Backpedaling means running backward, whether you’re on or off the football field. Off the field, however, the average person has few, if any, reasons to run backward, because people tend to want to look where they’re going. But backpedaling is a key skill to learn on the football field, particularly if you play defense, because sometimes it’s more important to keep your eye on the offense than to watch where you’re running.
Backpedaling in Pass Coverage
Backpedaling in football is typically performed by defensive players during pass coverage. The defenders backpedal to keep their eyes on the quarterback, or on the receiver they’re covering. When a defender has a receiver in front of him, backpedaling also allows him to see both the quarterback and receiver, so he can react to the first move from either offensive player. If a defender isn’t covering a specific receiver -- when his team is playing a zone, for example -- backpedaling into position lets him read the quarterback’s eyes to see where the quarterback may throw, while simultaneously watching for receivers entering his coverage area.
Backpedaling on Running Plays
If a defender isn’t sure whether a play will involve a run or a pass, backpedaling lets him keep an eye on the ball and react quickly either way. On a draw play, for example, a defensive back may backpedal into his pass coverage area as the quarterback drops back, but the defender can then stop and move forward to play the run if the quarterback gives a delayed handoff to a running back. The defender can also stop and charge forward if the quarterback throws a screen or a short pass.
Before you start backpedaling, assume a stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and one foot a bit forward of the other. Flex your knees and bend forward a bit from your hips so your upper chest is above your front knee. When the play begins, move backward by pushing off of your front foot. Maintain your knee flex and hip bend as you backpedal and don’t lean to your left or right. Run on the balls of your feet, pump your arms and keep your head up.
To practice backpedaling while developing both speed and maneuverability, have a training partner act as a wide receiver. Begin the drill in your normal defensive stance. Have the receiver run in an S-shaped pattern for 30 to 40 yards downfield. Stay with the receiver by backpedaling as he weaves right and left. Remain at least one step behind him, relative to the line of scrimmage, and stay slightly to the inside of the receiver, relative to an imaginary quarterback in the middle of the field. Maintaining inside position forces the quarterback to make a longer throw to the outside.
- Coaching Youth Football; American Sport Education Program
- Velocity Sport: Football Training -- How to Back Pedal
- Play Sports TV: Backpedaling Drill
- Yahoo! Sports: Skill Sessions Week 13: Backpedaling
- Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images