Playing defensive back in football requires a player who has notable athleticism and also plays with a hard-hitting and aggressive attitude. Defensive backs are called on to cover the opponent's best receivers. Running speed is a major factor because you are often required to stay with or catch up to a receiver who has the ability to make game-changing plays.
Function
The alert defensive back has to be able to react quickly to any ball that he can get his hands on. The tip drill is used at all levels of football so defensive backs can get used to making plays on the ball after it has been tipped in the air by a teammate or an opposing receiver who was able to get his hands on the ball but unable to bring it in for a reception.
In this drill, the quarterback will throw the ball over the middle to a coach acting as his target. Instead of trying to make the catch, the coach will tip it up in the air volleyball style and the defensive back will have to streak in and catch the ball. Give each defensive player three attempts at this drill.
Significance
A defensive back will often be asked to cover receivers one-on-one. Many of the receivers have size and strength advantage over defensive backs. In this drill, the receiver will run a square out pattern towards the sidelines. The defensive back will be asked to break up the play by running over and getting his outside hands on the ball to force an incomplete pass. On the coach's signal, the receiver will run 10 yards up-field and then cut to the sidelines. The defensive back must read the pattern and cut in front of the receiver and knock the ball down. Give each defensive back three attempts at this drill.
Effects
All defensive backs have to be hard-hitting tacklers. Defensive backs line up between 8 and 15 yards from the line of scrimmage so they get a running start when running at a ball carrier.
In the running sweep drill, the running back takes a hand-off from the quarterback and runs toward the sidelines before cutting up-field. The defensive back tracks the running back to the side of the field and then charges up and tackles him as he begins his cut up-field. The tackle must be made with the shoulder in the midsection and by wrapping with his arms. Give each defensive back three tackles in this drill in every practice session.
Considerations
Defensive backs must depend on their speed and quickness. Run the shuttle drill to improve both of these characteristics. Have all your defensive backs start off at the goal line and sprint to the 10-yard line and back, the 20-yard line and back and then to the 30- and 40-yard lines. After finishing the shuttle, give all players a one-minute break and repeat the exercise.
Warning
Defensive backs must tackle hard move aggressively to the ball when it is in the air. However, they cannot lead with their helmets to make big hits. A hit with the helmet is not only illegal, it can have catastrophic results to both the player who delivers the hit and the player who receives the hit. Always lead with your shoulder and wrap up with your arms when tackling.
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