DEFENSIVE LINE ALIGNMENT TECHNIQUES

D-LINE 1

Developed byCoach Cav

The techniques and skills presented here are based on my personal coaching experience, various coaching blogs, football books, articles and reputable expert printed sources. The graphics and photos are both original graphics and visuals taken from football publications. This is not an exhaustive position treatment of defensive line play techniques but rather I have tried to organize the material into bite-sized pieces as part of our defensive linemen progression training that is suitable youth football coaches and players.

D-LINE 2

The Role of DefensePerfecting defensive fundamentals and defensive team execution requires a commitment of practice time to the defense. This involves player selection for positions, fundamentals, block destruction, tackling, reads, base responsibilities, group and team execution.

Defense is all about:

being aligned correctly against whatever defense we face having the proper stance executing the base assignment responsibility of each defensive position correctly using the base technique assigned to that position destroying offensive blocking tackling well having the aggressive mindset to be constantly on the attack

Detailed Alignment SpecificationsOur technique numbering system is structured to include the three basic alignments - inside, head up, and outside. The head up alignment puts our defensive player nose to nose with the offensive player. The inside and outside alignments are shade alignments. In our numbering system, a player is shaded when he lines to one side of the blocker.

If the defensive player lines inside (i.e., between the ball and the blocker), the defender is playing an inside shade. Inside shades have been traditionally referred to as "inside-eye" alignments.

If the defender lines outside (i.e., the defender is positioned so that the blocker is between him and the ball), the defender is playing an outside shade. The outside shades have been called “outside-eye” alignments.

IN our base stance, the near foot of the shade (foot closest to the ball) is back and the near hand is down. For example, if you are in a shade to the left, your right foot is back and your right hand is down. By having your shade foot back that means your first step is into the frame of the offensive lineman you are shading, and your second step is into your gap responsibility.

Visual Keys and Pressure KeysVisual Key – A defensive lineman “Visual Key” is the offensive player who he looks at on the snap of the ball. This key will tell him where the play is headed, and he will react to that key on the fly.

Pressure Key – A defensive lineman’s “Pressure Key” is the offensive player who can most quickly affect him. While he does not look at this key, he must react by “fighting pressure” when this key attempt to block him.

D-LINE 3

Numbering and Alignment TechniquesDefensive GapsDefensive gaps are designated with letters:

1. A Gap: Center – Guard gap

2. B Gap: Guard – Tackle gap

3. C Gap: Tackle – End gap

4. D Gap: End to sideline gap

Numbering SystemThe following numbering system is used to designate the alignment positions or techniques, for defensive lineman:

Alignment System0 – Head up center (can shade (S) either side if called) 4i – Inside shoulder of tackleS – Shade strong or weak side of center 5 – Outside shoulder of tackle1 – Inside shoulder of guard 6 – Head up on end2 – Head up on guard 7 – Inside shoulder of end3 – Outside shoulder of guard 8 – Outside of end4 – Head up on tackle 9 – Outside shoulder of end

For our Linebackers, we add a zero to the alignment designation. So, if our Inside Linebackers line up in a 3-alignment position, we would call it a “30” for the Linebackers.

D-LINE 4

DD C B CB A A

L L TCRRT

S S 88 9754i31134i59 7

6426 4 2 0

L L TCRRT

0 Technique

Stance &Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/ Concepts

--S: No stagger of the feet; down in a three-or four-point stance.--A: Crowds the football, nose-to-nose with the center

--Run: play side a gap--Pass: Rushes either A gap (may vary, depending upon scheme).

Center Both guards Target: Crush technique: Attack the center with both hands - inside block out. take a short jab step in the direction of the play, control the center's playside shoulder, keep own shoulder square to the line of scrimmage, and secure playside A gap: pulling guards indicate point of attack.

Key Blocks

Center drive blocks and runs directly at the defender: Knock the center back, continue to drive your feet, and crush the center into the backfield. Control the centers block, stays square, do not pick a side, and wait for the ballcarrier to commit

Center/guard double-team: Attack the guard, stay low, and do not get driven back; If losing ground, drops the outside hip, roll into and plug the A gap.

Center reach blocks, one or both guards pull: Control the center’s play side shoulder. Keep your own shoulders parallel to the LOS and turn them slightly towards the outside as you work the hips into the play side A gap. Pursue the ball from an inside-out position and do not get hooked.

Center/backside guard zone combo zone. Play the center’s block like a hawk block. Jam the center and prevent the center from releasing to the next level to block the linebacker.

