The two biggest things to understand when you're tracking the ball as a defensive back is your position on the field and understanding that once the ball is in the air you become the receiver. Too many young defensive backs worry about the receiver catching it or what the receiver is doing instead of focusing on what they should be doing. Just go out and make the play yourself, don't worry about him. Know where the ball is and attack it. Put yourself in position to bat it or catch it and make the play.
Antonio CromartieI play a lot of basketball and racquetball, as they're both great for your feet and hand eye coordination. Other drills can help as well, such as simply catching a football in distant positions from different heights and velocities.
Antonio CromartieI miss football, but I'm not done. I'm not retired or anything, I just know my worth. Once it's clear that the NFL isn't considering your worth, then you get a better picture of what's really important and what you should put your energy and time into.
Antonio CromartieA lot of the routes cornerbacks have to defend are quick underneath routes, so it's tougher to get a chance to track the ball on those.
Antonio CromartieYou need to understand the receiver and the offense you're facing that week. Know his tendencies and what routes he runs out of what formations. This will help you understand the concepts of what the receiver is going to give you on a given play, and make you that much better defending him.
Antonio Cromartie