Discipline & Confidence

You do not necessarily need phenomenal athlete with outstanding speed and quickness to be a press man-to-man cover team. If the defensive back is a master of his technique and plays with confidence, discipline and desire he can be successful. It is extremely important that as the coach you teach great technique and never except “close enough.”

If a drill is not done at the level of perfection you expect, do it again. The defensive back will only be as good as you coach him to be. You must also instill in your athletes the attitude to play with a high level of confidence, the discipline to play the technique within the scheme and the undying desire to compete. The great defensive backs know they are great and still strive to be the best.

When playing press coverage it is not our intention to prevent the receiver from running his route. We simply want to make it difficult on the receiver to run his route and prevent him from catching the ball. To do this we want to make the receiver do one of three things. 1. Restart, 2. take a radical release, or 3. alter his route in some way. Any one of those three will disrupt the timing with the quarterback and create spatial problems with other receivers on the field.

At UNK we coach press coverage using three phases. The first phase is called “Get Off,” the second phase is called “Get Control” and the third is called “Finish.” Using the three phases of coverage allows us to break down our technique during film sessions and know exactly where the defensive backs make their mistakes.

First Phase - “Get Off”

The “Get Off” phase includes three elements. The DB must first be aligned correctly, second he must be in a proper stance and third he must use his feet to get off the ball. Winning this phase of press coverage is the most important. Improper alignment and stance will lead to the inability to get off the ball. A poor Get Off will put the DB in a position of chasing the receiver and make it extremely difficult to “Get Control.”

Alignment will be determined by numerous things such as the coverage called, do we have safety help and where is it coming from, the receivers split, offensive tendencies, down and distance and the defensive backs ability. For example, when the DB is removed from his safety help or there is no safety help, or if the receiver is set in a wide split the DB should use an inside alignment. The outside foot of the DB should split the receiver down the middle. When the safety help is near or if the receiver is set in a tight split, the DB will use an outside alignment. Now the inside foot of the DB will split the receiver down the middle. Do not set up so far inside or outside that you give the receiver a free release. Remember we want to make the receiver alter his route. When a DB is playing press coverage on an inside slot receiver, a head up alignment may be used. It is tougher to predict what kind of stem a slot receiver will take. Being head up puts the DB in a better position to play both the inside and outside stem.

It is important to alter your alignment during the quarterback’s cadence from time to time. For instance, start with an inside alignment and slide to an outside alignment, or start from a loose alignment and move up to press alignment. The receiver will have to rethink his release just as the play is starting. This will disrupt the timing between the QB and the receiver. Don’t ever let the receiver get comfortable. Keep him guessing all the time.

With stance it is important that the DB is comfortable. There are obviously general guidelines to follow, but don’t put the DB in a position to feel awkward or out of control. Some guys are tall, some are short, some are flexible, some are not. Find a stance that is suitable for each individual.

Start with the feet approximately shoulder width apart and square to the line of scrimmage. Have the DB bend at the waist and let the arms hang straight to the ground. The finger tips should be directly over the toes. If the DB feels uncomfortable have him slightly widen or narrow his stance.

Once the base is set, bend at the knees to force the weight forward over the toes and raise the hips so that the back is flat. We want the elbows held high to keep the weight forward. Never let the weight shift back on the heels. From this position the shoulders and hands should be out in front of the toes. The eyes are up and focused on the thigh of the receiver. This keeps the DB low and allows him to play under the hands of the receiver. Playing high will allow the receiver to get his hands on us and disrupt our progression. The DB must “eye the thigh.” This will force him to stay low. Many times the quarterback’s cadence can be long. Be sure to stay loose and keep the weight forward over the toes. Don’t ever get caught on your heels.

As the receiver releases, the DB must “Get Off” the line of scrimmage with his shoulders square and create a cushion. Once the DB begins his get off, the feet should never stop. The cushion created during the “Get Off” allows the DB time to read the release of the receiver. A slide technique or a pedal technique can be used. Slide technique is when the DB either hops back or slides his feet in opposition back off the line of scrimmage. Pedal technique is when the DB slowly pedals back off the line of scrimmage. It is very important for the DB to never “false step” or “open the gate” during his get off. A false step occurs when the DB steps forward towards the line of scrimmage. Opening the gate occurs when the DB works inside or outside of the receiver or opens his hips on movement allowing him a free release with no disruption.

