Defensive Back Break at 45° Drill

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

  1. Defensive Backs line up in one line at the sideline
  2. On command, the first Defensive Back runs full speed forward towards the coach, who is standing at the hash mark at the same yardline
  3. At about halfway the coach gives the Defensive Back a “look” to which side he should break.
  4. The Defensive Back breaks immediately at 45 degree into that direction.
  5. 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.
  6. The Defensive Back catches the ball and runs through past the coach to “score”

Coaching Points

  1.  Move forward at full speed
  2. “Jump” Coach’s first look
  3. Break at 45 degrees
  4. Be under control
  5. Catch ball with your hands
  6. Catch ball “in front”
  7. 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.