How to Be a Good Cornerback

Last Updated: September 3, 2020 References

Keep missing that interception? Here are some steps that will help you be a good corner-back in football. If you do these things you should be ready for that big game.

Steps

1
Get in proper 2-point stance. Your back should be flat and your knees should be moderately bent.^{[1]
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2
If you are playing up next to the receiver you need to make contact with him, disrupt his route and the timing of the route. After making contact, turn and run with the receiver in cover 1 or cover him in your zone and make your proper drops.

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3
If you are playing off your man, backpedal within the range of the 20 yards (18.3 m) receiver. Keep your shoulder to the outside of the field and level with the yard lines.^{[2]
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4
Once the receiver gets close to you in your backpedal you have to run forward and dive for the tackle. This takes time so you can't wait until he is on you. You need to quickly turn your hips and head to the quarterback and accelerate. Run on the receivers back hip on the inside, that way, if he tries to cut up or in, you are in the way and you disrupt the route and if he cuts outside you can follow.^{[3]
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5
If the receiver stops before reaching you in the backpedal you have to close the distance fast. You should be accelerating toward the receiver in two steps, first a plant step to stop and a step to push forward.
6
Know if you have help over the top - if you have a safety deep you can play in front because you don't have to worry about being beat deep. If you are in one on one coverage make sure you stay behind or with your assigned man.
7
Learn how to tackle properly. Tackling is a big part of this position; on some teams, tackling is going to be your main task. To tackle you first need to shed the wide receivers block. To do so, get your hands tight inside and get leverage so you move him out of the way to put your self in a position to make a tackle.
8
Follow the play, even if it isn't thrown to your receiver. Also be aware of running plays to the outside.
9
Don't risk jumping for the interception if you are not sure, this can cause the receiver to beat you and possibly get a touchdown.
10
Know your playbook. Know whether its proper to use man or zone coverage.^{[4]
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11
In all coverages look to see where the wide receiver is lined up. If the wide receiver is lined up close to the sideline then he is not going to run an outside pattern, but is more than likely going to run some sort of inside pattern. His positioning will help you determine the route he will run.^{[5]
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12
Know the down and distance and where the first down marker is. If it is third and long the receiver is most likely going to run a pattern that should go past the 1st down marker.(At least a good receiver will)
13
Always stay inside of the Wide Receiver, because its harder throwing to a Wide Receiver that is behind the cornerback.
14
Read the quarterback and watch where the ball is thrown.
15
in jump ball situations think of yourself as the intended receiver and go for the ball.

Community Q&A

Question

When I'm in my position should I be outside, inside, or directly in front of the receiver?

Community Answer

Line up on the receiver's inside foot. Going outside would give them an inside push, and going directly on them is very hard to do.
Question

What do I do if they run the ball a lot?

Community Answer

Most of the time, if the other team will run it, the receiver will try to block you. Evade the blocker if there is one, and watch where the ball carrier is going.
Question

What if the receiver has stronger hands than me?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Strength is a big part of football. Keep exercising to get stronger.