The receiver will use one of three releases; a radical release, a straight release or a chop release. A chop release is when the receiver chops his steps and attempts to juke the DB off the line. This automatically forces the receiver to restart and he is not gaining vertical depth. Many times the receiver will take three or four steps before he ever crosses the line of scrimmage. While the receiver is chopping his release, the DB is simply waiting for the receiver to stem his route. It is important for the DB to be patient and not honor any false moves and never reach for the receiver. Remember to keep the eyes on the thigh and keep the feet moving. When the receiver finally stems his route the DB works to pin the receiver’s hip and “Get Control.”

A radical release is when the receiver attempts to avoid any and all contact with the DB. This again prevents the receiver from gaining vertical depth as well as causes spatial problems with other receivers on the field. It is important for the DB not to reach for the receiver. Work for depth, keep the feet moving and the eyes down and eventually the receiver will stem his route up field. The DB will then mirror the release and pin the receiver’s hip down field to “Get Control.”

A straight release is when the receiver releases straight at the DB in an attempt to get physical. This is the toughest release to play. The DB must prevent the receiver from running over his toes and pushing off by staying low and playing below the receiver’s hands. A deep get off will allow the DB to be patient and let the cushion close gradually. When the cushion is broken down, the receiver will stem his route and the DB will work to pin the receiver’s hip and “Get Control.” During a straight release it is important that the DB keep his shoulders square and not commit his hips. If the DB commits his hips the receiver will simply break away from the hips and coverage is lost.

Second Phase - “Get Control”

At this point the DB has read the release of the receiver and will use his hips and hands to “Get Control.” To be in control the DB must be in a hip-to-hip relationship. He cannot be on top of or trailing the receiver. Being in either one of the two gives control to the receiver.

As the receiver stems his route the DB will open his hips to mirror the angle of the receiver. In doing so, it is crucial that the DB stays low. Throwing the head and shoulders up and back will cause the DB to lose his balance. Keep the eyes on the thigh and the weight over the toes. As the DB opens his hips he must also clear the shoulder and throw the elbow. This will get the hips open quicker and also keep the receiver from being able to grab and pull by. As the hips open, the toes must be pointed at a 45-degree angle so that the next step allows the DB to gain a step. If the toes are pointed to flat (less than 45 degrees) the DB will either false step or step across his body. Both of which will cause him to lose a step and prevent him from pinning the hip. With the hips open, the toes pointed in the correct direction and the shoulder and elbow cleared the DB can use his hand opposite the receiver’s release to “stab” the receiver. When attempting to “stab” the receiver, it is important that the DB does not reach or lunge. Just extend the arm and make quick contact with the receiver, like a boxer uses his jab. Leaving the hand on the receiver too long will just slow the DB down. The hand, not the forearm or elbow, must make contact on the front side of the receiver. Making contact with the forearm or elbow will cause the DB to lean on the receiver. Making contact on the receiver’s back will cause the DB to push the receiver away and create separation. This will not allow the DB to pin the receiver’s hip and gain control.

When the receiver uses a double stem the DB must counter the move to maintain control. If the DB has used his progression properly and has pinned the hip of the receiver he will simply drop step and use a second “stab” to regain control. As the receiver works under the DB, the DB will plant his up field foot; open his hips back to the receiver and match the angle. The opposite hand will again “stab” the receiver. This must be done quickly in order to avoid separation.

If the DB has not used his progression properly by over-committing his hips and finds himself on top of the receiver he must now whip turn to regain control. As the receiver works under the DB, the DB will plant his foot nearest the receiver and snap his hips and shoulders over the top to match the receiver’s angle. The foot away from the receiver must step towards the receiver and match his angle so as not to create separation from the receiver. The head must snap quickly to find the receiver. The quickest way to regain control of the receiver and match his angle is to throw the inside hand to the receivers thigh and groin area. This will get the DB back to a position where he can pin the hip.

