Let's Speak Technique: OSU's Chris Ash on Press Coverage

After hiring Chris Ash from Iowa, OSU essentially went from a 6 cover to a base 4 cover for printing. This change is part of a plan to increase rack loading from 7 in the front to 4 in the rear. And there's no greater push in college football than press coverage. All coaches have technical adjustments based on leverage, offensive setup, game challenge, and player skills. Post the jump, Chris Ash spoke in detail about his days at ISU on Man Press technology.

I made sure to create a powerpoint presentation screen to give you an idea before watching the video.

Please note that we start with the website. If you are in the wrong position, the next technique will be very difficult. Knowing how to start properly is important to finish properly.

Next we look at alignment. Notice that Ash teaches his DB not to align nose to nose, but squares (for WR in line; 2 for WR out). The catcher's shoulder (width) depends on the pitch (how far he is from the attacking EMOL) and support position. If you play hard in midfield and the players are wide on the outside, they can't offer much internal support, so you lose on the inside. If your receiver is aimed at a fixed line of sight and the fuse is semi-deep at the top, you can line it up in the shadow and force it back to help.

It's always important to give players ideas to build on their reactions. Without a key, we guess, and if we assume we're often wrong, we often guess ourselves, and that makes us play slowly. We want to play fast.

Please note that we start with the feet. If the legs don't do their job, it doesn't matter what technique you use with your arms. It is important to be patient, if you rush you will lose your balance and be late for the game. Try to keep the receiver in the body frame for as long as possible and spread it widely around you (inside or outside).

Then practice something

The mirror print highlights the footwork. As you watch the video, notice how DB's hands are behind her back. Concentrate on footwork and balance. The catcher's deflection causes the catcher to spread around the defender, and being able to do this with his hands in the frame will prevent the DB from jumping forward or sideways. This allowed him good footwork from the start.

However, the catcher will eventually be able to release the ball, so you need a tool (like footwork) because when that happens, it's a kicking motion. Note that you don't want to cross again, it's all about balance and explosive power. Here Ash speaks of "leading position". This means being "in sync" with the receiver, or putting your hips on the receiver's hips. Sometimes the DB needs to use tracking technology, in which case it cannot maintain its position over the receiver but can later do so. First, understand that in a leadership position, you slow down the trap (the trap can't get past you even if you both run), and you can control and feel the trap hands-free, allowing you to find the orb. and disable damage.

I'll also point out something that Ash didn't specifically mention, but how to make the move. This refers to not opening the gate, which requires a larger stride and puts the defender in a position where he doesn't have a strong stance where he transmits power with his feet (actually he's unbalanced and in such a position ). Not strong enough to hold the receiver in an awkward position). I would also add that you don't want to lengthen your stride just because you turn 45 degrees. Part of the reason you only open 45 degrees is that the receiver is still forcing it to rotate around you instead of being able to release vertically (the "lead grip"). As you increase your stride length, you lose power because your feet aren't under you and you don't have the balance or strength to keep the receiver from rotating. By holding the stand tight enough and opening it only 45 degrees, you can still control the receiver. If the receiver wants to enter your body, it must either withdraw (parallel to LOS) or penetrate you completely, which it cannot (Freeze). This allows you to maintain a position of command and control of the receiver until you can use the next technique (retreat).

When you have an advantage, a good way for the receiver to gain influence is to first stay on the outside and then come back inside, or vice versa. If a catcher tries to get past a defender's body, you should be able to turn around. This allows defenders to hold their position and not interfere with each other. With the right movements (yes, we're still focusing on the feet, hands not involved) you can easily move in and out of closing transitions with balance and explosive power. This allows you to maintain a leadership position and still be able to control the receiver.

Now we can focus on the hands. Notice the first point: "Hands should work with their feet." Otherwise you will lose your balance and strength.

Now the focus is on a real crowd. We'll focus on leg movement first and then proper use of arms and legs during the transition. The final step is the actual jam. Good technique (thumbs up, elbows locked) builds strength like any other pose.

Once the basics are done, you can focus on specific scenarios like indoor and outdoor releases....

and a specific path (the video goes through most tree paths).

Now to the video: