DEFENSIVE LINE

1. DEFENSIVE LINE A good defense starts up front

2. DEFENSIVE LINEMAN’S MOTTO: • I would rather play with pads low and be tired, than to play high and be rested.

3. What a defensive line must do: • Always play the defense, assignment • Attack each and every play • Get off the ball on movement • Sprint to the football every play • Knock blockers back, train wreck • Never run around blocks • Always work half a man on pass rush • Good stance • Use proper technique

4. None of this takes talent, it takes dedication, effort, and responsibility.A good defensive line coach will prepare his players to work harder, use the proper technique, and have a toolbox from which to work.

5. STANCE • Sprinters stance • Feet 10-16 inches apart, butt in the air, one hand down and the other cocked and ready • Teach both a right and left handed stance • Hand to the man alignment

6. Directions and Movement • Never use a cadence alone. • DL should ALWAYS go on ball movement. (Ball on a stick) • Teach DL to use peripheral vision, read fingers, watch OL closely. • Go on OL movement if can’t see ball. • Read stances, knuckles, foot placement. Look for tells…

7. Take off • Explode off the ball each play as if rushing the passer. This gets the DL to explode in the proper manner. • Keep forward lean • Hands make contact first, train wreck • Thumbs up, thumbs in – WE WIN • Create train wreck at V of chest, neck, and armpit, it will knock OL back

8. Progression Drill • Step One - On knees in front of three man (or pads). Three hard and quick strikes. • Step Two – Six points on ground, toes dug in, three extensions. Do not catch themselves. Teaches extension. • Step Three – Right hand stance, one step and extension. Three times • Step Four – Left hand stance, one step and extension. Three times

9. Progression Drill continued • Step Five – Right handed stance, off the ball quick, extensions, and run the sled or bag. • Step Six – Left handed stance, off the ball quick, extensions, and run the sled or bag extended.

10. A – Run – off the ball, coach gives direction, sprint through hash/cone. B – Draw – off the ball, coach fakes drop back and steps forward. DL will plant up field foot, through back elbow around, pivot, and wipe off OL hand with up field arm. C – Pass – off the ball, coach drops back, DL makes a rush move, yell pass, and continue in lanes to QB/Coach. Do not raise hands until within two yards. D – Alternate. Off the ball and the coach mixes up the calls. Good pre-game warm-up. Re-Direct Drill

11. Pass Rush - HANDS • A – Hand placement drills • Always work one-half a man • Karate Kid hand fight • Hand placement • Wrist attacks

12. Pass Rush – Take off • High Hat/Low Hat • Take off drill • OL moves in back pedal, DL must explode off the ball and reach with outside hand to touch the buttocks of the OL before he reaches target depth (4-5 yards)

13. PASS RUSH Techniques • Speed Rush – DE’s and good inside players • Power Rush – Mostly inside, but all players need a good power (bull) rush. • Moves always done hip to heat, cut down the distance and be in low position.

14. DEFENSIVE LINE • Dave Mahaffey • Head Football Coach • Hancock High School • Hancock, MD • coachmahaffey@yahoo.com