How to Play Cornerback

Merely being a fast runner won't help much if you're trying to become a successful cornerback. Sure, it takes speed to keep up with football's best wide receivers, but there are other factors that will help you gain the edge on your competition. Staying focused on your body position and adjusting your techniques according to the game situation will enable you to maximize your skills. With practice and attention to detail, you'll increase your odds of a timely interception or pass deflection.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the receiver's hips. This will give you an indication of which direction he is running. Avoid relying on head or shoulder movements. A receiver can fake with his upper body and then turn in a different direction.

    • 2

      Protect the inner area of the field. Stay on the receiver's inside shoulder to force the quarterback to throw toward the sideline. This will aid in successfully defending the pass.

    • 3

      Stay in position when the receiver breaks into his route. Move toward his break-side shoulder to give yourself a better opening to deflect the pass. Breaking on the receiver's back-side shoulder will put you out of position on a well-thrown ball that's further up the route.

    • 4

      Learn how to backpedal. This backward-running technique will keep the receiver in front of you as he comes off the line. Stand with a slight bend in the knees and the hips. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart, your feet staggered and your body loose. Begin the movement by pushing back into a skating motion off your front foot. Stay low to increase your reaction speed while backpedaling.

    • 5

      Adjust your actions according to the coverage. Disrupt a receiver's route in bump-and-run by blocking him when he comes off the line. In man coverage, funnel the receiver toward the sideline. Execute a zone scheme by covering any receiver that enters your area of the field. Pay close attention to the defensive play calling on each down so that you don't miss your assignment.

    • 6

      Rely on your safeties. Remember the coverage schemes where you have safety help on your side of the field. You'll be able to take more chances at intercepting the ball when you have a nearby safety who can make the play if you miss.