Avoid this Mistake in Training this Offseason

Hey Defender of the Airways,

It’s that time of year when we turn up the heat on our preparation for the coming season. They say champions are made in the off season, and while that’s true, the off-season is also a dangerous time. Without a coach over your shoulder, it is incredibly easy to form habits that will haunt you come Friday night.

At All Eyes DB Camp, my motto is centered on the power of repetition and consistency. Usually, we think of that as a positive, but consistency is a double-edged sword. Consistently doing something the wrong way will cripple your ability to reach your maximum level of performance.

The Hardest Skill to Self-Train

One of the hardest things to train as a defensive back is your eyes. Let’s face it: you can’t see your own eyes while you’re moving, and it’s difficult to "feel" what they are doing. Without someone there giving you feedback, it takes a massive, focused effort to keep your vision where it belongs.

As a rule, never start a drill without first asking yourself: “Where should my eyes be?” You couldn't play this game if you were blind. If your eyes are in the wrong place, it renders everything your feet and hands are doing useless. What your eyes do comes first.

Don't Look at the Ground

When you’re training alone, human nature takes over. During intense physical activity or skill development, it’s natural to want to look at the ground. If you’re working on your kick slide by yourself, you have to use your imagination. Pretend there is a man in front of you. If you don't, your eyes will wander, and you’ll develop a "dirt-watching" habit that will get you cooked in a real game.

It’s easy to focus only on the feet and hands because they are easy to see and judge. However, the real technicians of the game know that the feet and hands simply follow the eyes.

If you want to make sure your solo sessions are actually moving the needle, you need a reference guide for your eye discipline and footwork. I put all of my thoughts on these essential movements into 101 DB Tips. It’s designed to give you the "why" behind the drills so you aren't just out there moving—you're preparing.

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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