You Have No Press Technique Without This

Hey Defender of the Airways,

Press coverage is the cornerstone of a cornerback’s existence, as most defenses are using it in some way, shape, or form. Some are even using it in their zone defenses. However, as I watch cornerback after cornerback play press, I am seeing a sweeping problem: they don’t have a first step.

If you are playing press-man and you are determining your first step based on the wide receiver’s first move, then you have no technique.

There are three basic press-man techniques, and below I will tell you how each technique is determined by your first step.

But first, let me establish that your first step in press-man is predetermined. You are taking that step upon the first movement by the receiver, and it’s happening regardless of what he does. Only after that first step will you then start basing your movements on the receiver’s movements.

Hard Press

Hard press is started with a “peer step” or “pressure step.” That’s a six-inch timing step to set you up for your next move based on the wide receiver. Few DBs are able to just stand there stationary upon the WR’s first move. This is why the “peer step” is taken. From there, you play the technique.

Inch Technique

Your first step is a six-inch retreat step with either foot. This comes from being loaded on the insides of both feet and pushing off one of your feet to take the small retreat step. Notice how I did not say pick up one foot and put it back down to start your feet. That would be improper form for this technique. That first step is then followed by several more tiny retreat steps as you study the release of the receiver.

Motor Technique

The first step in this technique is a step known as a “jab” step. This means that you take a step with either foot to begin your motor technique. From a press alignment, this allows you to maintain your depth leverage over the receiver longer than if you tried to press off your stationary foot. From there, you judge the release of the receiver to apply the remainder of the technique.

Conclusion

In my training sessions, when we are working releases, I tell my athletes: I should be able to tell the technique you used by your first step. When the first step is not present, or it does not match what came after it, the athlete typically cannot give me an answer to the technique they used. This means they approached the rep without a plan, and this is something we are looking to avoid. Your press plan begins with knowing your first step.

For in-depth tutorials on all three of these techniques, join me in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

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