Center blocks away, the guard down blocks. Release pressure from the center and focus on the guard. Beat the guards head across the line of scrimmage, continue to penetrate the line and make the play in the backfield. If the guard’s head is in front of you, attack the guard, control the guard’s outside shoulder, secures the play side A gap, and then pursues flat along the line of scrimmage.

Center pass-blocks. Rush either A gap

D-LINE 5

S Minus Technique

Stance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/ Concepts

--S: No or slight stagger, inside hand down in a three-point stance.--A: Line up on weak side of formation with inside eye aligned on outside eye of center

--Run toward: Weakside A gap.--Run away: Squeeze A gap; pursues from inside-out position.--Pass: Rushes weakside A gap.

Center Weakside guard Target: center’s outside eye using crush technique by attacking center with hands (inside lockout) Keep shoulders square; a pulling guard indicates the point of attack.

Key Blocks

Center drive block: Inside step to attack near shoulder of center. Knock center back, lock out and separate, stay square, hold A-gap, squeeze and locate the ball.

Center/guard double team: First step attack near shoulder of center; when feel guard, attack the guard. When losing round, drop the outside hip and plug the A gap by rolling outside.

Center reach blocks: Close with first step and attack near shoulder of center. Drive thru center’s head with hand shiver and push with onside arm on shoulder. Control center’s outside shoulder, keep own shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage, and plug the A gap. Don’t get hooked.

Weak zone: Play it like a hook block and control the center’s outside shoulder.

Strong zone – center/weak guard combo: Squeeze inside and jam the center’s near hip to prevent the center from releasing to the second level. At the same time flatten out and pursue the ball.

Center blocks strong/reach block by guard: First step attack near shoulder of center; when feel pressure from guard, release pressure from the center, control outside shoulder of guard. Work across the guard’s face, shoot upfield shoulder thru gap and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

D-LINE 6

Guard pulls strong/center turnout: Beat the center’s block, penetrate across the line of scrimmage, and follow guard to the point of attack. If you cannot penetrate, flatten across the center’s face, pursue ball on inside-out position.

Guard pulls weak/center reach blocks: Control the center’s outside shoulder, attempt to gain penetration, and get into the guard’s hip pocket.

Pass: Rush the weakside A gap; with first step attack near shoulder of center; rush, club near shoulder, swim or rip, get to QB.

S Plus TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/ Concepts--S: No or slightly stagger feet, inside hand down in a three-point stance.--A: Line up on strong side of formation with inside eye aligned on outside eye of the center

Run toward: Strongside A gap.Run away: Squeeze A gap, pursue ball from an inside-out position.Pass: Rushes the strongside A gap.

Center, strongside guard

Strongside guard, backfield flow

Target -center’s outside eye. Employ a crush technique by attacking the center with his hands (inside lockout). Keep shoulders square; pulling guard indicates the point of attack.

Key Blocks

Center drive block: Inside step to attack near shoulder of center. Knock center back, lock out and separate, stay square, hold A-gap, squeeze and locate the ball..

Center/guard double team: First step attack near shoulder of center; when feel guard, attack the guard. When losing round, drop the outside hip and plug the A gap by rolling outside.

Center reach blocks: Close with first step and attack near shoulder of center. Drive thru center’s head with hand shiver and push with onside arm on shoulder. Control center’s outside shoulder, keep own shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage, and plug the A gap. Don’t get hooked.

Weak zone – strongside guard/center combo: Jam the center’s near hip and prevent the center from releasing to the second level. At the same time, flatten down the line and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

D-LINE 7

Center blocks weak/ down block by guard: Release pressure from the center and control the outside shoulder of the guard. Work across the guard’s face and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

Strongside guard pulls weak/center turnout: Beat the center’s block, penetrate across the line of scrimmage, and follow guard to point of attack. If unable to penetrate, flatten across the center’s face and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

Strongside guard pulls strong/center reach blocks: Control the center’s outside shoulder, attempt to gain penetration, and follow the guard to the point of attack.

Pass: Rush the strongside A gap; with first step attack near shoulder of center; rush, club near shoulder, swim or rip, get to QB..

1 Technique

Stance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/ Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet, inside hand down in a three- point stance.--A: Line up with outside eye pointed at the inside eye of the guard

Run toward: Secure A gap; pursue ball from inside-out position.Run away: Secure A gap, trail play from an inside-out position.Pass: Rush A gap.

Guard Center Get off the ball on movement, immediately attack guard with hands (inside lockout), keep shoulder square, read and react to the guard’s head, find the ball and make the tackle.

Key Blocks

The guard drive blocks: Attacks guard, knock him backwards, secure the A gap, find the ball, and make the tackle.

