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How to Teach Press Man Coverage

how to teach press man coverage
Playing press man has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Press man is a great way to throw off the timing of a receiving route. It’s also a great way to get physical with receivers. Most youth football coaches don’t practice (or practice enough) on wide receiver releases vs press coverage- so there’s an advantage there. However, playing press man requires practice and a lot of focus on pressing with proper technique. Here’s how to teach press man coverage:

How to Teach Press Man Coverage in Youth Football

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

-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.

𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

-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. 

𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠:

-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.

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧:

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. 

𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞 (slot CB press coverage):

-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.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝:

-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.

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥:

-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.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

-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.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲:

-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.

Learn More: Maximizing Press Man Coverage
 
Remember that playing press coverage requires a combination of physicality, technique, and awareness. Practicing these techniques and studying your opponents’ tendencies can make you a more effective press coverage cornerback.
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