Description

Marcus Woodson, Arkansas, Co-DC/DB Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Playing the Ball: South Transitions

ARKANSAS DB TRANSITION FOOTWORK TRAINING SYSTEM

This Arkansas defensive backs coach breaks down a comprehensive three-phase daily training system focused on perfecting transition footwork and ball skills. The system works regardless of practice gear - from no equipment to full pads.

V-STEP TRANSITION TECHNIQUE

The coach uses "V-step" terminology instead of traditional "T-step" or "bicycle" methods. This technique emphasizes proper plant foot and directional foot mechanics. When breaking right, the left foot becomes the plant foot at a 35-degree angle, while the right foot serves as the directional foot. The coach stresses planting violently off the instep to generate maximum power during the break.

BODY POSITIONING AND MECHANICS

Proper transition requires leading with "top numbers" like a track sprinter coming out of blocks - starting low and working upward. The 35-degree plant foot angle prevents hip locking while maintaining transition capability. This differs from the 90-degree angle associated with T-step technique.

OPEN CHEST TRANSITIONS

When cushion gets threatened or in press-bail coverage situations, DBs open their chest and plant the upfield foot to drive back. The directional foot points toward the intended direction, creating a 45-degree break angle. This movement is entirely reactionary but requires consistent muscle memory development.

MONEY PHASE BALL DRILLS

The coach emphasizes training with live bodies rather than air drills. During "top of route money phase" work, receivers run dig routes while DBs practice proper eye progression - two steps to the man before tracking the ball. This builds confidence through successful interceptions during individual drills.

GAME APPLICATION

Multiple video examples show the direct translation from practice drills to game situations. Players successfully execute the same transition footwork and ball skills learned in individual drills during live team periods and actual games, demonstrating the effectiveness of consistent muscle memory training.

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