Do I still need to have good hands as a DB?

[Imahoss101]

I play free safety do I still need to be able to catch pretty good? My 40 is a 4.64 and I bench 225 at 180.

[kristianallen]

Safeties are there to prevent the big play. At least one safety tries to stay behind the wide receivers if they should pass the cornerbacks. Safeties also help the linebackers out on run plays. But if the wide receivers get past the corners you need to be able to catch that ball for the interception. So of course it is important. Good 40 time btw.

[thenewguy23]

Depends if you want to make a pick, you could simply bat the ball down to prevent a big play, no need to be a ball hawk. But having good hands is a major plus as a db so I'd practice that if I was you.

[30Sacks]

As the saying goes "DB's are just receivers who cant catch" lol. But if you have good hands that will separate you from other safties. When you turn those knockdowns into picks and your INT totals get above 6 a season everybody takes notice including scouts and opposing QB's

[SDOptimist]

As the saying goes "DB's are just receivers who cant catch" lol

And that is probably the most over used and furthest from the truth statement in sports.

They are two completely different positions that use completely different fundamentals.

[30Sacks]

And that is probably the most over used and furthest from the truth statement in sports.

They are two completely different positions that use completely different fundamentals.

Calm down it was a joke. We can see there 2 different positions. Thats probably why they have different names huh?

[SDOptimist]

Calm down it was a joke. We can see there 2 different positions. Thats probably why they have different names huh?

lol calm down? relax man. Was just saying the phrase isn't true. Not attacking you, so no need to get defensive.

And the name of the position has nothing to do with its differences. Im talking about the skills required for both positions are different from one and another. So, a WR with bad hands cant just go and play DB, and a CB with amazing hands cant just go and play wr and be successful. They require completely different skills.

So to the OP. good hands arent required as a DB. Your job is to prevent. Now, if you can make big plays by causing fumbles or intercepting a pass then that you will just make you a more valuable and productive player. So if you think its a weakness of yours, then its something you should work on. But dont let it interfere with your footwork and fundamental training. Those are those most important.

[AthELiTE7]

I play free safety do I still need to be able to catch pretty good? My 40 is a 4.64 and I bench 225 at 180.

Adding the ability to catch to your arsenal can't hurt. I would also focus on vertical. Most the time just to get into a catching position you will have to jump up and challenge the receiver. Focus on catching during your off days.