Key Mistakes in Press Coverage for Defensive Backs

Introduction

• Focus on common mistakes made by defensive backs (DBs) in press coverage against wide receivers.
• Importance of avoiding these mistakes to win one-on-one reps consistently.

Mistake 1: Shifting the Eyes

• Key concept: Maintain focused eyes during man-to-man coverage, particularly on the hips of the wide receiver.
• Common error: DBs start with eyes on hips but then look at the receiver’s face or chest as they move.
  • Results in falling for head and shoulder fakes.
• Solution: Train to keep eyes on the receiver’s hips during the entire action at the line of scrimmage.
  • Use drills designed to keep eyes down, available in the All Eyes DB Camp members area.

Mistake 2: Opening the Gate

• Key concept: Prevent giving the receiver too much space at the line of scrimmage.
• Common error: Turning body sideways immediately after the snap ("opening the gate").
  • Allows the receiver to maintain their intended route.
• Solution: Move feet and use hands to disrupt the receiver's path.
  • Develop a "kick slide" technique to maintain control in press coverage.
  • Force the receiver off their route or into contact to use hands effectively.

Mistake 3: Looking at the Quarterback Out of the Break

• Key concept: Maintain focus on the receiver, not the quarterback, after the receiver's break.
• Common error: Peeking at the quarterback after the receiver breaks.
  • Slows DB’s acceleration and can lose track of receiver’s changes in direction.
• Solution: Focus on the receiver for a step or two after the break before checking on the quarterback.
  • Only look away if in close contact with the receiver and aware of their position.
  • Improves likelihood of deflecting passes.

Conclusion

• Emphasize importance of addressing these three errors in training to improve performance in press man coverage.
• Additional resources available for further improvement in All Eyes DB Camp and "101 DB Tips" guide.

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Additional Notes

• Consistency in training and applying these techniques is key to improved performance in press coverage.