As important it is for a Wide Receiver to practice routes without catching the ball or having a defender, in order to prefect timing and feel of each route, it is as crucial for a Defensive Back or Safety to practice the same routes.
A GREAT Defensive Back understands and prepares rigorously his offensive opponents schemes and patterns. Moreover, this preparation happens months before the season begins.
While I was playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Ken Lucas (currently plays for Carolina Panthers and is a Pro Bowler), consistently practice the Wide Receiver passing tree, but as a defender.
He would simply pick 30-35 yards of a field and practice his back pedal and break, according to the depth of each route that was taught to each Wide Receiver.
He memorized every route from the Seattle Seahawk offensive play book and would utilize it in his practice, but understanding, even though he would never actually go against his own team in a game, most NFL teams derive their passing game from the same basic passing tree.
Through this very simple method of preparation, Ken was studying his opponents except without game film and personnel reports.
This method of practice and study is something many young Defensive Backs and Safeties lack in their off season training and preparation. Therefore, to better prepare you, the following drill is taken directly from the passing tree practiced by wide receivers.
The routes are general derivatives of every route run by most offensive schemes today. That way you know through understanding the depth and position of each route you will better prepare yourself for future opponents and game situations.
Drill - Defensive Secondary Passing Tree
PLEASE NOTE... This drill will require a 35-40 yards of a football field or a park. Make sure the yardage is marked appropriately to get the proper feel for the depth and feel of each route.
Purpose
Increase overall awareness of the type, speed, and depth of Wide Receiver routes. In addition, increase hip rotation, back pedal speed, and break in defending a variety of passing routes.
Keys to this drill:
1) Play every route in Man to Man tight coverage. Play 2 yards off the Line of Scrimmage.
2) Use your imagination! Obviously you are going against a make believe player. However, try to simulate the timing of each break and cut the receivers would make in their routes.
3) Concentrate on low position, hip rotation, back peddle/run and breaking to the ball.
4) Finish the end of each route by breaking and sprinting downhill to the Line of Scrimmage. Practice the feel of intercepting a pass and running for a touchdown. FINISH through the Line of Scrimmage.
5) Make sure once your work one side of the ball; work the opposite side of the passing tree.
6) Take 30 second breaks between each route. Work 2-3 sets of all the routes during a training session (28-42 repetitions).
Passing Tree 1st Set of Routes (Right Side)
Passing Tree 2nd Set of Routes (Right Side)
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