3 "Invisible" Mistakes Killing Your Man Coverage

Hey Defender of the Airways,

By now, we’re all aware of the "big" mistakes in press-man: opening the gate too early, having your eyes too high, or getting stuck on your heels. But even if you fix the big things, these three subtle habits might still be holding you back from elite production.

Here are 3 small adjustments that will lead to big wins:

1. Using the Wrong Hand at the Line

I get it—when a receiver starts to get outside your body, using the "near hand" seems smart. It’s the closest tool you have to get a jam. However, relying on the near hand is a trap.

When you use the near hand, you almost always plant that same-side foot. This locks your hips and initiates a bad chain of events. While you’re stuck in the mud, the receiver is already accelerating downfield.

The Fix: Rely on your kick slide and use your opposite hand to jam. This keeps your hips "unlocked" and allows you to stay over the top or even with the receiver.

2. Not Controlling the Space

Young DBs often want to "glue" themselves to the receiver as early as possible. This is exactly what a receiver wants! If you are chest-to-chest mid-route, you are giving him the leverage to push off and create separation right as the ball arrives.

The Fix: Maintain a "buffer zone" (typically arm's length) until the ball is in the air. This prevents the push-off and keeps you in a better position to react to breaks.

3. The Fear of Finding the Ball

Many DBs are terrified that looking for the ball will cause them to lose the receiver. The opposite is true. If you are in-phase (hip-to-hip) and the receiver’s eyes go up, yours should too.

If you refuse to look, you’re forced to "play the hands." Usually, this leads to one of two things: you either fail to disrupt the catch, or you arrive too early and draw a 15-yard PI flag.

The Fix: Switch your mentality. When the ball is in the air, you are the receiver. You have just as much right to that ball as he does. Practice your tracking drills so you can turn your head with poise, not panic.

The Bottom Line: Mastering the subtle details—the opposite hand jam, space control, and the "receiver" mindset—will skyrocket your win rate. Don't just work hard; work smart.

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Thanks for Reading!
I hope this issue gave you valuable insights to improve your defensive back game. Remember, success on the field starts with mastering the fundamentals and staying committed to your craft.

If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, don’t miss out on these resources:

• Join the All Eyes DB Camp Community: Get exclusive tips, drills, and support from DBs and coaches just like you. Join Now →

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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