Backpedaling, or stepping backwards, allows the defensive secondary in football -- which is comprised of cornerbacks and safeties -- to stay within range of offensive players that they are covering while at the same time facing the quarterback in an attempt to read the play. Correct backpedaling footwork is key to being in position to tip or intercept the ball or to tackle the ball carrier. Backpedaling allows you to keep your original alignment to the receiver and keeps your shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage so you can move forward, right or left quickly, notes former Oakland Raiders coach Tom Flores in his book "Coaching Football."
Step 1
Line up behind the line of scrimmage. At the snap, push off your inside foot and step back with your outside foot, the one farthest from the middle of the field, recommends Thomas Bass in his book "Football: Skills and Drills." Narrow your distance between your feet after push-off to no more than hip-width apart.
Step 2
Step back quickly, reaching your feet behind you. Drive your arms hard with your elbows at 90 degrees, pumping the arms forward and back, not across your body. Keep your chin over your toes and your shoulders over your knees so you stay balanced and capable of running forward to intercept a short pass, Flores advises.
Step 3
Move at three-quarter speed after the snap so you can change directions to come up for a run or a short pass if needed. Take short or medium-length steps with your feet close to the ground so you can change direction quickly, and keep your knees bent to allow your feet to reach back.
Step 4
Maintain your backpedal for about 15 yards or longer if possible. At the 15-yard point, the receiver should be about three yards away; you may be forced to turn and run with the receiver to maintain coverage.
Step 5
Backpedal straight back the entire 15 yards or practice alternative patterns, such as either a weave or turns of 30- and 45-degrees to your initial straight drop, Flores recommends. Try to keep the receiver between one and three yards away.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice backpedaling at full speed, recommends John Krasinksi, who coaches strength and conditioning for football players at the University of California and in the NFL. This conditions your body to stay in correct form during the late stages of an actual game, when you are tired.
- When you change the angle of the backpedal, do not cross your feet, Bass warns.
References
- "Coaching Football: From Youth Leagues to the Pros"; Tom Flores, et al.; 2005
- "Football: Skills & Drills"; Thomas Bass; 2004
- "Stack"; Backpedaling Basics; Kyle Woody; December 2008
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