Playing Cornerback, making interceptions

Question
Hey thanks for taking time to answer my question.
my question is I play cornerback in highschool varsity and Iam going to be starting this year in my senior year. Last year(junior year) I did not start but played enough. My problem was I was always in great position to intercept a pass and dropped it or in great position to knock ball down and did not knock it down. I can cover receivers really well but struggle when ball is thrown and I have to make a play(especially on the deep throws). So my question is can you give me any tips/hints on how to play the ball in the air especially on deep throws as a cornerback?

Answer
Warren
First and foremost, congratulations on starting and playing for the Varsity team. Good Job!
Your question is a bit difficult to answer as it requires personal knowledge of your playing and ability and your skill set. However I can give you some pointers.  You state that you are "in Great position" so that must mean you have good fundamentals, speed, quickness and positioning. Your fundamentals and mechanics of your position are vital.

You need to read the QB, and make sure your steps are correct. So on your back pedal you need to read if the QB is taking a 3 step drop [short/quick pass] or a 5 step drop[deep/long pass] you also Then you need to read the Receiver while back pedaling.  Don't get stuck focusing in on the backfield as if you do the Receiver will blow past you.  As you feel the Receiver get parallel to your hips you need to turn/pivot your hips - open them up and run with the Receiver. When the receiver looks up he is usually going for the ball [he is looking for the flight of the ball].  It is at that time you want to make sure you have position on the receiver. Get yourself underneath the route. This gets you in the best position to make a play on the ball.  Next the Receiver will usually raise his hands to catch the ball.  As soon as the Receivers raises his arms/hands that is your key to get your hands inside his without contacting him and look back for the ball.  The receiver's eyes and hands will take you to the inbound light path of the ball.

You need to figure out the type of receiver you are playing against, if he is quick, you need to give him a little Receivers if he is bigger than you you need to play him close.  This will keep you in the play to make the play, but you need to be able to make solid open field tackles where you are balanced, under control and you read the ball carrier's hips and with a sound fundamental tackle you need to shoulder tackle and wrap.   Know where the ball is, seeing the ball and a good hip turn is vital to making a play on the ball.  When you come out of your back pedal, you need to work on your footwork - quick feet and stepping to the play.

I hope this Helps and the below video should also help.

Best of Luck,
Vic Winnek

Here a a few video clips with tips on playing that might also help you, these videos are also posted on YouTube and the coaches are have good lessons that I think might help you by watching them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qmn_fu6pQc&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3m7dyOjHdc&feature=BFa&list=SP016F3725D87FF640&i...
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-play-cornerback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmVR18Q-32A
Fly route  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoklCxBLUX8
Sideline http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZaQchyLYs4&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVzdT-76L80
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s7rbQU9A0o&feature=fvwrel
How to catch a ball http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxiDnxxQmN8&feature=relmfu

DB techniques from Temple University http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuE4JaihqE4

CB Drills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQcFk33hJZs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guVlSoJ_V-4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JquqI3RB8ts&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSws-AjTVBs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB5DESIbWd4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2v2AzSpfQo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvnQ2h2eHmM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpylDsrDuKA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycOGD28qgnw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lXN9bqRthw&feature=related

Speed Training Drills  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0oJSXsbnE&feature=related