SETTLE THE PLAY.

The best center backs stay calm in unstable moments.

When the game becomes chaotic your job is to bring control back into the play.

UNSTABLE MOMENTS.

Loose balls bouncing balls and aerial duels are where center backs earn trust.

Especially in college football where the game is more vertical and transitional.

USE THE BALL TRAVEL TIME.

When the ball is traveling toward you use that time to scan.

Find the teammate with the most time and the least pressure before the ball arrives.

PRIORITIZE POSSESSION.

Do not force difficult passes into pressure.

In unstable moments the first priority is settling the play and regaining control for your team.

KEEP YOUR COOL.

You actually do this really well.

Instead of panicking and clearing the ball immediately you stay calm and assess the situation before acting.

THE PRINCIPLE.

Use the time while the ball travels to understand the situation around you.

That calmness is what settles chaotic moments and gives your team control again.