Purpose
The purpose of this Defensive Back Break at 45° Drill is to work on catching the ball while running full speed into the flight path of the thrown football.
Description
- Defensive Backs line up in one line at the sideline
- On command, the first Defensive Back runs full speed forward towards the coach, who is standing at the hash mark at the same yardline
- At about halfway the coach gives the Defensive Back a “look” to which side he should break.
- The Defensive Back breaks immediately at 45 degree into that direction.
- And the coach throws the ball in such a way that the Defensive Back can catch the ball at about chest to face level and without breaking his stride.
- The Defensive Back catches the ball and runs through past the coach to “score”
Coaching Points
- Move forward at full speed
- “Jump” Coach’s first look
- Break at 45 degrees
- Be under control
- Catch ball with your hands
- Catch ball “in front”
- Score! Run past the coach
Equipment
- Football(s)
This Defensive Back Break at 45° Drill is contributed by ©2007 Leon Criner (✝️ Nov. 14, 2014), at the time Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator and Jimmy Sims, at the time Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education / Head Football Coach at Los Angeles Valley College – The Los Angeles Valley College Monarchs played then in the Western States Conference, now in the SCFA, Southern California Football Association.