Guard/center zone-run toward: React to the guard’s movement, jam the guard and prevents the guard from releasing to the second level. Avoid or defeat the center’s block and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

D-LINE 8

The guard reach blocks-run away: Reacts to the guard’s head, secure the A gap while moving in the direction of the ball; pursue the ballcarrier from an inside-out position.

Guard pulls outside, the center reach blocks: Avoids or defeat the center’s block and follow the guard to the point of attack.

The guard pulls outside, the center blocks away: This is a trap. Close inside and trap the trapper with an inside forearm rip. Do not penetrate the line of scrimmage any deeper than the heel line.

The guard pulls inside, the center blocks the defender: Cross the center’s face, penetrate the line and pursue the play behind the line. Otherwise, cross the center’s face and pursue the ball along the line.

Guard pass blocks: Rush through the A gap.

2 Technique

Stance &Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts--S: No or slightly stagger of feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: Crowd the ball, nose to nose with the guard

--Run: Two-gap player. --On strong side: B gap when plays run to strong side and A gap when plays run to the weak side. --On weak side: A gap when plays run to the strong side and B gap when plays run to weak side.--Pass: Rush either A or B gap. When a 22 scheme is called, one 2- technique defender rushes the A gap and the other rushes the B gap.

Guard Center and tackle Crush technique: Attack the guard with both hands (inside lockout, followed by a short jab step in the direction of the play, control the guard’s play side shoulder, keep own shoulders square to LOS, secure the play side gap.

Key Blocks

D-LINE 9

The guard drive blocks-runs directly at the defender: Knock the guard back, continue to drive feet, and crush the guard into the backfield; control the guard’s block, stay square, don’t pick a side, wait for ballcarrier to commit.

The guard reach blocks: Control the guard’s play side shoulder, keeping his shoulders parallel to LOS and then turn them slightly toward the outside working hips into the play-side gap; pursue ball from inside-out don’t get hooked.

Guard/center strong side zone: Play the guards block like a hawk block and jam the guard and prevent the guard from releasing to the next level to block a linebacker.

Guard/tackle weak side zone: Play the guard’s block like a hook block and jam the guard and prevent the guard from releasing to the next level to block a linebacker.

The guard/tackle double-team: Attack the tackle, stays low, and do not get driven back. As a last resort, drop outside hip and roll into unplugs the B gap.

The guard/tackle kiss block: Force a double-team and prevent the tackle from releasing to the next level to block a linebacker.

The guard pulls outside, the tackle cracks: Penetrate the line of scrimmage if the tackle's head is beaten; otherwise, secure the B gap, flatten across the tackle's face, and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

The guard blocks inside, no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Trap the trapper with the inside forearm and squeeze the ballcarrier inside.

The guard/tackle fold: Penetrate the line of scrimmage if the tackle's head is beaten; otherwise secure the B gap flatten across the tackle's face and pursue the ball from an inside out position.

The guard pulls outside, no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Trap the trapper with the inside forearm and squeeze the ballcarrier inside.

D-LINE 10

The guard pulls inside, tackle reach blocks: Avoid the tackle’s block, get in the guard’s hip pocket, and follow him to the point of attack.

The guard pulls inside, the center blocks the 2 technique: If the center’s head is beaten across the LOS, get in the guard’s hip pocket and follows him to the point of attack. If the centers head is in front of you, attack the center, control his play-side shoulder, flatten across his face, and pursues down the line.

The guard pass blocks: Rush the assigned A or B gap.

D-LINE 11

3 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: Inside foot pointed slightly inside the offensive guard’s outside foot

--Run toward: B gap--Run away: Squeeze backside A gap and pursue ball from an inside-out position--Pass: Rush B gap

Guard Tackle, pulling lineman

Aggressive read-on-the-run technique; target is outside shoulder of offensive guard; attack target with hands underneath blocker’s pads; maintain outside leveraged, keep shoulder square to LOS; secure B gap, do not get hooked by guard.

Key Blocks

The guard drive blocks: Attack near shoulder of guard; read the guards head, fight pressure, squeeze down and secure the B gap before pursuing to another area.

The guard hook blocks: Close, attack and control guard’s near shoulder; keep shoulders parallel to LOS, then turn them slightly toward the inside and works hips into play side B gap keeping outside leverage; pursue the ball from an inside-out position; avoid getting hooked.

The guard turnout blocks, flow way: Squeeze the backside A gap with the guard’s body and look for cutback during pursuit flat down the line.

