Description

Ben Bolling, Defensive Asst, Houston Texans

Full video available on Glazier Drive: DB Off-Man Techniques

SOUND BITE TEACHING: "READ PACE PEDAL"

This coaching instruction breaks down a comprehensive defensive back technique into three simple words that players can instantly understand and execute on the field. While there's a full page of technical details behind it, "read pace pedal" gives players everything they need in the moment.

STARTING POSITION AND LEVERAGE

Players begin in a stagger stance with outside foot up, maintaining one-by-seven inside leverage. The key is reading the receiver's release with patient kicks or steps to protect leverage. If the receiver takes a heavy inside release, step to maintain inside leverage, and vice versa for outside releases.

THE THREE COMPONENTS EXPLAINED

Read involves stepping to protect leverage while carefully watching the receiver's release, similar to press man coverage principles. You must read the release because a drastic inside release might be attempting to break your cushion when you're only a yard inside.

Pace refers to matching the tempo of the receiver's release. Don't pedal aggressively if the receiver is coming off slowly - this creates too much separation. If he's running a hitch at five yards, you don't want to be 15 yards deep. Remember that receivers are taught to sell everything like a go route, then stop on a dime.

Pedal involves backpedaling and weaving to protect leverage, opening up only when your cushion is broken (typically around three yards, though this is more feel-based than a hard rule).

MATCHUP CONSIDERATIONS

Against tight ends, be more patient at the break point since these are considered inferior athletic matchups. Stay more flatfooted with active feet, allowing them to eat up cushion while maintaining the ability to reroute and stay on top.

KEY COACHING POINTS

Focus on the leverage shoulder - if maintaining inside leverage, key the near shoulder for breaks in either direction. The most undercoached aspect of defensive back play is arm action, which works with footwork to create efficient movement. Arms help start and stop momentum, and they must work together with feet for proper biomechanics.

DRILL WORK

The W drill emphasizes pace-pedal-break timing with major focus on arm action during the break-drive phase. Arms must pump and propel players in the direction they need to go. The reaction drill adds coach-directed breaks at 45-degree angles, always finishing with a ball. Advanced variations include tilted reaction drills with crossover runs and pivot work.

GAME APPLICATION

Film examples show these techniques in action, particularly emphasizing the importance of arm action in the drive phase. Efficient movers in space create plays, and proper arm pumping can put defenders in better position to make plays on the ball. The technique applies to various coverages including off-man and cloud corner concepts.

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