4D FTP (DB movement)

Coach Mark Rodriguez's method for efficient movement in the secondary...(the following is from Coach Mark)

http://4d-ftp.com/

No, this isn't a tech post on transfering files.... its actually a jump-off point for exploring a new secondary technique to replace the backpedal and shuffle methods.

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THE 4D TRANSITION

Transitioning is safely moving from one full speed direction to another with confidence, smooth agility, rhythm and balance. “4D” is the 4 quick movements that comprise the transition. The idea guiding the 4D Transition is to program the body to continue its running motion through the transition by using the “opposite leg” concept. Simply put, to move left you bring the right leg and visa versa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JARtiIGtNRk


Drift Drop Dig Drive

Drift step – The initial move into the new direction when a conscious decision or automatic reaction is executed to alter your body direction.

Drop – Knee bend and forward lean while turning the head midway through the Drift step compacting the arms close to the body to not swing out of balance. By turning the head the shoulders will turn, when the shoulders turn it will allow your DIG step to drop ahead of you and not behind.

Dig – The next “step” after the drift step, this is a quick step because it’s a pivot step. Leaving the dig step too long will slow your momentum. Come out of the pivot quickly with driving quickness not force. You are swinging your speed not creating more force.

Drive knee – Come out of the swing with a quick knee lift driving it toward the direction you want to go with good body lean not to over or under stride and lose balance.

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SCOPE OF THE FTP SYSTEM

Take a look at the combine video at 1:06.

The player number 34 does a great transition that is more like the 4D and less like the T-STOP but he stops his drill and does it over the way everybody else is doing it (hard T stop). Not sure why but take a close look.

Also in the REINVENTING THE DB video at 5:11 the DB #4 is in the position I teach.

Together the system is quite effective.

I dont teach press man I only teach loose but not 7yrds loose only 3-5 yards loose.

The purpose of press man is to take away the timing route. My method of taking away the timing route is to see the ball first before the receiver does. Basically baiting the QB. When the DB can get a break on the ball by seeing it first it totally eliminates any timing whatsoever.

In a nutshell this is my positioning method.

Some like it & some dont but I've never seen it fail since I started teaching the basics in 2003.

1. -- (FTP) back to the sideline head facing the QB anticipating a quick pass
2. -- 3-5 yards depth from the WR, inside shoulder of WR forcing the DB to get out quickly. In red zone situations the DB moves closer. The closer to the goal line the less speed that is required at the snap.
3. -- on the snap I teach a technique called "speed react", a full speed take off to not get burned keeping the receiver under the DB, and in a faster plus better position than backpedal to react to the ball, the same positioning that last DB (#4) on the INTRO video is in and similar in the "NEW" video all the NFL DB' s shown in the first 30 sec. Their eyes were on the QB but every 3 steps scan the WR then back to the QB.(I have a few drills that build the instinct/sense called PROPRIOCEPTION in association with the coverage)
4. -- As the DB sees or feels the receiver change/adjust his direction just DRIFT or lean (back or forward like zig-zag) in that direction unless you SEE BALL.... then and only then the DB willreact to the pass. This will keep the DB from committing to a fake.

Here is a recent example from 1/4/09

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80de1b09

This is the only technique I use and it replaces press and looseman and for zone.

This does several things.

1. -- WR is taught to read the hips of the DB.. once the DB commits then the WR breaks opposite and the ball is already in the air unseen by the DB. Now the DB is in a 'catch up' position instead of a position to have a fair shot at the ball. This FTP position eliminates DB manipulation, DB hard committing and hip reading.
2. -- Gets the DB in a position to see the ball before the WR and makes the DB more opportunistic for a poor pass. By looking at the hips of the WR you cant see anything but hips. I dont think thats a position for this day and age. We need to advance our methods and they've never changed. Developing our natural sensory ability PROPRIOCEPTION and using or DB athleticism to 4D transition we will advance.
3. -- This technique allows coaches to use team depth more frequently because its solid and dependable and safe.
4. -- Bigger DB's can be use in this method especially in goal line situations and not rely on foot quickness and use their height and size more dominantly for fade routes and run support.
5. -- Pulls the DB immediately out of a position to cause pass interference because he is playing the ball
6. -- It can be used for man or zone coverage with the offense not automatically knowing the cover.

UPDATE
2-disc video now available for ordering