X
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 27 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 177,311 times.
Learn more...
Keep missing that interception? Here are some steps that will help you be a good corner-back in football. If you do these things you should be ready for that big game.
Steps
-
1Get in proper 2-point stance. Your back should be flat and your knees should be moderately bent.[1]
-
2If you are playing up next to the receiver you need to make contact with him, disrupt his route and the timing of the route. After making contact, turn and run with the receiver in cover 1 or cover him in your zone and make your proper drops.
-
3If you are playing off your man, backpedal within the range of the 20 yards (18.3 m) receiver. Keep your shoulder to the outside of the field and level with the yard lines.[2]
-
4Once the receiver gets close to you in your backpedal you have to run forward and dive for the tackle. This takes time so you can't wait until he is on you. You need to quickly turn your hips and head to the quarterback and accelerate. Run on the receivers back hip on the inside, that way, if he tries to cut up or in, you are in the way and you disrupt the route and if he cuts outside you can follow.[3]
-
5If the receiver stops before reaching you in the backpedal you have to close the distance fast. You should be accelerating toward the receiver in two steps, first a plant step to stop and a step to push forward.
-
6Know if you have help over the top - if you have a safety deep you can play in front because you don't have to worry about being beat deep. If you are in one on one coverage make sure you stay behind or with your assigned man.
-
7Learn how to tackle properly. Tackling is a big part of this position; on some teams, tackling is going to be your main task. To tackle you first need to shed the wide receivers block. To do so, get your hands tight inside and get leverage so you move him out of the way to put your self in a position to make a tackle.
-
8Follow the play, even if it isn't thrown to your receiver. Also be aware of running plays to the outside.
-
9Don't risk jumping for the interception if you are not sure, this can cause the receiver to beat you and possibly get a touchdown.
-
10Know your playbook. Know whether its proper to use man or zone coverage.[4]
-
11In all coverages look to see where the wide receiver is lined up. If the wide receiver is lined up close to the sideline then he is not going to run an outside pattern, but is more than likely going to run some sort of inside pattern. His positioning will help you determine the route he will run.[5]
-
12Know the down and distance and where the first down marker is. If it is third and long the receiver is most likely going to run a pattern that should go past the 1st down marker.(At least a good receiver will)
-
13Always stay inside of the Wide Receiver, because its harder throwing to a Wide Receiver that is behind the cornerback.
-
14Read the quarterback and watch where the ball is thrown.
-
15in jump ball situations think of yourself as the intended receiver and go for the ball.
Community Q&A
-
QuestionWhen I'm in my position should I be outside, inside, or directly in front of the receiver?
Community AnswerLine up on the receiver's inside foot. Going outside would give them an inside push, and going directly on them is very hard to do. -
QuestionWhat do I do if they run the ball a lot?
Community AnswerMost of the time, if the other team will run it, the receiver will try to block you. Evade the blocker if there is one, and watch where the ball carrier is going. -
QuestionWhat if the receiver has stronger hands than me?
DonaganTop AnswererStrength is a big part of football. Keep exercising to get stronger. -
QuestionHow long do I jab at the receiver before I have to stop?Community AnswerYou are allowed to jab and grab the receiver until the receiver is 5 yards down field. After that it is defensive holding, pass interference, or illegal contact.
-
QuestionIf I can tell that the quarterback is going to throw it to a different receiver should I leave my man?
Community AnswerIf you look at the QB and he's throwing it to the other receiver, just leave your man and start running towards the intended receiver, and try to make a play. -
QuestionWhat if the receiver is taller than me?Community AnswerDon't play as aggressive and focus on trying to knock the ball away instead of going for the pick. Also, improve your vertical.
-
QuestionWhat if I am slow?DonaganTop AnswererSlower players are probably better suited for positions other than defensive back.
-
QuestionWhich direction should my shoulders be towards when the receiver is running deep or when I am standing pre-snap? Should I be turned towards the outside of the field or towards the quarterback?
Help pleaseCommunity AnswerPoint towards the quarter back so you won't cause a false start. -
QuestionWhat if the receiver is faster than me?
Community AnswerPlay about 7 to 12 yards off the receiver in order to give yourself time to react to the route. But beware, if he runs a short route like a hitch, he could easily take advantage of the amount of yards that you are playing off. Also, try not to jump into the tackle. Break down and either aim low for the tackle to get him to the floor quickly, or edge him towards the sideline so he can go out of bounds. Do not lead him to the middle of the field, as this gives him time and space to make a play. -
QuestionIs it OK if my man doesn't receive the ball, but I tackle the running back who is running the ball?DonaganTop AnswererYes, any defensive player is allowed to tackle whoever has the ball.
