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CBs Get Ready for Game Speed: The 'Backpedal-to-Close' Drill
📍 De Smet Spartans·Tuesday, July 7, 2026·FridayNightPulse Insider
This summer, cornerbacks at top programs like De Smet Spartans, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Joseph's Cadets, Blue Springs Wildcats, and Rockhurst Hawklets are putting in the work to improve their game speed. One key drill to focus on is the 'Backpedal-to-Close' drill. Set up 5 cones in a zig-zag pattern, 5 yards apart. Players start at the first cone, backpedaling to the second cone while keeping their eyes on the quarterback. Upon reaching the second cone, they explosively close the gap to the third cone, then repeat. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps. Coaching cues: 'Keep your eyes on the QB,' 'Stay loose and explosive,' and 'Finish strong.' This drill translates to game performance by improving reaction time, agility, and closing speed.