This Will Stand in the Way of Most DBs Reaching Greatness

Hey Defender of the Airways,

Your DB tip is below, but first...

There's a struggle going on...

Most high school-aged defensive backs don't embrace the intellectual side of playing football. I get it; when they are young, they are more active and want to learn by doing. However, football has a lot of details, especially when it comes to scheme and coverage complexity.

The beginning of all learning comes from communication, and that starts with words on a page. You have to be able to read words on a page, see images and diagrams on a page, and be able to at least partially understand the concepts. Then, that understanding gets nurtured and advanced in a meeting room where a coach will explain the concepts while you are sitting still and paying attention.

Next, you will move to the field where you are walked through at half speed what you were supposed to read (or see on a screen) and what was spoken to you in the meeting room. When you have not been able to obtain some type of understanding before that walk-through, you will mess up and get pulled out.

Finally, you will be put in high-speed situations in front of speedy wide receivers, running backs, and angry linemen coming for you. If you have not acquired two-thirds of your understanding before that point, YOU WILL FAIL! The player won't start, you won't get reps, and YOU WON'T PLAY!

So, if a player thinks, "I will just lift weights, run, and learn at practice," YOU ARE WRONG! Unless you are 6'2" and run a 4.2 or 4.3, you won't even get a chance, and even those physically gifted guys eventually wear out their welcome when they don't know the playbook.

So you can go on saying you don't learn by reading or in meetings, but I can already see your future. Embrace the intellectual side of football, or it will all be over. I can't express this to you young players enough.

Pick up a copy of my book 101 DB Tips and learn how to rise your game to the All American level - Click here for more info

Now, here’s your DB Tip:

If you are struggling with being able to locate and catch the football on deep routes, try these 3 fixes:

✅ Work on Catching Deep Balls By Yourself
Before you can get comfortable defending the deep ball while in coverage, let’s first get comfortable just catching the deep ball. A lot of defensive backs did not play offense and have not had the practice of just running down the field and catching the ball. Get a QB to just throw you repeated 9 routes.

✅ Practice Seeing the Ball Late
Most of the time as DBs we are spending our time, looking at the receiver to make sure we know where he is going. As a result, we do not see the ball when it’s thrown. Many times we have to locate the ball already in flight. As you run the Go and Post routes, practice seeing the ball late by pretending to be looking at the receiver then have the QB yell ball when the ball is halfway towards you.

✅ Work on Running Deep with Receiver
After you have gotten comfortable practicing tracking, locating and catching the ball alone, it’s time to implement doing it with a receiver right next to you. The final test for you will be if you have the ability to focus on the ball when another person is right next to you. This has to be practiced. It will also give you the ability to understand why you need to attack the ball with your hands at the highest point.

I have some really great ball drills for DBs in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area

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