How to Be a Great Cornerback

The purpose of the cornerback, as it relates to the great game of football, is to stop the ball from ever making it into his opponent's hands. It takes a great deal of doggedness and strength -- as well as agility -- to stick with and cover the ball's intended receiver as you both race downfield. In order to be a great cornerback, you must work hard in the weight room and on the field, both on and off season. Unlike the quarterback, this defensive position isn't glamorous. Unless you get between the ball and the receiver, chances are you won't get the recognition you deserve. However, with enough determination, you can own this position.

Instructions

    • 1

      Maintain a healthy diet. It's no secret that your diet is linked to your performance. The healthier your diet, the better your performance -- period. Supplement your diet with protein, carbohydrates, fats and lots of water. Protein is imperative in building muscle. Carbohydrates provide your body with the much-needed energy it needs to perform. Fats, though unpopular in today's culture, actually provide a cornerback twice the energy he needs to perform on the field. And, last but not least, water keeps you hydrated, and staying hydrated is key to staying on top of your game.

    • 2

      Increase your speed. Rod Woodson, cornerback coach for the Oakland Raiders, once quipped, "To get fast... run fast!" Simply put, this means that you must continually work on your speed. As a cornerback, you will most likely always be at least one step behind the ball's intended receiver, so it is up to you to make up for lost time and get to where the ball is headed as quickly as you can. Speed is boiled down to three very important factors: strength, flexibility and technique. So the more effort you put into your training, the better your chances of getting in between the ball and the man you're covering downfield.

    • 3

      Focus on your strength training. While spending time in the weight room is important for any football player, as a cornerback you don't want to bulk up too much in your upper body as this can (and will) slow you down on the field. Your concentration in the weight room should be in strength training, targeting your leg muscles, as they are your official tools of the trade.

    • 4

      Keep practicing your technique. As Vince Lombardi -- former Green Bay Packers coach -- once said, "Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect." Whether you are working to perfect your back-pedal or your weave, the secret to any athlete's success is the willingness to put in the time on the practice field. Perfecting your technique is what will make you a great cornerback, as will keeping an eye on other successful cornerbacks in the business. If your technique isn't working, incorporate some of theirs into your workout.

    • 5

      Consider your competition. If you really want to be remembered as a great cornerback, put yourself up against the best players in the league. Whether they are your teammates on the practice field or your opposition on the game field, in order to truly sharpen your skills as a force to be reckoned with you will have to endure some hard hits from some strong players. However, don't get discouraged. It's only this kind of tough competition that makes you both faster and stronger.