The guard/tackle double-team: First step attack near shoulder of guard; when feel tackle, attack the tackle, stays low, drop outside hip, snap haed to tackle, work upfield, split double team and plug the B gap.

The guard/tackle kiss block: Force a double-team and prevent the tackle from releasing to the next level to block a linebacker.

The guard/tackle zone, flow way: Close with first step; attack near shoulder of guard; drop inside shoulder and run thru; prevent the guard from working to the second level by jamming the guard, reach for guard’s inside shoulder, plant foot, push off and flatten the guard shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage while pursuing the ball. Use outside hand to protect legs from

D-LINE 12

getting cut.

The guard/center zone, flow toward: Play the guard’s block like a hook block; jam the guard to prevent him from releasing to the next level and blocking the linebacker.

The guard blocks inside, the tackle cracks: First jam the guard and then fight outside pressure; if tackle unable to get head across the line, continue to penetrate and tackles the ballcarrier in the backfield; if unable to beat the tackles head and it is in front, control the blocker’s outside shoulder, flatten across the blocker’s face and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

The guard blocks inside, no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Trap the trapper with outside forearm, and spill the play inside.

The guard/tackle fold: First step attack near should of guard; lower inside shoulder and flatten across the tackle’s face; penetrate LOS; if the tackle is flat; lower outside shoulder and spin across or cross face staying square, secure the B gap, and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

The guard pulls outside, no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Trap the trapper with outside forearm and spill the play outside.

The guard fakes a block, back executes a wham block: First step attack near shoulder of guard; read as trap, redirect and close; split back with upfield shoulder

The guard pulls inside, the tackle reaches/cuts off: First step attack near shoulder of guard; ricochet off tackle, get in the guard’s hip pocket and follow him to the point of attack.

The guard pulls inside, the center blocks the 3 technique: If center’s head does not across LOS, get in the guard’s hip pocket and follow him to the point of attack. If the center does get his head in front, attack the center, control his play side shoulder, flattens across his face, and pursues down the line.

The guard pass blocks: Rush the B gap.

D-LINE 13

D-LINE 14

4i TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: outside eye pointed at the inside eye of the tackle

--Run toward: Secure B gap, squeeze inside plays, and pursue outside plays from an inside-out position.

--Pass: Rush the B gap.

Tackle Guard Get off the ball on movement, immediately attack the tackle with hands (inside lockout), keep shoulder square, read and react to tackle’s head, find the ball, and make the tackle

Key Blocks

The tackle drive blocks: Attack tackle and keep shoulders parallel to LOS while fighting pressure. Secure the B gap, find the ball and react in the play’s direction.

Outside zone-guard/tackle combo: Jam tackle and prevent him from releasing to the second level. Avoid or defeat the guard’s block while locating and pursuing the ball.

Fan block-tackle blocks out, guard blocks defender: The play is directed inside; must defeat the guard’s block and make certain that the B gap is secured while closing inside.

Tackle blocks out, guard blocks inside: This is a trap block. Close inside and trap the trapper with an inside forearm rip.

Tackle reach blocks the defender-players away: Immediately squeeze the B gap and pursue the play along the heel line if beaten the tackle’s head across the line of scrimmage. If hasn't beaten the tackle’s head across the line, keep his shoulder square and slide along the line, watching for cutback.

Tackle pass blocks: Rush the quarterback through the B gap.

D-LINE 15

4 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: Crowd the ball nose-to-nose with the offensive tackle

--Run: Plays as two-gap player; responsible for C gap when plays are run outside; B gap when plays are run inside.--Pass: Rush the C gap; contains the quarterback.

Tackle Guard (Tight End if the Tight End is aligned to the outside).

Target: Crush technique: attack tackle with both hands creating an inside lockout followed by short jab step in direction of play, control tackle’s play side shoulder, keep own shoulder square to LOS, and secures the playside gap.

Key Blocks

Tackle drive block: Defeat the tackle’s block, fight pressure, and pursue the ball.

Tackle hook block: Keep shoulders parallel to the LOS, plug the gap in the direction of the play, and pursue the ball.

Tackle/tight end double team: Attack the tight end and avoid getting driven back. As a last resort, drop the outside hip and roll into, and plug, the C gap.

Strong or weak zone: Play the tackle’s block like a hook block and prevent the tackle from releasing to the second level.

Tackle blocks inside/tight end cracks: First jam the tackle, release pressure, and then flatten across the tight end’s face.

Tackle blocks inside/no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Jam the tackle and squeeze the B gap. Attack whomever attempts block with an inside forearm, maintain outside leverage on the blocker, and force the play inside.

