Defense Coverage•advanced•15 min
Pedal Break 90 (DB Drill)
DB back-pedals reading the QB, then plants and drives forward at a 90° angle to break on the throw — building the reactive footwork that separates good DBs from great ones.
Pedal Break 90 (DB Drill)
DrillDescription
The back-pedal and break is the most technically demanding skill in flag football defense. This drill builds the balanced back-pedal and explosive forward break that DBs need to get to the ball before it arrives.
How to run it
- 1
DB lines up 5 yards off the receiver.
- 2
On the snap, DB begins back-pedaling, keeping eyes on QB.
- 3
On QB's pump fake or throw signal, DB plants front foot.
- 4
DB drives forward at a 90° angle toward the throw.
- 5
DB aims to arrive at the catch point at the same time as the ball.
Points to stress
- Stay balanced in your pedal — don't lean back.
- Read QB's eyes and throwing shoulder, not the WR.
- Break on the BALL, not the receiver.
- Explosive plant — the break is as important as the pedal.