Position I Should Play

Question
QUESTION: I'm 16 i Attend Colerain High School In Ohio, i will be a junior next year, I'm 150 lb., 5'9, 4.7 in the 40 yard dash. i also played from ages 5 until the 8th grade, and was wondering what position was best for me?
ANSWER: Dear Keith Harris,
It sounds like you have pretty good speed. What I would like to know is what position would you like to play? Your options are open.

Your friend, Coach Louis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I Was Thinking Cornerback Or Safety But Am I To Small For Safety?

Answer
Dear Keith Harris,
If you want to play safety, all you have to do is be at the right place at the right time. If you have strong technique and you know how to read a defense, you are in.

Tips on how to play safety.

The ability to run backwards, or to backpedal, is an essential technique for both the defensive backs and the linebackers.

Defensive players must be taught to keep their feet no wider than their hips, waist bent to keep the shoulders just in front of hips, head up, feet under, and hands swinging freely in a natural motion.

The defensive players must also be taught to watch the quarterback all the way. When the quarterback is looking to his right and starts his throwing motion the linebacker must be taught to sprint in that direction. When the quarterback is looking to his left and starts his throwing motion the linebacker must be taught to sprint in that direction.

Defensive backs however, must wait until they see the ball leave the quarterbacks hands before they react to the play. The defensive backs are closer to the play than the linebackers and have less ground to cover.

There is no need to get such a big jump on the ball. They need to stay back and make sure that there is no fake play in the works. The only way to get good at this technique is to dill, drill, and drill.

I hope this information will be of help to you. I would also like to wish you luck with your season.

Your friend, Coach Louis