Tackle pulls inside: This is most likely a counter trey (both guard and tackle pull). Get in the tackle’s hip pocket and follow him to the point of attack (unless he is the player assigned to tackle the quarterback.

D-LINE 16

Tackle pulls outside: If tight end cracks down, fight outside pressure and flatten across the tight end’s face. Ife tight end doesn’t crack, play is either a quick pitch or a trap. Read backfield action and trap the trapper if the play is a trap. If the play is a quick pitch, pursue flat down the line of scrimmage.

Tackle pass blocks: Pressure and contain the quarterback

5 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: inside foot splits the offensive tackle’s stance.

--Run toward: C gap--Run away: Squeeze B gap, the pursue ball--Pass: Contain the quarterback

Tackle Tight End, near Back, pulling linemen

Target is the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder; maintain outside leverage, secure the C gap, and not get hooked by the tackle

Key Blocks

Tackle drive block: First step attack near shoulder of Tackle; read the tackle’s head, get hands inside, lock out, separate, fight pressure, squeeze down, escape and secure the C gap before pursuing the ball.

Tackle reach block: First step attack near shoulder of tackle; flatten Tackle on LOS, maintain outside leverage, keep shoulders parallel to the LOS, shed and escape; plug the C gap by getting hips into the hole.

Tackle turnout block: Squeeze the B gap with the tackle’s body and look for a cutback during pursuit flat down the line.

Tackle/tight end double team: First step attack near shoulder of Tackle; when feel pressure, from TE, drop outside hip, snap head and attack tight end and plug the C gap; do not get driven back..

Strong zone guard/tackle combo: Play the tackle’s block as a hook block.

D-LINE 17

Tackle blocks inside/tight end cracks: First jam the tackle, release pressure, and then flatten across the tight end’s face.

Tackle blocks inside/no outside pressure: This is a trap block. Jam the tackle and squeeze the B gap. Attack the blocker with an inside forearm and force the play inside.

Tackle pulls inside: This is most likely a counter trey. Get in the tackle’s hip pocket and follow him to the point of attack (unless he is the player assigned to tackle the quarterback).

Tackle pulls outside: If there is a tight end and the tight end cracks down, fight the outside pressure and flatten across the tight end’s face. If the tight end doesn’t crack, the play is either a quick pitch or a trap. Read the backfield action and trap the trapper if the play is a trap. If the play is a quick pitch, pursue down the line. If the defender attempts to stop a quick pitch by penetrating across the line, he will almost always end up chasing air.

Tackle pass blocks Pressure and contain the quarterback.

D-LINE 18

6 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Key Pressure Key Techniques/Concepts--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: Nose-to -nose with the tight end.

--Run toward: C gap--Run away: first look for bootleg; if no bootleg, trail play along the heel line, checking for reverse, counter, or cutback.--Pass: Contain rush

Tight end Tackle 6 technique used to get a good jam on tight end; helps secure the D gap on runs into perimeter; get hands on tight end, jam and control tight end, and do not get driven back

Key Blocks

The tight end blocks the 6 technique, the tackle blocks inside – off-tackle run: Attack the tight end, defeat the tight end’s block and do not get driven back; secure the C gap, fight pressure, locate the ball, and make the tackle.

The tight end blocks the 6 technique, the tackle blocks inside – outside run: Control the tight end, make certain the C gap is secured, and then work across the tight end’s face, and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks the 6 technique – inside iso: Maintain outside leverage and use the tackle’s body to squeeze the play inside. Watch for ball carrier to bounce the play outside as squeezes inside.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks the 6 technique – weakside run: Fight through or avoid the tackle’s block as the LOS is penetrated; first look for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback or reverse.

The tight end releases, tackle blocks inside, the near back kicks out the 6 technique – C gap run: Squeeze the C gap, attack the back with inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. Do not penetrate across the line of scrimmage and create an alley for the ball carrier.

The tight end releases, tackle reach blocks the 6 technique – outside run: First jam the tight end and squeeze the C gap. Then control tackle’s outside shoulder, maintain outside leverage, force the play outside, and pursue the ball carrier from an inside-out position.

The tight end releases, tackle blocks inside, an offensive lineman traps the 6 technique – C gap run: Jam the tight end and secure the C gap by squeezing back inside. Then attack the blocker on LOS with the inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. If a counter trey, cut block the guard to prevent tackle from leading through the hole.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks inside – weakside run: First look for the bootleg. If none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback, and reverse.

D-LINE 19

The tight end releases/passes: Pressure and contain the quarterback.

7 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: inside shade of the tight end

--Run toward: C gap--Run away: first look for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for reverse, counter or cutback.--Pass: Contains rush.