When the DB has properly pinned the receiver’s hip he will slap and squeeze the hip with his arm under the receiver’s arm. If the DB has is arm on top he is playing too high. The DB must stay low and continue to play under the hands of the receiver. If the receiver starts to pull away the DB will give a quick tug on the receiver’s elbow to maintain hip relationship. It is important that the DB keeps his eyes down on the receiver’s thigh. The feet always follow the eyes. If the eyes are up or back on the quarterback the DB will lose contact and create separation with the receiver. From this position the DB can be physical with the receiver without leaning on him or reaching for him. Leaning on or reaching for the receiver will prevent the DB from getting out of his break in order to finish the route.

Third Phase - “Finish”

After the receiver has stemmed his route he will do one of three things. He will continue on a vertical path (fade), break away from the DB or he will break to the DB. On a vertical route the DB will continue to slap and squeeze the receiver until he sees the receiver’s hands reach for the ball. Looking back early will cause the DB to lose contact with the receiver. As the receiver reaches for the ball the DB will split the receiver’s arms with his arm and look for the ball. The DB must continue to squeeze the receiver to the sideline in order to prevent separation. This also makes the area the quarterback can throw the ball much smaller.

When the receiver attempts to break away from the DB, the DB will hook the elbow and keep himself in hip relationship. Because the DB’s eyes are on the hip he will be able to tell when the break is about to happen. The receiver will shorten his steps or drop his hips. The tug on the elbow must be quick and done in tight where it cannot be seen. That is why the DB must get his arm under the arm of the receiver. If the DB has his arm on top of the receiver’s arm it is easy for the receiver to lift the DB and get him off balance. As the receiver and DB come out of the break the DB must keep his eyes on the receiver in order to match the angle of the break. The DB will drive the up field shoulder and play the ball when he has hip control. Looking early will cause separation between the DB and the receiver.

When the receiver attempts to break into the DB, the DB will pin the receiver’s hip and chest him up. Again the eyes must be on the receiver’s hip in order tell when the break will happen. The steps will shorten and the hips will drop. When the receiver breaks into the DB he will also attempt to throw the DB over the top. Because the DB has his arm under the receiver’s arm the receiver is forced to bring his arm over the top in order to throw the DB. This allows the DB to get his hand on the receiver’s hip and fight pressure with pressure. Getting the hand to the receiver’s hip quickly is crucial in order to prevent being thrown by. The DB will then turn into the receiver chest-to-chest and not allow him to slide underneath. Now the DB is in position to look for the ball. The up field hand secures position on the receiver and the downfield hand will play the ball.

When the DB plays the ball he must be aggressive and not allow the ball to slip through and be caught by the receiver. At this point, sometimes the end justifies the means. Even if the first two stages did not go well the DB must slap, pull, tug, fight, compete or whatever it takes to ensure the ball does not reach the receiver and win phase three. Making interceptions and breaking up passes must be practiced. The DB must practice playing the ball from all different angles. On top of the receiver, underneath the receiver, in front of the receiver and even behind the receiver. It is also important that you teach the DB how to play the ball when he is beat. Practice every scenario that may occur in a game. This will allow the DB to keep his composure when he finds himself in a bad situation. It will happen. As the defensive back improves he will learn when he is in position to intercept the ball, break up the pass or when he must ensure the tackle.

The margin for error when playing man coverage is very small. It takes great discipline by the coach when coaching it and great confidence by the DB when playing it to be successful. Drills to master each phase of the coverage should be implemented in pre-practice sessions, during practice, during conditioning as well as in the off-season. You must be committed to playing a man-to-man scheme and practice it daily to master the skill.

About the Author
Nate Neuhaus

Nate Neuhaus recently finished his his third season as the defensive backs coach at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

In 2002, senior CB John English earned first-team All-RMAC honors picking off four passes. Neuhaus coached his younger brother, Craig, in 2001. Craig was among the national leaders in interceptions with eight and finished his career with 20 picks.

A native of McCook, Neuhaus earned four letters at UNK from 1995-98. His football career continued as he played for the Lincoln Lightning of the Indoor Football League in 1999 and, in 2001, the Tri-City Deisel of the National Indoor Football League.

For more information on this article or on Neuhaus, email neuhausn@hotmail.com.