Cornerback Techniques

Cornerback is a position in American football. Cornerbacks play defense, and their primary duty is to stop wide receivers from catching the football and advancing with it. If the wide receiver catches the ball, it is the duty of the cornerback covering him to tackle the wide receiver.

  1. Backpedal

    • A cornerback's active duties are not limited to the passing game. Cornerbacks must also pursue the ball carrier during a running play, in which the quarterback hands the ball directly to the running back. One foundational technique needed for effective cornerback play is backpedaling. Use backpedaling drills to develop proper technique using your feet, hips, shoulders and head. Execute this drill by backpedaling across a yardline on the football field. Make sure to keep a narrow base and your feet close to the ground. Keep your shoulders low and your head up.

    Reaction

    • Reaction time is critical to the cornerback position. Cornerbacks need to read and react quickly to the quarterback to make a successful play on the football. Use the zig-zag drill to develop the ability to read and react to the quarterback's shoulders. The zig-zag drill will help you rotate your hips and change direction quickly. To execute the zig-zag drill, backpedal and drive off at a 45-degree angle, concentrating on the quarterback's shoulders and changing directions. Push off your opposite foot and elongate your stride when changing directions.

    Shuffle

    • Shuffle drills help you hone your footwork and overall foot quickness. Line two cones up on two yardlines, one on each line. The distance between them should be roughly 5 yards. Shuffle as quickly as you can to the other cone and back. Be sure to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. Keep your chin roughly parallel to your toes and your shoulders parallel to your knees. Stay square and don't turn. Relax your arms and shoulders, and move in a straight line. Never cross your feet and move at full speed at all times.

    Coverage

    • Use the mirror drill to sharpen your wide receiver coverage skills. The mirror drill teaches cornerbacks to stay in the face of a wide receiver. It is also good for footwork and reaction. Practice covering a wide receiver while keeping your hands back. Mirror the wide receiver by staying in front of him. Try to stay square and keep about a 1 yard difference away from him. Focus your eyes around his hips, as this will clue you into his next move more quickly than any other part of his body. Never cross your feet over each other.