crack play DBDBDB

angles, calls and fits. DB
Drill: OLBs & CBs (Could add
FS as middle run fit.
Technique:
a) OLB takes on crack with OLB DBs on
outside shoulder. Stay Deck
B
square to the LOS. A
b) DB must give crack call and B G
replace alley. DB should A
make tackle the ball with head G
on the outside.
End: Ball, Bag, On deck, DB
OLB
Note: Great drill week of ch
C oa
Goodhue and Caledonia
#22
 Shrug, Read & React Drill
DB
Shrug, Read & React Drill
DB
Explanation: Shrugging block in open
filed and making the read on the RB.
Drill: Blocker comes up aggressively at
DBs on
Deck DB
DB. DB presses, shrugs and separates.
Now react to the ball.
Technique: RB & DB B
a) Press with arms flexed, elbows in A
and thumbs up. G
b) Separate with shrug and react to the
ball carrier. Block ch
a
c) RB comes over the bag from the er Co
starting line. RB makes 2nd move on
DBs contact to the bag.
End: Blocker should be 2nd coach.
RB B
A
Offense to Defense is rotation. G RB #23
 DB Shimmy Tackle
DB Shimmy Tackle

Explanation: Working Angle types.

Aggressive angle (Offense does not
DB DB
have a 2-way go.)
Non-aggressive angle (Offense
does have 2-way cut.) Shuffle break down
Drill: Start at cone line, break down
shuffle at 2nd cone. Make tackle fit on
bag Blocker pad).
Technique: Head up and across. Run
feet on contact.
End: Defense, Bag to out. B B
A A
G G

Coach
#24
 Reach, Chase & Punch Drill
Reach, Chase & Punch Coach
#1
Explanation: Reacting to the
ball carrier and forcing the
fumble. Chase & Punch! RB #2
DB
Drill:
1. Defense breaks to coach.
2. Ball is tossed to offensive Ride &
player. Play runs out! Rip tech
3. Defense reacts & chases. to force
4. Defender grips & strips the
the ball. fumble!
Technique: Ride & Rip tech!
End: Next in line for both.

#25
 Tempo Line Drill
Tempo Line Drill Coach

Explanation: BP and working different routes.

Note: Can add weave instead of BP.
Coach: Stands middle behind cone lines.
DB DB
1. Coach controls movement.
2. Ball up = stop Shuffle,
3. Ball angled = slow Turn Cross
4. Ball 90 = fast over and
Technique: Can be Dig, Out, Curl or any run!
route of designated opponent.
Other: 1-2 Side, Shuffle @ 45, Hips rotate,
Hockey stop
End: 2 at a time through 2nd cone.

Turn &
Run
#26
 Whip Route Def. Drill
Shuffle,
Whip Route Defense Drill Turn Cross
over and
Explanation: Defending the Whip run!
Route
Note: Other variations can occur
Coach: Stands middle behind cone
lines.
1. Shuffle, turn cross over and run
2. After steps pursuit to the ball/bag
Technique: Shuffle, turn cross over
and run!
DB
End: Single file line behind the cones.

DB
DB Coach
DB
#27
 DB Box Drill
Shuffl
e
DB Box Drill Turn C ,
ro
over a ss
nd
Explanation: Movement and athleticism r un!
Note: Start with shuffle turn, cross over
and run. 2
Coach: Stands middle behind cone lines. 1
1. Coach can direct movement in any
number of sequences.
2. Start with our STCR!
Technique: Shuffle, turn cross over and 3 4
run!
End: Single file line behind the cones. DB
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#28
 Shuffle, Turn & Watch
Shuffle, Turn & Watch Drill
Shuffle
Explanation: Hips, Footwork & Press Tech facing
Note: Shuffle with a series of 6-8 steps.
1. Do not cross over feet
forward DB
2. Do not click heals
3. Turn on the whistle and look for ball!
Coach: Control to outside of the cone line
and let rip with the whistle and the ball!
DB
Technique: Turn to the coach and the ball DB
End: Up and back of the line.
DB
Turn, See
ball & Look a ch
Co
In!

#29
 Race Drill
Race Drill

Explanation: Man to Man distance vs. all

routes. (Depths of 5-10)
Note: Use routes that given opponent
DB Run with
uses for that week.
1. Use full route tree. DB DBWRW
2. DB must race the WR to the spot.
3. This teaches Man to man.
Coach: R
Technique: 1x5 Man or Press Man if
required. 5
End: Offense to defense and back of line.

10
Start on
whistle oach
C
#30
 Route Identification Drill
Route Identification Drill

Explanation: Identifying Opponents Break

routes.
Note: Shuffle turn, cross over and run
1. See route as it comes up
DB
2. Break on route!
Coach: Make sure we are using
opponents routes.
Technique: Shuffle turn, cross over and Shuffle
run

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End:

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Coach
#31