Defensive back

Defensive Back

A defensive back is a player position in American football and Canadian football that is part of the defensive team. The primary role of a defensive back is to defend against the passing game by covering wide receivers and to provide support against the running game. Defensive backs are crucial in preventing the opposing team from advancing the ball through the air and are often involved in intercepting passes and tackling receivers.

Types of Defensive Backs

Defensive backs are typically categorized into several specific positions, each with distinct responsibilities:

Cornerback

A cornerback is responsible for covering wide receivers, attempting to prevent them from catching passes. Cornerbacks are often the fastest players on the defense and must possess excellent agility and ball skills. They play a critical role in pass defense and are often tasked with "man-to-man" coverage or "zone" coverage.

Safety

There are two main types of safeties:

• Free Safety (FS): The free safety is often the deepest player in the secondary and acts as the last line of defense. They are responsible for covering the deep middle of the field and are often involved in pass coverage and intercepting deep passes.

• Strong Safety (SS): The strong safety is typically positioned closer to the line of scrimmage and is more involved in stopping the run. They are often larger and more physical than free safeties and may cover tight ends or running backs in pass coverage.

Nickelback

A nickelback is a fifth defensive back who is used in "nickel" defensive packages, which are employed to defend against passing plays. The nickelback often covers slot receivers and provides additional pass coverage.

Dimeback

A dimeback is a sixth defensive back used in "dime" defensive packages. This formation is used in obvious passing situations to provide maximum pass coverage.

Skills and Attributes

Defensive backs must possess a variety of skills and attributes to be effective:

• Speed and Agility: Defensive backs need to keep up with fast receivers and change direction quickly.
• Ball Skills: The ability to track and intercept the ball is crucial.
• Tackling Ability: Defensive backs must be able to tackle effectively to stop receivers and running backs.
• Football IQ: Understanding offensive schemes and anticipating plays is important for making plays on the ball.

Defensive Schemes

Defensive backs operate within various defensive schemes, which dictate their responsibilities and alignments:

• Man-to-Man Coverage: Each defensive back is responsible for covering a specific receiver.
• Zone Coverage: Defensive backs cover specific areas of the field rather than individual players.

Notable Defensive Backs

Throughout the history of football, there have been many notable defensive backs who have excelled at their positions. Some of these players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

See Also

• Linebacker
• Defensive line
• American football positions

References

• "The Complete Guide to Defensive Backs," Football Coaching Magazine.
• "Defensive Back Techniques and Drills," by Coach John Smith.