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Photo by Jonathan Daniel Getty Images |
Bump-and-run style of coverage is challenging and rewarding for competitive defensive backs. It is up to them to make certain that the receiver lined up in front of them does not catch the ball during the entire length of the play. Learning to master this type of coverage is essential for cornerbacks because often it is the only type they will be able to use when playing goal-line defense.
The defensive player should start in a stance in which he aligns himself either inside or outside the man he is covering. If there will be no help, the defensive back assumes a stance on the inside of the receiver. Should there be inside help on the coverage, the defensive back may assume an outside alignment. The idea for the defender is to place his body in a position so that the offensive player can release off the line only in one direction. Facing the receiver at a 45-degree angle, the defensive back should be in a solid stance, with his feet spread the width of his shoulders. He should have a good bend in his knees - almost a quarter-squat position. His back should be straight, his head up, and his eyes focused on the man in front of him. The defensive back's elbows should be close to his waist and flexed, the palms of both hands should be held at chest level, and his fingers spread and open.
In this drill, the outside foot of the defensive back should be in front of the nose of the wide receiver. The defensive player should set up at a 45-degree angle to the offensive man. Again, as in many other drills, defensive players play both positions. Starting at one side, on the command "Hit!" from the coach, the wide receiver charges straight up the field. The defensive player jams the palm of his outside hand into the sternum area of the offensive player. The idea in not to injure the offensive player but merely to stop his momentum and interrupt his timing.
Drill: Bump-and-Run (Inside-Outside Release)
As the receiver releases, the defensive man must step in the direction in which the receiver is going and start running with him. If he has an opportunity to bump him he may do so, but whenever should stop up to make the hit. The bump should be attempted only if the receiver makes a move directly into the defensive man.
With an outside release, no contact will occur. Instead, the defender steps first with his outside foot and runs up the field with the receiver.
Drill: Mirror Running
As the receiver releases off the line to the outside, the defensive player should stop with his outside foot and start running with the receiver up the field. In this drill, we want the defensive player to maintain a position where his belt buckle is slightly ahead of the inside hip of the receiver. He should be a foot away from the receiver to the inside, so that the receiver cannot lean into him and push off. As the defender runs up the field, his hands should be up so that he can hit the receiver should he try to run to the inside. He should attempt to stay even with the receiver as he races up field. During the entire drill, the defensive back never should take his eyes off the receiver.
When incorporating pattern reaction with bump-and-run coverage, it is not necessary for the receiver to run the entire pattern at the start. The receiver need only run up the field six or seven yards and then either run an "out" pattern or try to get to the inside. As the ability of the defensive player progresses, the receiver can run the patterns at their normal depth.
When the receiver runs to the outside, no collision will occur. The defender then must round off his run, keeping between the receiver and his own goal line, and drive for the interception point while still focusing on the numbers of the receiver. By doing this, the defender will be prepared to change his path should the receiver suddenly turn up the field.
Winning Points:
- Do not let the receiver get "square;" always shade receiver on one side or the other.
- Always keep cushion on receiver.
- Concentrate on distance/depth receiver is running to gain keys to potential patterns.
- In man-to-man coverage, look for ball only when receiver breaks and he is close enough to touch.
- When leaving backpedals, roll over foot in direction desired.
- In bump-and-run coverage, assume stance and body position to allow receiver to release off line in only one direction.
- Never step up to bump receiver or lunge at receiver on inside release; let him come to you; do not bump on outside release.
- When running with receiver, keep hands up and eyes on receiver; stay between receiver and goal line as pattern is run.
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Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.
Bump-and-Run man-to-man coverage is different from regular man-to-man coverage in that the defensive player, usually a cornerback, lines up at the line of scrimmage in front of the receiver whom he is to cover for the length of the play. In order to use this technique, the defensive player must be of equal or better speed than the man he is to defend. Bump-and-run coverage is idea to use in any man-to-man coverage situation in which the defensive player will not have any help. Bump-and-Run coverage also cuts down on the effectiveness of a slower wide receiver that may make good moves as he runs he routes. This type of coverage is similar to man-to-man coverage in basketball.
Drill: Bump-and-Run (Inside Stance)
When the wide receiver releases off the line in this drill, he attempts to run to the inside or outside of the defensive player instead of charging straight up the field. At the start, it is important for the receiver to go directly inside or outside. After the drill has been run a number of times, the receiver may first fake one direction and then go the other way. Never lose sight of the fact that we are instructing the defense to play bump-and-run and not working on the receivers release off the line.
Lunging at the receiver and stepping with the improper foot are the two biggest mistakes made in this drill. The defensive player must be certain of the receiver's direction before he makes any moves.
Drill: Bump-and-Run (Pattern-Reaction)
After the defensive react correctly to the inside and outside routes, the coach may instruct the receiver to run different patterns such as the "out-and-up," "post," "corner," "up," and "comeback." The defender should keep as close as possible to the receiver when he runs these new routes.
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Bump-and-Run Stance and Hit
The first step by the defensive player should occur when the receiver starts to pass the defensive player's nose. When the receiver releases to the inside, the defensive back should step back with his inside foot, hitting the receiver with the palm of his inside hand, and attempt to push the receiver down the line of scrimmage toward the coach.
Should the receiver attempt to come to the inside, the defensive back must jam him with the heels of both hands, stop his momentum, and then be prepared to roll inside as the receiver runs to the center of the field. If he can, the defensive back should force the receiver back toward the line of scrimmage, keeping his body between the receiver and the defender's goal line. In this position, the defender can see through the receiver to the quarterback.
Bump-and-Run Technique
The next step in teaching bump-and-run coverage actually is running with the receiver up the field. This is not a pattern-recognition drill. The offensive player will release to the outside and then run straight for 10 to 15 yards.
When first teaching this drill, players should go at half speed. As skill levels develop, the speed of the release by the offensive player can be increased.
"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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