Playing man-to-man defense in football is primarily the province of defensive backs who cover wide receivers and tight ends in the passing game. When running backs come out of the backfield, they are usually covered in a zone defense and coverage is handled handled by a combination of linebackers and defensive backs. Good man-to-man coverage by the defense can often mean the difference in a football game. When your defensive backs can contain or shut down big play receivers, that often leads to frustration on the part of the offensive players and coaching staff.
Step 1
Study your opponent before you take the field. To have a better chance to cover a receiver, you need to be aware of his moves, his style and his favorite plays. At the high school, college and professional levels, game films are likely to show you at least some of those aspects.
Step 2
Line up about three to five yards away from the receiver you will be covering on a man-to-man basis. Immediately go into a backpedal for about four steps as the receiver works his way into the pattern. At that point, you will mirror his pattern. If he is running deep, you will turn and go with him. If he is running a square out or square in, you will cross over and match his pattern. You will try to run with him as he attempts to get open.
Step 3
Sneak a peak back at the quarterback when you have mirrored the receiver's moves and you are running with him on the pattern. Understanding what the quarterback will do will make your job easier. You can't take your eyes off the receiver to look at the quarterback because he could make a move that will prevent you from staying with him, but if you see the quarterback start to throw you may be able to intercept or break up the pass.
Step 4
Break on the ball once you see the ball coming at the receiver. The idea behind man-to-man coverage is to stop the pass from being completed. If you can intercept or break up the pass, you have to make the effort. "I always relished the opportunities I had to make an interception," said Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. "If you studied the receiver and the quarterback, you had a better chance of knowing what would happen. I loved getting the chance to intercept the ball and run with it."
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