Bill Brechin, Defensive Coordinator, Miami (OH)
View the full video on Glazier Drive: DB Man Technique & Progression to Game
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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MAIN PHILOSOPHY
The key to successful DB play is progression – you can’t just do individual drills and expect results. Players must progress from individual work to drills to one-on-ones to practice, with techniques carrying through each level.
CORE TECHNIQUE: PRESSURE STEP DRILL
This is the foundational drill taught on day one. The focus is on:
- Starting in an uncomfortable, low stance (comfortable players will fall step)
- Executing a pressure step backwards off the line
- Using the “inch technique” to stay square as long as possible
- Giving ground immediately at the snap
- Maintaining square hips through the first four yards
STANCE AND FIRST STEP
Players who look comfortable in their stance will fall step (step forward first). The proper technique requires:
- Low, uncomfortable power position
- Pressure step pushing off the most comfortable foot
- Always going backwards on the snap
- Staying square prevents the receiver from winning early
PROGRESSION TO ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
Once players master staying square, they progress to:
- Cut-off steps and hand jams
- Thumb-down technique for punches
- 45-degree steps when hips open
- Off-hand punches when receivers declare their route
SQUEEZE DRILLS
These drills teach DBs to:
- Force receivers outside their intended landmarks
- Look for the ball at 3/4 distance, not immediately
- Use zone squeeze techniques (for players who can handle it)
- Feel the receiver’s hip movement to anticipate routes
KEY COACHING POINTS
- Don’t guess – if the receiver’s hips don’t move, go backwards
- Give players depth information and route landmarks
- Force receivers to do “more BS at the line of scrimmage”
- Stay on top of routes to make completions difficult
- Avoid looking back for the ball too early in drills
GAME APPLICATION
The drill work must translate to live situations. Success is measured by:
- Being on top at the end of routes
- Making completions difficult even if not intercepting
- Forcing receivers outside their preferred landmarks
- Maintaining proper technique under game pressure
The overall message is that fundamentals must be drilled consistently and carried through all levels of practice to be effective in games.