In this comprehensive video, Josh Christian-Young (DB Coach at Houston) breaks down five essential drills that will transform your safeties and ensure your Cover 2 scheme performs exactly as designed.
The video includes practice film that illustrates the Houston Cover
2 philosophy, rules, and drills they use to teach safety play.
The entire clinic is available when you visit Glazier Drive: Cover 2 Safety Play & Technique from A-Z
Core Teaching Points:
- Safety Alignment & Depth
- Position safeties 12-14 yards deep
- Keep safeties 3-4 yards off their respective hash marks
- Maintain consistent landmarks regardless of ball position
- Emphasizes "depth is your friend" to prevent deep passes
- Reading & Technique
- Read the release of #1 receiver first, then eyes to quarterback
- Two key receiver release responses:
- Inside Release: Stay on landmark
- Outside Release: Widen off landmark (especially for potential "hole shots")
- Pedal & Movement Mechanics
- Open up with a fishtail technique
- Square shoulders while pedaling to enable quick breaks
- Maintain proper tempo in pedal (not too slow)
- Use plant foot/drive foot technique for breaks (left foot plant, right foot drive)
- Practice Drills Demonstrated
- Basic landmark/pedal drill (single player and paired)
- Break drills using coach/trash can as target
- Multiple angle break work (emphasizing different routes)
- "Imperfect footwork" drill (inspired by John Hoke) for game-speed reactions
- Teaching Progression
- Starts with basic alignment and pedal work
- Progresses to reading releases
- Advances to break drills at various angles
- Incorporates "imperfect" situations to prepare for game conditions
The video emphasizes saving players' legs during practice while still getting quality reps, which is particularly important for players who are also on special teams.