How to Be a Successful Cornerback

Cornerbacks are responsible for blocking the receivers on the opposite team from catching the football. It is not necessary for a cornerback to block the passer or get in the way of the offensive play, aside from blocking the receiver. For this reason, a cornerback doesn't need a tremendous amount of strength, nor does he need to understand the finer details of the play. To be a good cornerback, you should instead concentrate on other things.

Instructions

  1. Drills

    • 1

      Practice three-cone drills until your drill time is 6.6 seconds or better. These drills test a cornerback's ability to change directions, which is necessary when blocking the receiver. Place three cones in an "L" shape. From the starting line, run five yards to the first cone. Come back, turn and run to the second cone. Then weave around to the third cone (which is the high point of the "L").

    • 2

      Run the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds. Cornerbacks must be quick. Your quickest leg should be in the back position when you explode off the line. The distance between the front and back leg should be half of your total leg length.

    • 3

      Perform the broad jump. Stand with your feet flat on the ground, bend your knees and jump without moving the rest of your body. This will build lower-body strength and challenge your balance.

    On the Field

    • 4

      Bend your knees moderately, and keep your back straight. This is the proper two-point stance for a cornerback.

    • 5

      Follow the play even if the ball isn't thrown to your receiver.

    • 6

      Spot the receiver and figure out his route during the play. If the wide receiver is close to the sideline, he is more likely to run a pattern. Run into the receiver's route to disrupt him and make contact.

    • 7

      Get your hands tight inside to gain leverage in order to shed the wide receiver's block. This will put you in the position to tackle the wide receiver.