Tackle Tight End Immediately get hands on the tight end and jams him; do not get driven back or crushed inside

Key Blocks

The tight end blocks the 7 technique, the tackle blocks inside – off-tackle run: Control the tight end, plug the C gap and force the play outside.

The tight end blocks the 7 technique, the tackle blocks inside – outside run: Control the tight end, secure the C gap, work across the tight end’s face, and pursue the ball from an inside-out position.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks the 7 technique – inside iso: Use the tackle’s body to squeeze the play inside, maintain outside leverage, and be prepared for the ball carrier to bounce the play outside as he squeezes inside.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks the 7 technique – weakside run: Fight through or avoid the tackle’s block while penetrating the LOS. First look for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback or reverse.

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks inside, the near back kicks out the 7 technique – C gap run: Squeeze the C gap, attack the back with the inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. Do not penetrate across the LOS and create an alley for the ball carrier.

The tight end releases, the tackle reach blocks the 7 technique – outside run: Secure the C gap, force the play outside, and pursue the ball carrier from an inside-out position. Controls the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks inside, an offensive lineman traps the 7 technique – C gap run: Attack the blocker on LOS with inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. If a counter trey, cut block the guard, thereby preventing the tackle from leading through the hole.

D-LINE 20

The tight end releases, the tackle blocks inside – weakside run: First look for the bootleg. If none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback, and reverse.

The tight end releases/passes: Pressure and contain the quarterback.

Ghost 7 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Keys Pressure Keys Techniques/Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: one yard outside of the EMOL tackle with split end;

--Run toward: C gap. --Run away: First look for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel of the line; check for reverse, counter, or cutback--Pass: Contain rush

Tackle Pulling linemen Employ a jet technique to quickly penetrate the LOS (to the heel line). Maintain outside leverage on blocks by the offensive tackle or the near back and never get hooked

Key Blocks

The tackle reach blocks the 7 technique – outside run: Beat the tackle’s head across the LOS and not get hooked. If elude the tackle’s block, continue toward the ballcarrier and make the tackle in the backfield. If blocked, maintain outside leverage by controlling the tackle’s outside shoulder. First responsibility is to secure the C gap.

The tackle blocks the 7 technique – inside iso: Use the tackle’s body to squeeze the play inside, maintain outside leverage, and be prepared for the ball carrier to bounce the play outside as he squeezes inside.

The tackle blocks the 7 technique – run away: Fight through or avoid the tackle’s block while penetrating the LOS. First look for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel line, checking four counter, cutback, and reverse.

The tackle blocks inside, the near back kicks out the 7 technique – C gap run: Squeeze the C gap, attack the back with the inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. Do not penetrate across the line of scrimmage and create an alley for the ball carrier.

D-LINE 21

The tackle blocks inside, an offensive lineman traps the 7 technique – C gap run: Attack the blocker on the line of scrimmage with the inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. If a counter trey (both guard and tackle pull), cut block the guard to prevent the tackle from leading through the hole.

Tackle pulls toward the center – run away: First look for the bootleg; if none, defeat the fullback’s block and then trail the play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback, or reverse.

Tackle pass blocks: Contain rush.

9 TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Key Pressure Key Technique/Concepts

--S: No or slightly staggered feet; down in a three-point stance with inside hand down.--A: Inside foot in the middle of tight end’s stance; may widen with inside foot inside of tight end’s outside foot

--Run toward: D gapRun away: Trails the play along heel line.--Pass: Rushes and contains quarterback

Tight end Near back, pulling Guard

Maintain outside leverage and not get driven back or hooked. Attack the tight end with hands and use forearm rip when taking on running back or pulling lineman. When cut blocked, use his hands, sprawl, and ricochet off the ground.

Key Blocks

Tight end reach block: Immediately get hands on tight end and lock him out. Control the tight end’s outside shoulder and secure the D gap.

Tight end turnout block, inside run to either B or C gap: Create a stalemate and squeeze the C gap with the tight end’s body while maintaining outside leverage on the ball.

Tight end releases, near back kickout block: While jamming the tight end, watch the near back out with peripheral vision. Close back inside and seal the C gap. Attack the blocker with an inside forearm, and force the play inside. Do not penetrate across LOS and create an alley for the ballcarrier.

D-LINE 22

Tight end release, flow away: First check for bootleg before chasing along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback or reverse.

Tight end block inside: Jam the tight end’s outside hip and squeeze the C gap. Attack the blocker (near back or pulling lineman) with the inside shoulder and spill the play outside.

