defensive line

HANDS

For the Defensive Line, how you work and move your hands are crucial to stopping the run, as well as rushing the passer. We will work on using your hands to engage your blocker, as well as how to disengage and pursue the ball carrier. We will also train how to use your hands to violently keep the Offensive Lineman's hands off you and how to leverage your hand placement in getting to the Quarterback!

feet

SLOW FEET DON'T EAT! As a defensive lineman, if you want to make plays and get sacks, TFLs, forced fumbles, etc., you must move your feet! We will train fast and active feet needed to get around linemen and pursue the ball carrier/QB. Active and hungry feet separate the playmakers from the space eaters.

PAD LEVEL

Just like on the Offensive Line, Pad Level is key to keeping leverage, getting to where you want to go, and to avoid being pushed back by Offensive Linemen. Life in the trenches is based on who can hold their ground the most. We will train this on a regular basis.

STANCE

HOW YOU START IS HOW YOU FINISH! We will solidify the Defensive Lineman Stance and how you may adjust your stance based on the anticipated play (run or pass).

PASS RUsh MOVES

Defensive Linemen LOVE sacks! But you won't get the sacks without understanding the different moves needed to get to the QB! We will practice multiple pass rush moves in order to stay 2 steps ahead of the opposing Offensive Linemen

GET-OFF

One of the key ways to put yourself in position to make a play is being the first off of the line of scrimmage at the snap (get-off). Offensive Linemen have the advantage here because they know when the play will start. Defensive Lineman must be disciplined, yet alert and ready to get off the ball with power and speed to beat the Offensive Line to the punch. This will be trained on a consistent basis.

BLOCK SHEDDING/TACKLING/PLAY RECOGNITION

The Combination of Hands, Feet, Stance, and Pad-Level will put you in position to make a play. At the end, you must recognize where the ball is, use your hands/feet to shed your block, and finish with the tackle! We will put these all together in training and learn how to finish plays consistently.

EDGE RUSHERS/OLB's

We will work heavily on pass rush on Pass Days, while also working on a bit of coverage. On Run Days, our Contain assignment and recognizing when the play is yours to make vs when to be patient and contain the edge.