Description

Brent Jackson, Defensive Quality Control, Indianapolis Colts

Full Video available on Glazier Drive: Middle of Field Safety Play

THE CORE CONCEPT: EYES BEFORE FEET

This video teaches safeties the fundamental technique of transitioning their eyes to the target before adjusting their feet when breaking on the ball. The concept ensures safeties take the most direct angle to make plays instead of having to adjust mid-route.

THE COMMON MISTAKE

Most safeties stay focused on the quarterback throughout their entire break, causing them to take poor angles to the ball. This results in rounded breaks where they have to adjust their trajectory at the last second, often turning potential interceptions or pass breakups into completions or touchdowns.

PROPER TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN

When the ball is thrown, safeties must immediately locate the receiver (target) because that's where the ball is going. By getting their eyes to the target first, they can establish the correct angle out of their break. Once the proper angle is set, they can return their eyes to track the ball and make the play.

FILM EXAMPLES ANALYZED

The video shows multiple clips contrasting poor and good technique. Bad examples show safeties rounding their breaks and having to make last-second adjustments. Good examples demonstrate sharp angles where safeties transition their eyes to targets immediately after the ball is thrown, resulting in better positioning for interceptions and pass breakups.

PRACTICE DRILL

Start players 10 yards apart with one acting as quarterback. The safety backpedals, then breaks either 45 degrees left or right based on the QB's movement. The key coaching point is ensuring the safety's eyes and helmet turn toward the target first, then return to track the ball. This drill reinforces the "eyes before feet" principle that creates sharper, more effective break angles.

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