How to Teach Press Man Coverage
How to Teach Press Man Coverage in Youth Football
-Start with a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.
-Position yourself directly in front of the wide receiver, maintaining a slight inside leverage. We tell our kids to align on the inside eye of the receiver.
-Align yourself right up on the receiver. The closer you are, the more disruptive you can be. Be sure to check with the referee to make sure you are not in the neutral zone.
-At the snap, use your off-hand to deliver a strong, controlled jam to the receiver’s chest or shoulder pad. Off hand jam- jam with your inside arm.
-The goal is to re-route the receiver and disrupt their release off the line of scrimmage. Your punch should be quick, powerful, and well-timed.
After the initial jam, immediately turn your hips and run with the receiver. It’s crucial to stay in phase with the receiver to prevent separation. Get on the receivers inside hip.
-As you backpedal or shuffle, keep your eyes on the receiver’s hips or midsection, not their eyes or head, to react to their movements.
-Maintain a slight inside leverage, but be ready to react to the receiver’s release and adjust your position accordingly.
-Keep your center of gravity low to maintain balance and change direction quickly. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
-Be ready to react to the receiver’s breaks and cuts.
-As the receiver looks for the ball, you should too. When the ball is in the air, turn your head to locate it and make a play on it. It’s important to look for the ball only when the receiver does.
-Looking for the ball before the receive does will slow you down.
-It’s important that your defensive backs understand receiver alignment. Does the receiver have a max / wide split or is he compressed. Depending on how the receiver is aligned, will a lot of times determine what route they’re going to run.
-Once the ball is in the air, continue to compete for the catch. Try to get your hands on the ball or break up the pass.
-If you are beat or trailing the receiver you need worry about just closing the distance. If a defensive back can’t track the football or they aren’t in phase, have them play the hands of the receiver.
