Drills Report: Drills for Defensive Backs

When playing in the secondary, one must understand the thought process of a receiver. A receiver’s stemming throughout a route helps gain leverage on the defensive player. Stemming is the use of angles by the receiver to manipulate the DB into position, where it is difficult to make plays. The stems used by a receiver are utilized for a purpose; that is, what specific route a vertical stem is taken on the DB. The vertical stem will reduce the DB’s cushion and make the DB turn and run. When the DB’s hips are turned the receiver has established some leverage in order to allow himself separation when he breaks off his comeback route. When understanding that a receiver wants to turn the DB’s hips and then break off his route, a DB must train his hips and footwork in order to open up and break in a smooth transaction in order to play the receivers route the best possible way. As a