Description

Marcus Woodson, Arkansas, Co-DC/DB Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: Playing the Ball: Press Man (Level 1)

PRESS COVERAGE TECHNIQUE FOR DEFENSIVE BACKS

This coaching presentation focuses on press man coverage fundamentals, emphasizing how to disrupt receiver timing and maintain frontal positioning. The technique aims to delay receivers at the line of scrimmage, allowing the pass rush more time to pressure the quarterback.

PROPER STANCE AND POWER POSITION

The correct stance requires three bends in the body: ankles, knees, and waist. Feet should be positioned under the armpits with shoulders over toes and a slight arc in the back. Hands should remain relaxed with thumbs pointing upward to the sky, avoiding the mistake of having hands too high or dropping them before engaging.

ALIGNMENT GUIDELINES

When the receiver lines up on the line of scrimmage, defensive backs should position themselves a yard and a half off. If the receiver is off the ball, corners should hug the line of scrimmage while confirming with referees they're not in the neutral zone. Proper leverage means placing your nose on the receiver's eye to your leverage side, with eyes focused on their midsection.

THREE TYPES OF RECEIVER RELEASES

Coaches must study opponent film to identify each receiver's primary release style. The foot fire release involves the receiver stuttering at the line, requiring patience from the defender. The crossover release is a jab-and-go movement similar to a basketball crossover. The speed release occurs when receivers try to simply outrun the coverage, typically on outside releases.

PROTECTING THE RADIUS

Defensive backs must protect a three-yard radius on both sides, preventing receivers from releasing within that six-yard bubble. This forces receivers wider and disrupts the timing between quarterback and receiver.

THREE ROUTE LEVELS

Level one routes (0-5 yards) include hitches, slants, and speed outs. Defenders should stay square when receivers are square. Level two routes (6-14 yards) are intermediate breaking routes like curls and digs, categorized as inside tight, inside wide, outside tight, or outside wide releases. Level three routes (15+ yards) are deep shots like go routes and posts, where defenders must remain calm and controlled at the route's apex.

FOOTWORK FUNDAMENTALS

The 45-degree kick slide is essential for cutting off releases while maintaining frontal position. Defenders must avoid crossing over and should strain with their feet to stay in front of the receiver. Feet should stay under the armpits without heels clicking together or the base widening excessively.

HAND USAGE TECHNIQUE

The two-to-one concept allows using both hands when the receiver is directly frontal, but once they release outside the defender's frame, it converts to a one-hand off-hand jam. Proper arm selection is critical—using the wrong arm can lock the hips and compromise positioning.

TRAINING METHODS

The coach uses numbered signals (1, 2, or 3) behind defenders during drills to cue receivers on which release to execute, ensuring practice against all variations. Resistance bands around ankles force defenders to maintain proper base width, while agile bags teach defenders to eliminate space rather than create it.

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