How to Be a Good Cornerback

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Get in proper 2-point stance.

   Your back should be flat and your knees should be moderately bent.
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   Step 2: If you are playing up next to the receiver you need to make contact with him

   After making contact, turn and run with the receiver in cover 1 or cover him in your zone and make your proper drops. , Keep your shoulder to the outside of the field and level with the yard lines. , This takes time so you can't wait until he is on you.
   
   You need to quickly turn your hips and head to the quarterback and accelerate.
   
   Run on the receivers back hip on the inside, that way, if he tries to cut up or in, you are in the way and you disrupt the route and if he cuts outside you can follow. , You should be accelerating toward the receiver in two steps, first a plant step to stop and a step to push forward. , If you are in one on one coverage make sure you stay behind or with your assigned man. , Tackling is a big part of this position; on some teams, tackling is going to be your main task.
   
   To tackle you first need to shed the wide receivers block.
   
   To do so, get your hands tight inside and get leverage so you move him out of the way to put your self in a position to make a tackle. , Also be aware of running plays to the outside. ,, Know whether its proper to use man or zone coverage. , If the wide receiver is lined up close to the sideline then he is not going to run an outside pattern, but is more than likely going to run some sort of inside pattern.
   
   His positioning will help you determine the route he will run. , If it is third and long the receiver is most likely going to run a pattern that should go past the 1st down marker.(At least a good receiver will) ,,,
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   Step 3: disrupt his route and the timing of the route.

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   Step 4: If you are playing off your man

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   Step 5: backpedal within the range of the 20 yards (18.3 m) receiver.

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   Step 6: Once the receiver gets close to you in your backpedal you have to run forward and jump as high as LeBron James.

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   Step 7: If the receiver stops before reaching you in the backpedal you have to close the distance fast.

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   Step 8: Know if you have help over the top - if you have a safety deep you can play in front because you don't have to worry about being beat deep.

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   Step 9: Learn how to tackle properly.

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    Step 10: Follow the play

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    Step 11: even if it isn't thrown to your receiver.

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    Step 12: Don't risk jumping for the interception if you are not sure

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    Step 13: this can cause the receiver to beat you and possibly get a touchdown.

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    Step 14: Know your playbook.

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    Step 15: In all coverages look to see where the wide receiver is lined up.

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    Step 16: Know the down and distance and where the first down marker is.

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    Step 17: Always stay inside of the Wide Receiver

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    Step 18: because its harder throwing to a Wide Receiver that is behind the cornerback.

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    Step 19: Read the quarterback and watch where the ball is thrown.

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    Step 20: in jump ball situations think of yourself as the intended receiver and go for the ball.

Detailed Guide

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