Strong Football Instincts can make all the difference between making the game-winning interception or giving up a touchdown.

So how can that instinct get better?

Great Football Instincts =

• Knowing exactly what every player will do when the ball is snapped and you recognize the play
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• How the Offense is trying to attack you
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• How your Defense is reacting to it
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• & Where the Offensive Line, QB, WR, and/or Ball Carrier will go based on everything above

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1. Practice & Play at Multiple Positions

Football is a game of versatility, you don’t need to specialize in one position right away.

The more positions you play, the better you’ll understand the game as a whole.

Sure, you might be a star Corner, but have you ever lined up in the box? Or even on the Line of Scrimmage?

Playing multiple positions not only makes you a more well-rounded player but also helps you see the game from different perspectives.

Getting practice at different positions forces you to learn their individual responsibilities against different plays, resulting in you quickly better understanding how the Defense is built to work together.

These reps will help you know:

• How your teammates will react versus certain plays
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• How you can make their job easier with some slight tweaks of your own during a play
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• & Teach you to appreciate how your teammates have been doing certain things to make your job easier that you took for granted

The more perspectives you have, the sharper your instincts will be.

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2. Get Reps, Reps, & More Reps

You know what they say – practice makes perfect.
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The Reps that I’m talking about aren’t just physical reps on the field, it’s mental reps too.

Whether you’re watching film, are on the sideline, or even watching a game on TV on your day off.

You should be so immersed in getting reps that you catch yourself reading your keys when you’re just watching a game with your family.

It should become second nature to you.

So, hit the field early and stay late.

Work on your footwork, practice your reads, and run through game scenarios with your teammates.

Practice situational football!

I guarantee there are certain situations that you feel confident to make the play in and others that you dread seeing.

Whether it’s 3rd & long and you’re constantly giving up the big pass over the middle, or you can’t read the counter run, or you can’t get to your spot drop fast when on the field side.

Work on those exact plays and/or situations that give you trouble.

The more you drill these situations, the more instinctual your reactions will become when you’re under pressure on game day.
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3. Learn from Your Mistakes

Nobody’s perfect – not even Tom Brady.

Every player makes mistakes, but the key is to learn from them.

After every game (and even practice), take the time to review what went right and what went wrong.

Did you miss a coverage assignment?

Did you hesitate on a crucial play?

Use your mistakes as learning opportunities to improve your instincts for the next game.

Leave your ego behind and truthfully evaluate how you did, and how you can get better.

Working on your weaknesses is the easiest way to quickly improve your game.

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4. Do the Rep Exactly How Your Coach Wants It Done

Your coach isn’t just there to blow a whistle and yell plays from the sidelines.

They’re a wealth of knowledge and experience, so make sure you listen up!

Pay attention to the feedback they give you during practice and games.

What stance do they want you in, what should your first step be, and how should you drop into coverage - backpedaling or opening your hips, do they want you to yell to your teammates when you see certain routes or when the Offense is in a certain formation?

The list goes on forever.

The point is when your coach offers advice or calls out adjustments, listen up and take it to heart.

Doing exactly what your coach wants will gain their trust in you, and they’ll want to get you on the field ASAP.

5. Binge Football Film Like It’s Your Favorite Show

Ever heard the saying, “Knowledge is power”?

Well, in football, it’s everything.

One of the best ways to develop your instincts is by studying game film.

The best part about film is you can watch any level of football and learn something.

Whether it’s high school, college, or the NFL, at the end of the day it’s the same game just played a bit differently.

Watch how the pros play, pay attention to their movements, and analyze their decision-making processes.

But don’t just watch passively – ask yourself why they made certain plays or decisions.

Why did a player struggle vs a certain play? Did they adjust? If not? Go find someone who did to get the answer!

By understanding the game on a deeper level, you’ll start to anticipate plays before they even happen.

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6. When Things Get Tough - Stay in the Moment

Football moves fast, and overthinking can be your worst enemy.

Instead of getting caught up in your head, focus on staying in the moment.

Trust what you see (from your reads), react quickly, and GO!

Now off the field - There are also going to be many points where you feel overwhelmed, or you’re not understanding a concept as fast as you’d like.

Take a step back, breathe, and take it one step at a time.

If it was that easy to understand everyone would know it.

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7. Embrace Failure

Perhaps the most important tip here.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes - welcome it, accept it’s part of the process, and one failure/mistake brings you a step closer to becoming the player you’re working to be.
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Instead of dwelling on your failures, use them as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, figure out

how to improve, and come back stronger next time.

Failure isn’t the end – it’s just a stepping stone on the path to success.

So, embrace it, learn from it, and let it fuel your drive to be the best player you can be.

Whether you’re a freshman looking to make the varsity team or a senior eyeing that college scholarship, mastering these skills will set you apart from the competition.

I’d love your input on how we could make Defensive Digest even more useful for you! So please leave a comment with:

• Ideas you’d like covered in future editions
• Your biggest takeaway from this edition

I read every single one of them!

I’ll see you in the next newsletter.

Til then, take care.