3 Drills to Drastically Improve a DB's Ball Skills

Hey Defender of the Airways,

Your DB tip is below, but first...

College football coaches have less time to develop players these days. With that being the case, they are looking for more developed players at the high school level. This means it’s more on you now than ever before.

If you’re a high school football player or coach, now is the time to grab the bull by the horns and ramp up your development. I have poured over 20 years of playing, coaching, and training experience for DBs into my book, 101 DB Tips.

Everything you will encounter as a defensive back is covered in this book. Any problem you may face in game situations is covered in this book. The biggest thing separating a player who is recruited from one who is not (outside of physical limitations) is knowledge. Use this book to close that gap—get your copy here and improve your odds dramatically of playing at the next level.

Now, here’s your DB Tip:

Tracking the deep ball is a bigger problem than you think for defensive backs. Far too many DBs are in position to make a play on a ball thrown to the deep part of the field and fail to do so simply because they lack the practice and skills to do so. If this describes you or a unit you coach, try these three drills to make drastic improvements in that area.

1. Deep Ball Drill (The Head-Turn Focus)

This one is simple. Align two players side-by-side near the bottom of the numbers. The outside player acts as a WR and the inside player is the defensive back. On command, both players run down the field as if on a fade pattern. The quarterback makes a throw towards the receiver and after making the throw, the word “ball” is yelled. The defender turns his head around, tracks the football, and either intercepts or knocks the ball down. This drill is very helpful in teaching the defender to turn his head around.

2. Zone Drops (The Safety's Focus)

This one is for safeties. Align the safety in the post at a depth of 12-15 yards. Either a coach or quarterback takes a pass drop. The safety reads the quarterback’s drop, shoulder movement, and hands on the ball. After weaving with the shoulder turns, the safety buzzes to the part of the field where the ball is thrown (post, or either numbers). The safety tracks the ball and catches it at its highest point.

3. Over the Shoulder Drill (The Ball-Tracking Focus)

This one is a tad more involved but is excellent for all defensive backs. The defensive back aligns directly in front of the player or coach at 7 yards away. On the QB’s command, the DB starts a backpedal. When the QB raises the ball, the DB makes a 180° turn and starts sprinting away from the QB. The QB then throws the ball and yells “ball.” The DB then looks over his shoulder to locate the ball and make the catch, preferably at its highest point. This is excellent for honing ball-tracking skills.

I break down all of these drills further with video in my All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area where I have an extensive DB drill library. You can join here.

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Thanks for Reading

Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover? Reply to this email or connect with me on social media—I’d love to hear from you!

Stay sharp, keep grinding, and always keep your eyes on the ball.

Chad Wilson
Founder, All Eyes DB Camp
@alleyesdbcamp on Instagram