Defensive backs are the last line of defense and it isn’t easy work.

Often picked-on or left on an island, defensive backs are tasked with the difficult mission of thwarting an offensive passing attack.

Markell Harrison, the defensive backs coach at Pace University in New York, New York, finds that all lockdown cornerbacks and safeties have specific skills and abilities in common.

Coaches depend on defensive backs consistently taking away an opposing pass catcher’s ability to create separation. But, if a defensive back does get beat, then there is one weapon that he can tap into to correct the mistake: Speed.

Harrison, who has coached at multiple USA Football Regional Development Camps and Development Games, believes that there are two components to speed that dynamic cornerbacks and safeties possess.

“A combination of good quickness and closing speed can help defensive backs make big plays,” Harrison said. “Closing speed gives you the ability to recover after an error and quickness prevents wide receivers from running effective routes. A defensive back with those two speed traits can be a playmaker.”

To develop quicker, more explosive movements, athletes must train and build significant strength in their legs. This can be done a few different ways according to Harrison, but here are some of his go-to options:

• Footwork drills in sand (change of direction)
• Ladder drills (speed drills)
• L-Drill using cones (burst drill to work on footwork and agility)
• Shuttle drills (reinforces hip movements and footwork)

But speed is not the only natural athletic trait Harrison thinks defensive backs should build on. Having a significant vertical jump in a cornerback or safeties toolbox makes all the difference when making a play on the ball.

“Everybody knows how to jump,” Harrison said. “But if you build leg strength that activates and triggers explosion, it is possible to reach the ball at its highest point. That’s how defensive backs give wide outs fits.”

To further develop lower body strength, Harrison has his players work both in the weight room and outside it:

• Power Cleans (focus on exploding)
• Squats (focus on technique and body control)
• Deadlifts
• Running hills
• Doing stairs

Even if a defensive back has all the athletic ability to be fast and play big, this is wasted if they do not utilize a proper stance. Establishing and perfecting the proper technique is the first step to becoming a shutdown defensive back.

“It all starts in the stance,” Harrison said. “You want it to become natural and you want to start low by correctly using your feet. As soon as that ball is hiked a million different things can happen. Defensive backs need to be ready for anything.”

Athletes looking to work on their initial stance should focus on two critically important elements, eye discipline and pad level. By mastering these two techniques defensive backs can put them in the position to make plays.

“Eye discipline allows athletes to understand what is going on in front of them,” Harrison said. “Make sure you get locked onto your man before you get caught staring in the back field. And when it comes to pad level, if a defensive back plays too high they won’t be able to effectively move. Stay low and bend at the waist in order to explode in and out of cuts.”

Here are some drills Harrison uses at Pace to reinforce good eye habits and pad level:

• Shute drill (force defensive backs to stay low and use their body properly)
• Number drill (have defensive backs make breaks and back peddle while someone flashes a number at them)

Taking the time to train and become faster, stronger and more athletic can make all the difference for a defensive back.

It can also go a long way to helping a team win football games.