Now that you've learned to assume a comfortable stance, get a good start, and run backwards properly, it's time to take the next step in your progress by learning to shift and maintain your straight line backward run over to an angled backpedal.
One of the objectives of the wide receiver is to adjust his pass route by angling to the inside or outside so that you turn and leave your backward run. Once the wideout has you turned, he's got a much better chance of creating separation on a short or medium pass route.
Learning to stay in your backward run is a technique that will require practice. Once you master the skill, you'll find your coverage ability will improve markedly. The overall goal here is to change the direction of your backward run without crossing your feet or turning your shoulders.
Start out by slowly beginning your backward run. After running approximately five yards, angle your backpedal to the left for another five yards. To do this, swing your right leg around. As you do so, your hips and shoulders should be square and remain in proper position for backpedaling.
Next, repeat the drill going to your right, swinging your left leg around. You will want to repeat this drills until you're able to swing your legs around without crossing your feet or rotating your shoulders.
After you've got these steps down, you'll want to increase the distance of your backward run from ten yards total to twenty. You will go through four changes of direction without ever leaving your backward run. Each segment of your run should be five yards. Begin with five yards straight back, adjust five yards to the left, five straight back, the five yards angled to the right.
It's vitally important to maintain proper body position for the entirety of the twenty yard run. Keep your feet less than the width of your hips apart and land with each step on the balls of your feet.
Keep your hips directly above your feet. Maintain a slight forward bend at the waist so that your shoulders and head are in front of your hips and feet. Each movement should be smooth and relaxed.
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