This One Thought by DBs Can Speed Them Up Like Never Before

Hey Defender of the Airways,

One of the most important yet difficult concepts I teach young defensive backs is this: Efficiency of movement.

In a game as violent as football, the prevailing idea on the grass is that "Force is King." While that might be true when you're meeting a coming ball carrier in the hole, it couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to moving with elite speed in the secondary.

The Harmony of Movement

Playing defensive back involves a series of unnatural movements. We spend our lives going backward, running sideways, or flipping our hips 180 degrees in a split second. To execute these moves at a high level, your eyes, feet, and upper body must work in total harmony.

For these elements to sync up, your mindset must be focused on being smooth, not necessarily fast.

Why "Thinking Fast" Slows You Down

When an athlete "thinks fast," the natural tendency is to get tight. You tense up, your face scrunches, and you start skipping vital steps in your technique.

However, when you think smooth, your mind works correctly. You allow the process to unfold:

1. Your eyes find the right key.

2. Your feet strike in the correct areas.

3. Your upper body stays in sync, allowing for maximum leverage.

This efficiency is what actually generates game-breaking speed. It’s a core principle I talk about in my book, 101 DB Tips—where we break down how proper body placement allows you to accelerate with ease rather than fighting your own muscles.

Trust the Process

In the beginning, moving "smoothly" might make you feel like you’re moving slow. You have to trust the process. Over time, you’ll realize that doing things the right way is far better than doing them "fast" the wrong way.

Think about Olympic sprinters like Usain Bolt. He often looked like he wasn't even straining while he was dusting the field. It was the smoothness of his stride that allowed his legs to hit the ground at the optimal point. Straining, grunting, and tensing your muscles actually acts as a brake on your speed.

The "Floating" Method

The next time you head out to train, try this: Before every drill, tell yourself, “Smooth is fast.” If you need to, get a song in your head that keeps you calm. Avoid the high-intensity heavy metal or hype-type rap for a second—those raise your heart rate and speed up your thoughts too much. Find a melody that makes you feel like you’re floating.

When a DB learns to float, that’s all she wrote. The movement becomes effortless, the break becomes electric, and the ball ends up in our hands going the other way.

If you’re looking for more ways to refine these movements and master the technical side of the position, grab your copy of 101 DB Tips. It’s designed to be the ultimate reference guide for every foot placement and eye key you'll need on the field.

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