Tight end releases/pass: Rush and contain the quarterback

D-LINE 23

8 (Wide 9) TechniqueStance & Alignment Assignment Visual Key Pressure Key Techniques/Concepts

--S: two-point stance; stagger inside foot back.--A: line up approximately one yard outside the tight end

--Run toward: Contain perimeter runs--Run away: first looks for bootleg; if none, trail the play along the heel line, checking for reverse, counter, or cutback.--Pass: Contains rush

Tight end Near back, pulling linemen

Explode upfield and aggressively penetrate the LOS at the snap. Contain quarterback and all perimeter runs. When penetrating the line, react to movements of near back and pulling linemen. Keep outside arm and leg free as to maintain outside leverage on the blockers.

Key Blocks

Reach block by the tight end – outside run: Must never be hooked by the tight end. Avoid or ricochet off the block and contain the ballcarrier.

Turnout block by the tight end – inside run: Defeat the tight end’s block while squeezing and condensing the play. MUST maintain outside leverage on the ballcarrier at all times.

Tight end blocks inside, defender is blocked by a running back or offensive lineman: Contain and squeeze the play inside while maintaining outside leverage on the blocker.

Tight end releases, flow away: Chase along the heel line checking for bootleg, counter, cutback, or reverse.

Tackle pass blocks: Contain rush.

D-LINE 24

Pre-Snap ReadsA DL should always look for clues in the offensive lineman in front of them.

Look at their eyes to determine the direction of their blocks.

Look at their hands to determine how much pressure they have on their fingers. More pressure means run, less pressure means pass or pull.

Look at their feet every play to watch for changes in their stance. Sometimes an Offensive Lineman will change their stance slightly depending on the block they have to make.

o The deeper their back foot, the more likely they are going forward. o If their feet are balanced, more likely an angle, pull or pass block.

Almost always there will be offensive linemen who will tip-off the play. Communicate this information to the linebackers behind you. Never guess. Rather, play honest and do your job. Let the linebackers find the ball.

Most of the time, the snap of the ball is the first thing that moves on the offense.

Use your peripheral vision to keep track of the ball.

Focus on the shoulder pads of the O-line. Many O-linemen rock their shoulders before they fire out. This is especially true for guys who are out of shape. Then shift your focus to your primary key’s outside knee. That will tell you where he is going.

Never listen to the snap count. Fire out as soon as you sense movement. If you can get into his chest before he is fully out of his stance, you will own him.

Defensive ends always protect yourself from crack blocks. Your teammates should warn you but this does not always happen. If you sense the crack, play the crack. You can recover if the crack doesn’t happen. It is much harder to recover from a blindside hit.

First Step and the Primary Key Concept When the ball is snapped, defensive linemen do not use their vision to find the ball. Rather, they react to pressure. This means that on the snap of the ball, a DL should attack an offensive lineman and then move according to the blocking scheme. The sequence of action is “MAN”, “GAP”, “BALL”.

The offensive lineman that the DL attacks is called the “Pressure Key.” This key will be different depending on the offensive formation and the defensive front. It may be the “Visual Key” or the “Pressure Key”.

A DL must know what his Pressure Key is before the play begins.

Always have the hand closest to the primary key on the ground. This means that every DL must be comfortable in a right-handed and a left-handed stance.

On the snap, fire your hands out as quickly as possible at your primary key, elbows tight to your body and thumbs up.

Aim for the middle of the chest plate with your near hand and shoulder with the far hand.

Try to lock out your arms and grab his jersey/pads. Your movement should be loose and quick, NOT HARD.

D-LINE 25

Your back foot should move only slightly and your knees and hips should stay bent. This will help you stay low.

Being lower than the man blocking you is the golden rule for all defensive players.

Your hands and feet should move together. However, hands are more important than feet. If you are having trouble staying low, or getting beaten on the first step, then compress your stance and move your hands only.

Separation from the blocker and low pad level are far more important than penetration.

Key Progression

When the ball is snapped engage your Pressure Key and react to his block.

If your Pressure Key does not block you, your next worry is a block by the Visual Key.

MAN - Shoot your hands and get separation then play him like you would your primary key.

GAP - If you are not blocked immediately, step inside and look inside for a trap or kick-out block.

BALL - If this does not come, then you can penetrate and look for the ball.

Your rules are:

o Shoot your hands o Fight against pressure o No Pressure, step and look inside. o No trap, penetrate and find the ball

Playing the Run The Shoulder Turn Technique

When you are being blocked, always try to turn your opponent’s shoulders while keeping your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. This eliminates the blockers power base, will help you find the ball, and help you release and make plays.

