The 5-Minute Football Coach - Ep.94 - DBs

In this episode of The 5 Minute Football Coach, we get into defensive-back technique and the return of the backpedal. Drawing on years of experience playing and coaching DB, we look at why maintaining the backpedal can help defensive backs preserve their cushion, read the receiver and react to the play. The episode also explores hip rotation, foot position, centre of gravity and the importance of putting force into the ground to create sharper, more explosive changes of direction. For developing DBs, the backpedal remains a fundamental skill.

Episode Summary

The defensive backfield is a position group Nick has a particular interest in, having played and coached DB for many years. As a former small, slow corner, the focus was on change of direction, football IQ and finding ways to make up for what wasn't naturally available in terms of size or speed.

One technique that stands out is the backpedal. As receivers became faster and more explosive, many DBs moved toward turning their hips and running earlier. But maintaining the backpedal for as long as possible gives a defensive back more time to see the receiver, maintain their cushion and react to what happens in front of them.

The backpedal isn't simply about moving backwards, though. Good DB movement requires control of the hips, feet underneath the body, appropriate hip level and the ability to rotate and change direction explosively.

Key Takeaways

• The backpedal is fundamental to good defensive-back play.
• Maintaining the backpedal allows a DB to preserve their cushion and gives them more time to read and react.
• DBs need to learn how to rotate their hips while moving, rather than simply turning and running.
• Keeping the feet underneath the hips provides greater stability and helps with change of direction.
• Lower hips reduce the centre of gravity and can allow smoother, more explosive movement.

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