The Really Great DBs Excel in this Area

Hey Defender of the Airways,

As a young athlete, you spend a massive amount of time trying to improve your speed, quickness, and strength. Don't get me wrong—those are necessary to succeed in this sport. But where many players fail is putting that same quality of time into their technique.

Speed, quickness, and strength are tangible. You can measure them, which makes them fun to train. At the beginning of the year, you ran a 4.7 forty; now you’re at a 4.5. Ten weeks ago, you benched 225 lbs; now you’re at 265. The results are easy to see, so that’s where your focus goes.

But here is the reality: a lack of technique will have you failing as a defensive back, no matter how fast you are.

Getting stronger and faster is only half the battle. If you are going to excel in the secondary, you need to spend at least an equal amount of time on your movement.

The "Track Star" Problem

There is an art to playing defensive back. If there wasn’t, you could grab any world-class track athlete, drop him into a lineup on Saturday or Sunday, and he’d have great success. We know that isn't how it works.

• All the speed in the world won’t help if your turn out of your backpedal leaves you two steps behind the WR every time.

• A 300 lb. bench press is useless if you have a misplaced jam in press.

• The quickest feet won’t get you out of trouble if you lack the necessary balance.

We live in an era where everyone has fallen in love with measurables—40 times, shuttle times, and bench reps. But the technicians are the ones who hang around and make the most plays.

Knowledge is the Starting Point

The road to becoming the technician you need to be starts with knowledge. It’s not just about how to move, but where to move and why.

Social media is loaded with "experts" on movement. Make sure you are seeking that knowledge from someone who has been there and understands the "why" behind every step. If you want a clear roadmap for these movements, my book 101 DB Tips focuses specifically on the eye discipline, foot placement, and body positioning that measurables can't teach you.

Don't just be an athlete. Be a football player. Seek the knowledge, put in the work, and let the technique do the talking.

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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