Blue Devil CBs: Master the 'Backpedal to the Ball' Drill
As the St. Marys Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming season, cornerbacks coach Mike Johnson has been emphasizing a crucial drill to improve their reaction time and footwork. The 'Backpedal to the Ball' drill is a game-changer for CBs looking to excel at the A program level. Here's how to run it: Set up cones 10 yards apart, with a quarterback or coach throwing passes to a receiver at each cone. The CB starts in a backpedal position, then reacts to the ball and sprints to the cone. Complete 3 sets of 5 reps on each side. Coaching cues: 'Backpedal, read the ball, and explode to the cone!' This drill translates to game performance by improving the CB's ability to quickly close the gap between themselves and the receiver, making it harder for opponents to get open. By mastering this drill, Blue Devil CBs will be well-prepared for the challenges of the upcoming season.