Skills & Drills | Eric Amoako, Campbell | Corner Drills

Eric Amoako is the Corners Coach at Campbell University, with previous stops at Baylor, Washington, Wyoming, De Anza College, and Arlington Seguin High School in Texas. Coach Amoako is entering his second season at Campbell, where he continues to develop innovative drills to enhance cornerback performance. Coach Amoako showcased some man coverage drills at the 2025 AFCA Convention.

Breaking Down the Drill

In this video, Coach Amoako emphasizes the critical breaks in man coverage and how visual cues can enhance a defender’s ability to mirror a receiver’s movements. The drill involves three athletes lined up horizontally, reacting to a visual signal from Coach Amoako’s finger rather than relying on auditory cues. This mirrors real-game scenarios where receivers do not verbally communicate their movements.

Here’s how the drill is structured:

1. Initial Setup:
   • Three athletes are positioned horizontally in a ready stance.
   • Coach Amoako uses his finger to give a visual signal, prompting the athletes to break at the line.
2. Execution:
   • Athletes break when Coach Amoako pulls his hand and sprints through the line on the third break.
3. Advanced Variation:
   • The drill is modified to incorporate a 45-degree angle.
   • Athletes begin with a backpedal and then break at a 45-degree angle using a T-step to generate leverage and explosive movement.
   • This variation includes two breaks, finishing with a sprint through the line.

Why This Drill Works

Coach Amoako’s approach to man coverage emphasizes:

• Reaction Time: Training athletes to respond quickly to visual cues sharpens their on-field awareness.
• Leverage and Explosiveness: The T-step technique allows for powerful directional changes, a critical skill in man-to-man defense.
• Game Simulation: By avoiding auditory cues, this drill closely mimics real-game situations, making the transition from practice to play seamless.