How to Follow the Football Play by Watching the Defensive Safety

A good defensive safety is always trying to make the play. If you watch the best safeties, you'll be able to follow the ball and know when the vicious hit is coming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Notice how the safety takes a couple of 'read steps' at the snap and follows the quarterback's movements.
2. Observe the safety running sideways or forward and he is likely shadowing the movements of the running backs or quarterback. He is always thinking about helping out the linebackers on run support.
3. Watch for the safety taking steps backward to stay with the receivers. A good safety never wants to get beat deep on a pass.
4. Pay attention to the safety as he tries to see through the defensive line and the offensive line to spot the quarterback and mirror the ball movement. It is a tall order for him to see through the other players and the umpires, so he needs to move into a lane of sight and key on the players' movements in order to make the play.
5. Be ready for a pass if the safeties are making tackles near the line of scrimmage or for a loss. The offensive coordinators will look to put them on their heels.
6. Look out for a run or play action if the safeties seem timid and are playing deep to prevent big passing gains.

Tips & Warnings

• The best safeties force offenses to direct the ball away from them. If the safety you're watching never gets a shot at the ball, it might be that the offense is afraid of him, and you should watch the other safety, who will likely be the one getting tested.