
When a team is using zone coverage, some areas of the field require special attention when defending against specific pass plays. Many schemes and variations were created to provide defensive coordinators great latitude and flexibility which aim to thwart offensive schemes. In zone coverage, the cornerback defends an assigned area of the field. These elite defenders cover an offensive receiver so effectively on either side of the field that the quarterback does not target the receiver being covered. The most effective cornerbacks are typically called "lockdown corners". In terms of defending passing plays, a corner will be typically assigned to either zone or man-to-man coverage. In terms of defending the run, often corners may be assigned to blitz depending on the coaching decisions in a game. A cornerback's responsibilities vary depending on how the defense assigns protection to its defensive secondary. Most modern National Football League defensive formations use four defensive backs (two safeties and two corners) Canadian Football League defenses generally use five defensive backs (one safety, two defensive halfbacks, and two corners). Jackson, Xavien Howard, and Sauce Gardner.Ī cornerback for Trinity College rises to intercept a pass Examples of cornerbacks in the NFL are Jalen Ramsey, Trevon Diggs, Marlon Humphrey, Jaire Alexander, J.

Cornerbacks can be anywhere on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage at the start of play, although their proximity, formations, and strategies are outlined by the coaching staff or captain. There are no "illegal defense" formations.
#Db football position professional
The rules of American professional football and American college football do not mandate starting position, movement, or coverage zones for any member of the defense. The cornerback’s chief responsibility is to defend against the offense's pass. Because of this, they are frequently used as return specialists on punts or kickoffs. Cornerbacks are among the fastest players on the field. A cornerback's skill set typically requires proficiency in anticipating the quarterback, backpedaling, executing single and zone coverage, disrupting pass routes, block shedding, and tackling. The cornerback position requires speed, agility, strength, and the ability to make rapid sharp turns.

#Db football position free
Other members of the defensive backfield include strong and free safeties. They create turnovers through hard tackles, interceptions, and deflecting forward passes.

Cornerbacks cover receivers most of the time, but also blitz and defend against such offensive running plays as sweeps and reverses. Cornerbacks across from their assigned receivers in a base 3–4 defenseĪ cornerback ( CB) is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in gridiron football.
