Blocking a receiver at the line of scrimmage is a very effective defensive strategy. Known as the hit and run, the cornerback lines up at the line of scrimmage and hits the receiver before he can begin executing his passing route. The goal is to delay the receiver and get him out of his passing path, disrupting the timing of passing plays. As a defensive back you need to learn to hit and run. This article will discuss the basic skills needed to play defensive coverage.
*Position*
Defensive backs must have proper body position to be effective when using hit and run coverage. The body position starts with a well-balanced stance that allows you to explode off the line, hitting the receiver before he can start his route.
As you approach the line of scrimmage, make sure you’re aligned with the receiver’s inside shoulder at a 45-degree angle. Place your feet less than shoulder width apart, this allows quick foot movement in any direction.
You want your arms to be loose with your hands at waist level, in position to be pushed up and into the receiver’s chest, driving him back, delaying his release from the line of scrimmage.
Keep your hips down, knees slightly bent, and weight on the balls of your feet so you’re in position to shoot off the line when the ball is served.
*Man-to-man coverage*
When man-to-man coverage is called, you want to line up on the inside shoulder of the receiver with the inside foot as close to the LOS as possible with the outside foot back and setting it at a 45-degree angle to the receiver.
Your eyes should be fixed on the receiver’s numbers, totally focused on him, so that when he starts to move, you’re ready to make your hit.
*Defense zone*
You want to line up on the inside of the receiver, placing your outside foot forward so it’s at an angle that allows you to see both the receiver and the offensive backfield.
*the bump*
When “hitting” the receiver or blocking him, he will use one of two techniques, the one-handed jam or the two-handed jam. Either technique can be effective, however, you will generate more power using the two-handed strike.
*jam two hands*
At the moment of the snap of the ball, you must be entering the receiver and your first step. With your hands at waist height you are ready to make your jam.
As you enter the receiver, you want short steps to keep your balance so you can deliver a powerful punch.
With your hands open and palms facing the receiver, raise your hands at a 45-degree angle. Hit the receiver in the pecs. It is important that you get into the receiver and hit him as you go. If you get close, you’ll be out of position and off balance, making your strike questionable.
*jam with one hand*
Like the two-handed jam, you want to explode off the line by going into the receiver and your first step. However, when you hit the receiver, you should use your inside hand to hit him in the pectoral and with your outside foot, take a bail step. This should have you perpendicular to the LOS, with your back to the quarterback and shoulders to the sidelines.
If he’s playing a zone defense, he can block the receiver and run with him if he still gets an inside shot. Remember that the outside line defenders are covering the outside short zones.
If you’re playing man to man, you want to keep the receiver from breaking free inside, your only help is the sideline. Your outside line sponsors are attacking or covering for the man assigned to them.
*Coverage*
Not all jams will take the receiver out of the game; This is why he wants his feet to be less than shoulder-width apart and to take short, quick steps. So if the hit doesn’t work, he can quickly recover and drop to pass defense.
When you’re covering the receiver, you’ll start in trail cover, ready to move into cut cover.
In lane coverage, you’ll want to be a little behind the receiver, but close enough to make a play. The general rule of thumb is that you want to be close enough that you can reach out and touch the receiver with one hand. You will then be adequately covering the target and ready to transition to cut coverage.
The cutoff position has him closer to the receiver, where he could reach out and touch his forehead with one hand. From here you can make a play with the ball, taking it down or making the interception.
In conclusion, this gives you the basics of hit and run defense. There is much more to this defense and there are instructional DVDs that can give you more detailed training on hitting and running.
Greg Brown of the New Orleans Saints instructional video; Many trainers believe that Bump and Run is the most comprehensive training video for Bump and Run. Use the link below to see more of his great video.