How to Play Free Safety

Playing free safety is one of the most important jobs on the field. It is the most instinctive of all the defensive positions and coaches are looking for players who truly understand the game and have an excellent understanding of how the opposing offense is trying to move the ball as well as the defense's plan of attack.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know whom your opponent is going to use on its big pass plays. The free safety's first responsibility is preventing big plays downfield. This usually means providing double coverage on the fastest wide receivers. However, if your opponent likes to go deep to its tight end or even a running back, the tight end must realize it and make sure those situations are covered.

2. Stop the running game with hard tackling. As a free safety, you are starting 8 to 12 yards away from the line of scrimmage and you should have an excellent idea of how your opponent is going to try to attack based on the down and distance and their own tendencies. Running plays on first and second downs are likely and you have to let the running back know you are on the field. It's not your job just to drag him down. Hit hard while leading with your shoulder and always wrap up your tackles. If you have a chance to deliver your hit on the ball and force a fumble, do not hesitate.

3. Go after the quarterback when the defensive coordinator calls for the safety blitz. This play works well when there are more pass rushers than there are blockers. You need to be able to figure out before the snap of the ball which blockers are going after your team's pass rushers and find a spot where you will be unaccounted for. It is not difficult; it is simply a matter of counting blockers and going to the spot where you will be unblocked.

4. Read the quarterback's eyes. Most of the time the free safety will not be responsible for 1-on-1 coverage of any receiver. He is the second man on deep passes so he should have time to read where the quarterback is looking. Most times the quarterback will lock in to one particular receiver and the free safety should move into that area and be prepared to pick off the pass if it is delivered in the expected area.

5. Work on your return skills. The free safety should have more opportunity than any other defender to come up with interceptions and fumble recoveries. It's not enough to simply fall on the ball. Once you have recovered a fumble or intercepted a pass you are a running back. Work on your moves, staying up after contact and reading your blockers.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch as much film of your opponent as possible. Learn who the go-to receivers are and understand the quarterback's tendencies. Is he a pocket passer or a scrambler? If you can answer these questions before the game starts, you should have an excellent chance of making a key play or two in the game.

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