Great DBs Use Their Resources

Your Latest All Eyes DB Camp News

When you line up in front of a wide receiver, preparing to cover him, you are making an assessment. What down is it? What formation are they in? What’s his alignment?

You take in all this information quickly to decide how you want to play your opponent. This is what good defensive backs do.

For the great ones, something deeper is happening. They have already evaluated their opponent before the game. They know the receiver’s strengths and weaknesses—and they are also aware of their own.

So what do great DBs do at this moment? They use their resources.

First, they know where their help is—that’s a resource. Next, they understand their own strengths and play to them—that’s another resource. They have a strong idea of where the route might go and use their alignment and pre-snap movements to restrict the receiver from getting to that area. Alignment is a resource.

If you want to excel at anything—including defensive back play—you MUST use your resources.

If you're reading this newsletter, you’re likely aware of the resources I’ve made available to you as a defensive back, coach, or parent of a defensive back. If not, you’ll see them throughout this newsletter. Now, it’s time to make good use of them.

You want to be great, right?

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DB News

Things got a little testy between defensive back legends Deion Sanders and Asante Samuel. What was the focus of the debate? How to get out of a break.

Yes, it’s the annual T-step vs Bicycle step debate that comes up around this time. Once upon a time, Coach Prime used to do commentary at the NFL Combine during the on-field drills for the defensive backs.

On many occasions, Coach Prime expressed his dislike for the T-step. Quickly explained, a T-step is when a defensive back plants out of his back pedal by turning his foot sideways to get all of his cleats in the ground before pushing out to come forward. Coach Prime thinks it’s a waste of time and movement. He prefers the bicycle step.

The bicycle step involves the defensive back planting the ball of his feet in the ground before driving out. Coach Prime finds that to be more efficient and it is what his great DB coach Mickey Andrews taught him at Florida St. when he was there.

Asante Samuel prefers the T-step and you know what happens when you disagree with Asante Samuel. After commenting on a video with Sanders slandering the T-step, Samuel responded in Samuel fashion. This lead to hours of T-step vs Bicycle step debate that saw participation from defensive back, far and wide including several former All Pros.

Oh the offseason…

Coach’s Corner

Trio Defense

This is not your average defensive alignment but it is one that I have had some great success with. Trio defense as I named it is a 3 down lineman, 3 linebacker, 3 safety defense. It started as a defense to put cap on explosive and pass happy offenses but evolved into something else. The number of coverages that you can rotate into out of this is limitless. I will be starting a series on this defense this week in the.. All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

DB Tip

Keeping contact with the ground is key for a defensive back.  Picking your heels up high in your back pedal or jumping both feet in your shuffle is a no-no.  You never want to get caught with both feet off of the ground when the WR changes direction.  

(From the book 101 DB Tips)

DB Fact

The average size and speed of defensive backs have evolved over time. Today, the typical NFL cornerback stands around 5'11" to 6'1" and weighs 190-200 lbs, while safeties tend to be slightly bigger at 6'0" to 6'2" and 200-215 lbs.

These 3 Things Are Killing Your Off Man Reps

Have you ever been in this position before? You went to a camp, and you were all geared up to do one-on-ones because you wanted to crush the receivers with your press man skills, only to have the coach tell you that you aren’t allowed to play press. It felt like he told you to do the camp without your cleats on.

If you find yourself in this position and weren’t able to perform because you’re not good at off man, you are likely making the three mistakes I’m going to outline in this article.

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Nick C. - New York

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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

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