Struggling with Catch Technique? Try these Fixes

Hey Defender of the Airways,

Your DB tip is below, but first...

Do you remember the first time you were given the keys and got behind the wheel of a car? There was that feeling of exhilaration at the newfound freedom you were about to experience. Do you also remember the hesitation that you felt as you pulled out of the driveway, had to make a right-hand turn, or merge onto the highway with other cars going at 60+ mph?

All of those things are a distant memory now if you have been driving for a year or more. Backing out of the driveway, making a right-hand turn into oncoming traffic, or merging onto the highway is an afterthought. You feel ultimate comfort in all of those situations and you can perform with ease.

If a car is coming behind you as you pull out of the driveway, if a car is changing its lane into yours as you are attempting to make that right-hand turn, or even if a car is braking hard in front of you—no panic, you know what to do.

When you are on the football field, there is comfort in simply knowing what to do. The old saying goes, “Knowing is half the battle.” Acquiring knowledge is the biggest quest you should have every offseason. The biggest leaps in my performances as both a player and a coach came from acquiring more knowledge in the offseason. When I lined up and knew where I was supposed to be and what to do when a receiver ran his route, my confidence was sky-high.

When a player ran into difficulty with a technique, understanding a coverage, or when an offense attacked my coverage, I felt like a king when I knew exactly what to do.

That feeling is what I am trying to transfer to you. I know how good it feels and what it will do for your performance.

That is why I continue to try and get my book 101 DB Tips into your hands and try to get you to join my Member's Area. What I provide with these resources took me many years to learn. I am accelerating the process for you by giving it to you now.

There may be hundreds out there giving coverage and coaching advice, but can they give it like I can? Have they been where I’ve been? Have they done it for as long as I have?

I doubt it...

• If you are a player… hit this link to find out more about 101 DB Tips
• If you are a coach - hit this link to find out more about 101 DB Tips
• If you are a parent - hit this link to find out more about 101 DB Tips

Now, here’s your DB Tip:

If you are getting beat in the slot using catch technique, try these 3 fixes

✅ Align at the Proper Depth
This is an underrated part of using the technique. 4-5 yards off should be your alignment. Align any closer and sudden moves by the receiver will affect you too much. Aligning deeper than that and you are allowing the receiver to gain too much speed before reaching you. This will allow him to run past you

✅ Don’t Overplay Your Leverage
The whole idea of catch technique is to get two hands on the receiver. If you overplay inside or outside, getting two hands on will be impossible. Take a shade alignment and mirror the receiver’s stem by sliding left or right. As he approaches move into position to get two hands on him.

✅ Cut Off His Torso
Sounds crazy doesn’t it? You must keep your eyes on the receiver’s lower half and specifically his hips. In my playing days, I would pull my facemask down to cut off my vision of the player’s upper half. I did not want to be misled by rapid shoulder and head movements. A sound and intense focus on the hips will keep you in position to get your jam.

Try these three adjustments and watch how your technique in the slot improves.

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 →

• 101 DB Tips Book: Your ultimate guide to becoming an elite DB. Get Your Copy →

• Shop All Eyes DB Camp Gear: Look the part while you dominate the field. Shop Now →

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