The terms in-phase and out of phase are defensive back terms used to determine when to look back at the football. In our opinion, this is one of the most important parts of coaching defensive backs.
Let’s break down each phase and why they matter.
In-Phase
Being in-phase is the most common phase. The term in-phase means that the defensive back can touch the wide receiver. They are running step for step, stride for stride with them.
If the defensive back can touch the receiver, it means they know where they are and can look back to the football. If they can’t touch them, this is what’s called being out of phase.
When a defensive back is in-phase, they have a high probability of intercepting the football or, at a bare minimum, punching it away. This is the ideal phase for a defensive back to be in because it allows them to make a play on the football.
How To Coach In Phase
When a player is transitioning out of their break, they should try to cut off the WR’s angle, preferably at a 45-degree angle. This will slow down the receiver and allow the defensive back to connect at the hip. Once connected at the hip, the defensive back can make a play on the football.
If you find your defensive backs half-turning (90 degrees) when they are covering the WR, there’s a good chance the WR will stem and stack them and win leverage. Cutting off their angle when you transition to in phase will help better your position.
Out Of Phase
Being out of phase means you have lost leverage, but you didn’t lose the route. I really want to emphasize this point because a lot of coaches will teach to just put your hands in the air, block their vision, or cause a pass interference penalty when they are beaten.
You want to coach out of phase as if it’s perfectly normal, because it is. As a defensive back, you’re going to lose off the line of scrimmage. You’re going to lose leverage. There will also be receivers that are faster than your fastest defensive backs.
How To Coach Out Of Phase
The best mindset to teach your players is that it’s ok if you’re losing, just don’t give up. Here’s what we mean.
When out of phase, the player will need to determine what form of out of phase they are in.
- Losing Bad – This is often the case when a defensive back loses at the line of scrimmage, or gets beaten on a double move. The defensive back should just put their head down and run as fast as they can to cover as much ground as possible
- Close But Can’t Touch – This is when the defensive back is trailing by a yard or so.
The goal is to get close but can’t touch if you’ve lost badly off the line of scrimmage.
Once you’ve closed the leverage, look for the eyes and the hands.
Naturally, when something is thrown our way, our pupils dilate as the brain focuses on it and allocates all its resources to the ball.
When the receiver’s hands go up, the defensive back should work to strike through the hands. Do not tomahawk chop, as that is time wasted having to wind up. Instead, punch right through the middle of the hands and pull outward.
Last, make sure to complete all the way to the ground. Referees often do not rule it a catch until the wide receiver can demonstrate a clear completion. If your defensive back falls to the ground, continue the fight until the referee says it’s officially over.
These techniques can work in both press coverage and when the defensive back is transitioning from off-man coverage.
Inside our membership vIQtory Pro, you’ll find exact instructions and tutorials on how to turn average defensive backs into ball-hawking nightmares for the offense.