Discipline & Confidence
It takes great discipline by the coach when coaching press man-to-man coverage and great confidence by the DB when playing it to be successful.
Assistant Coach, University of Nebraska-Kearney©
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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.