Football is a combination of strategy, skill, and specialization. While quarterbacks and wide receivers typically dominate the headlines, defensive players are just as important, especially the defensive backs (DBs) or secondary players.
This is true regardless of whether you are watching the NFL, NCAA, or even high school games. Knowing exactly what a DB does can help you watch a game and see the artistry that goes into the defensive play.
In this breakdown, we will define what is a db in football, their general responsibilities, the types of DBs, and how defensive backs practice to achieve greatness.
What is a DB in Football?
So, what is a db in football? DB in American football stands for “Defensive Back”. They are a group of players in the defensive backfield whose main job is to defend against the pass and support the run defense.
This broader term in football covers two primary positions, including Cornerbacks (CB) and Safeties. Safeties also include Free Safety (FS) and Strong Safety (SS).
The DBs in football are the last line of defense for a team. They are often tasked with covering the fastest players on the opposing team. They are responsible for making game-changing plays like interceptions and deflections. Over the years, the DB position evolved as passing became more predominant in this great game. These players are some of the most athletic and instinctive players on the field.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities of a DB
Now that we’ve covered “what is a DB in football,” let’s look at the primary roles and responsibilities of a DB.
What does a DB do in football?
Pass Coverage
Primarily, DBs are responsible for preventing successful pass plays.
- The players are responsible for man-to-man coverage by sticking to a single player throughout the play.
- It can also be a zone coverage in which the player covers a specific area of the field and reacts to any receivers entering the zone.
Run Support
Apart from pass coverage, they must help stop the run as well.
- Most often, safeties step into linebacker-like roles on the field.
- Cornerbacks need to contain outside runs to prevent big plays.
Blitzing
In some defensive schemes, the team uses DBs to blitz the quarterback. However, this is less common than linebacker blitzes, but an effective solution.
Creating Turnovers
The defensive backs are key in intercepting passes, forcing and recovering fumbles, and deflecting passes to prevent complications.
Types of Defensive Backs
There are two types of defensive backs – cornerbacks and safeties. In a standard defense (again, without any special situations), the rotation is for the two defensive backs on the field to be two cornerbacks and two safeties.
Cornerbacks (CB)
Cornerback (CB) is responsible for covering wide receivers. Most often, it is the widest player on the field covering the opposite wide receivers. These players often prioritize speed, agility, and coverage skills. They often play on an island with minimal help from others.
Free Safety (FS)
It is a defensive back position found in every defense scheme. Most of the time, they call it safety because it is the last line of defense for the team. They line up deep and read the quarterback and create a play. They are responsible for helping cornerbacks on deep routes.
Strong Safety (SS)
The strong safety is also a position that is part of defensive backs setups. It is close to the line of scrimmage. The players have run stopping duties with pass coverage. They are more physical players who often cover tight ends or slot receivers.
Key Skills Required for a DB
To be a successful DB, players should have, to a certain degree, all of these attributes, which include athleticism, intelligence, and instincts:
- Speed: keep up with fast receivers.
- Footwork: Smooth, fluid backpedal, quick breaks, and good agility.
- Ball skills: The ability to track the ball and catch, or deflect, passes.
- Tackling: Dependable open-field tackling is critical.
- Football IQ: The ability to read the play and anticipate receiver routes, then adjust off of that.
- Physicality: Safeties, especially, have to physically confront opponents in run support.
Distinguished DBs have both the physical tools and the mental reliability down!
How to Train Like a DB
After learning about “what is a DB in football,” let’s look at how you can train as one.
Off-Season Conditioning
First of all, the players have to go through a rigorous off-season conditioning training that includes sprint work for explosive speed, cone drill for agility, plyometrics for vertical jump and burst. These defensive back drills are great for keeping up with the pace of the game.
Film Study
Players can learn so much from watching offensive tendencies and learn how receivers telegraph routes. From this, players can anticipate formations and audibles.
Practice Techniques
In defensive back football drills, you can start daily backpaddling and coverage drills. Players are also required to shadow wide receivers by working in pairs or groups to simulate game situations.
Conclusion
What is a DB in football? Being a DB in football is more than just your “pass” duty. It must include anticipation of the play, a reaction that’s faster than your opponents, and having your mental part sharp for every snap. Whether you are watching a Sunday NFL game or taking the field at your local field, you’ll now have a much better perspective of the significant skill and responsibility that comes with being a DB.
From cornerbacks suffocating a wideout to safeties roaming the back end, DBs are the lifeblood of the defensive secondary. It only takes the proper training, instinct, and dedication for all players to rise to the opportunity to be a great defensive back.
