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Bill Brechin, Defensive Coordinator, Miami (OH)

View the full video on Glazier Drive: DB Man Technique & Progression to Game

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.

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