Good Cornerback Techniques

Playing cornerback on any football level can be challenging. Whereas football's offensive players can run down field and straight ahead for a pass or during a run, quality cornerbacks must backpedal and turn on a dime. Developing their skills and ball hawking ability is based on a variety of practice drills.

  1. Reaction

    • A zigzag drill is used for two purposes: for the cornerback to read and react to the quarterback's shoulders and to develop an ability to rotate their hips and change directions. The drill requires four defenders to align five yards from the coach, who plays the role of quarterback. The players will stand side by side five yards apart. At the whistle or on command, the cornerbacks will backpedal and drive at a 45 degree angle from where the quarterback is positioned. The cornerback will change direction by pushing off of the opposite foot with elongated strides. Defenders will react to the coach's shoulders and also their eyes, anticipating where the ball may go.

    Backpedal

    • Cornerbacks must also work on their backpedaling technique to keep the receiver in front of them. One drill that helps them do this will use the feet, shoulders, hips and head. When backpedaling, the player must keep a narrow base with feet close together for balance. The hips should be cocked slightly to allow for a quick move. Shoulders are low to maintain leverage. The head is always up to anticipate a ball being thrown or running back getting the ball.

    Footwork

    • Fast footwork is important for a cornerback to shed a block or recover when a receiver runs behind him and quickness is needed. Coaches use a shuffle drill between two cones on two separate yard lines approximately five yards apart. Upon command, the cornerback shuffles side to side or back and forth between the cones. Proper technique includes keeping the cornerback's feet shoulder width apart. The player's knees should be bent with chin over toes to maintain a center of balance.

    Mirror

    • The mirror technique requires a cornerback to stay in front and in the face of the receiver utilizing footwork and quick reaction. A drill used for this technique places the cornerback with his hands behind is back. A wide receiver stands across from the receiver. The cornerback is required to stay in front of him and stay square. The cornerback mirrors the receiver by focusing on his belt buckle. Focusing on the belt buckle makes the cornerback look at the receiver's midsection, the area where the cornerback can first determine the receiver's break. The cornerback should attempt to stay in front of the receiver upon his up-field move. Cornerbacks should never crossover with their feet to avoid getting tangled up.