The shoulder turn technique demands that you push with the hand closest to the blocker and pull with the other hand. Be violent with you push and pull in order to turn his body away from you.

This will allow you to see into the backfield by looking behind his back. (Please note: you push and pull with the opposite hands to defeat a reach/zone block)

Many defensive linemen win the initial engagement but lose in the end because they rise up and look over the blockers shoulders to find the ball. Always try to look around the blocker. It is better to not see the ball than to get pushed backwards.

GAP Control Rules

In order to control a gap, there are a few things you must accomplish.

Shoulders should be square in the gap.

You must very close to the line of scrimmage (best position is 1 yard deep).

D-LINE 26

You must have position and leverage on the blocker. This means that your head is on the gap side of the blocker, and your shoulder and leg are actually in the gap.

The blocker’s shoulders are turned away from you and you are actively pushing him out of position. Never simply hold your blocker; always try to move him; throw him out of the gap, then go ahead.

You have a clear view into the backfield.

You must stay in your gap until the ball carrier has fully committed. Many D-linemen lose because they are anxious to make a tackle and release too early. A cutback through your gap will be devastating to the defense. Stay in your gap until the last possible moment.

Releasing from a Blocker

When the ball carrier commits, you must know release from the block and make a play. If you have full gap control, this should not be difficult. There are many release-moves that you can use. Here are a few rules that will help you.

The elbow is the weakest joint on the arm. Always try to work the elbow of your opponent when executing the release move.

Be violent when you execute your release move.

Two hands are stronger than one. Work against one of his arms with two of yours.

One arm is longer than two. This means than if you extend with one arm and bring your other shoulder back, the blocker will not be able to grab you and it will be easier to slide off.

Tackling on the Line of Scrimmage

You must properly engage a blocker, find the ball carrier, release and get in a position to make a tackle. All this happens extremely fast and must be executed against a very good athlete who has already gained a lot of momentum. When the ball carrier commits, you must fully release from the blocker and get very low into a breakdown position.

Aim for his legs, wrap him up and drive with your feet.

As you execute your release move, drop the knee of your back leg to the ground. (e.g. if you are releasing to the left, drop you right knee) make sure that you are leaning forward as you do this to make sure you don’t get pushed over.

Once you are down, simply lunge into the hole, get you head across the ball carrier’s body and wrap. Even falling down, clogging up the hole and forcing the ball carrier to bounce is still a good result.

Playing the Pass Understanding When to Pass Rush We always teach that a D-Lineman must always play run first. However, there are exceptions. On 2nd down and 8 or more, then the D-line is free to penetrate. Also, there have been times where the game plan calls for the D-line to be more aggressive and penetrate. It is very important that you know what is happening in the game. The score, the field position, the time, the down and the distance to go are all factors in how you should approach each snap. Make sure you talk to the coaches about when you can

D-LINE 27

full-out pass rush and when you can’t. There is nothing better than being turned loose on an unsuspecting O-lineman when you have been playing gap-control all game. Don’t miss your chance to make a big play.

Pass Rush Objectives Force the QB to throw on time with only 1 read (TD.) Restrict QB’s vision (hands and bodies) Contain Sack Force fumbles Create interception (TD.)

Pass Rush Tips 1. Always have a plan. Don’t pass rush off the top of your head. Rather, plan your attack very

carefully.

a. Set the O- lineman up over the course of the game. Save your best move for critical points in the game. Show a move a few times so that the O-lineman anticipates it. Then surprise him with something new when it really counts.

b. Have a detailed plan of each pass rush. For example, you should have a starting move and several counters depending on the O-lineman’s reaction. Practice your counters often!

2. Keep moving forward. Don’t stop! Inexperienced D-Linemen will often stop and try again when their first move doesn’t work. This is wrong. Never stop going after the QB. There is no time to stop and start again.

3. Keep your Eyes on the QB. The worst thing you can do is to take your eyes off the QB and focus on the blocker.

4. QB raises the ball, your hands go up. One of the most important things you can do as a pass rusher is to reduce the QBs field of vision. Don’t focus on sacks; be a team player.

5. Stay in you assigned lane. There is more happening on the defense than your pass rush. You work within a system. Being selfish and trying to make a big play could cause problems for your teammates. Getting blocked is better than ignoring your responsibilities.

6. Keep his hands off. If you are pass rushing, don’t let him touch you. Keep knocking his hands away.

7. When the ball is thrown, call it. This is a huge help for the guys in coverage. A good DL will do everything he can to help his brothers behind him.

D-LINE 28