DEFENSIVE LINE TECHNIQUES

PROGRESSION TRAINING

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 Developed by
Coach 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.

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The Role of Defense
Perfecting 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

Philosophy
We believe that any defensive system should meet the following criteria:
1. It must be simple.
2. It must allow players to run to the play without having to do a lot of thinking.
3. It must be understood by the players. We believe it’s not what the coaches know, but what the
players know that counts. “Offense scores points, defense wins games.”
There are three things we strive to develop in our players:
1. Pursuit: We do a lot of running from day one and make a great deal of emphasis on pursuit
drills. We feel that if you have great pursuit you have a chance. Gang tackling is a must.
2. Pride: We use the challenge method of earning defensive positions. We believe that you must
always play your 11 best players on defense and those that feel they are better should challenge
the starters. During the season we will see many challenges. Some will be busts but some are not
and you can rest assured that all 11 want to play defense. They have pride because they earned
those positions.
3. Fun: We think that if a player believes in his scheme and has pride then having some fun while
playing the greatest game on earth should be easy. We want our kids to talk the talk and walk the
walk. We like to see them pump each other up and intimidate.

Defensive Groups
For a stout defense, we should devote more than half of our defensive practices to individual position
training and drills. To focus on specific position skills, we can divide our defense into the following
groups:
 Defensive Tackles
 Linebackers
 Nose Tackles
 Defensive Ends

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  Defensive Backs

Numbering and Alignment Techniques

Defensive Gaps
Defensive 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

T R R C L L T

D C B A A B C D

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

T R R C L L T

8 9 7 5 4i 3 1 S S 1 3 4i 5 7 9 8

6 4 2 0 2 4
6

Alignment System
0 – Head up center (can shade (S) either side if called) 4i – Inside shoulder of tackle
S – Shade strong or weak side of center 5 – Outside shoulder of of tackle
1 – Inside shoulder of guard 6 – Head up on end
2 – Head up on guard 7 – Inside shoulder of end
3 – Outside shoulder of guard 8 – Outside of end
4 – 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.

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 0 Technique
Stance Assignment Primary Keys Secondary: Techniques/ Concepts
&Alignment Keys
--S: Minimum to no --Run: play side Center, ball Both guards Target: Crush technique: Attack
stagger of the feet a gap movement the center with both hands -
in a three-or four- --Pass: Rushes inside block out. take a short jab
point stance. either A gap step in the direction of the play,
--A: Crowds the (may vary, control the center's playside
football, nose-to- depending upon shoulder, keep own shoulder
nose with the center scheme). 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.

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Center pass-blocks. Rush either A gap

S Minus Technique
Stance & Alignment Assignment Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/ Concepts
--S: Staggered feet, --Run toward:
Target: center’s outside
inside hand down in a Weakside A gap.
eye using crush technique
three- or four-point --Run away:
Center, by attacking center with
stance. Squeezes the A
weakside Backfield flow hands (inside lockout)
--A: Line up on weak gap; pursues from
guard Keep shoulders square; a
side of formation with inside-out position.
pulling guard indicates the
inside eye aligned on --Pass: Rushes
point of attack.
outside eye of center weakside A gap.

Key Blocks

Center drive block: Knock the center back, stay square and locate the ball.

Center/guard double team: Attack the guard.. When losing round, drop the
outside hip and plug the A gap by rolling outside.

Center reach blocks: Control the center’s outside shoulder, keep your
shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage, and plug the A gap. Do not 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.

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Center blocks strong/reach 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.

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: The defender will rush the weakside A gap.

S Plus Technique
Stance & Alignment Assignment Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/ Concepts
--S: Staggered feet, Run toward: Center, Strongside Target -center’s outside eye.
inside hand down in a Strongside A strongside guard, backfield Employ a crush technique by
three- or four-point gap. guard flow attacking the center with his
stance. Run away: hands (inside lockout). Keep
--A: Line up on Squeeze A gap, shoulders square; pulling
strong side of and pursues ball guard indicates the point of
formation in a three- from an inside- attack.
or four-point stance out position.
with inside eye Pass: Rushes the
aligned on outside strongside A
eye of the center gap.

Key Blocks

Center drive block: Knock the center back, stay square and locate the ball.

Center/guard double team: Attack the guard. As a last resort, drop the
outside hip and plug the A gap by rolling outside.

Center reach blocks: Control the center’s outside shoulder, keep own
shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage, and plug the A gap. He can’t get
hooked.

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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.

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.

1 Technique
Stance & Alignment Assignment Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/ Concepts
--S: Staggered feet, Run toward: Guard is the Center is the Get off the ball on
inside hand down in Secure A gap; visual key pressure key movement, immediately
a three- or four-point pursue ball from attack guard with hands
stance. inside-out (inside lockout), keep
--A: Line up with position. shoulder square, read and
outside eye pointed at Run away: Secure react to the guard’s head, find
the inside eye of the A gap, trail play the ball and make the tackle.
guard from an inside-out
position.
Pass: Rush A
gap.

Key Blocks

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

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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.

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 Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/Concepts
--S: minimum to no Guard, ball Center and tackle
--Run: Two-gap player. Crush technique:
stagger of the feet in movement
--On strong side: B gap Attack the guard with
a three-or four-point
when plays run to both hands (inside
stance.
strong side and A gap lockout, followed by a
--A: Crowd the ball,
when plays run to the short jab step in the
nose to nose with the
weak side. direction of the play,
guard
--On weak side: A gap control the guard’s
when plays run to the play side shoulder,
strong side and B gap keep own shoulders
when plays run to weak square to LOS, secure
side. the play side gap.
--Pass: Rush either A or
B gap. When a 22
scheme is called, one 2-
technique defender

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 rushes the A gap and
the other rushes the B
gap.

Key Blocks

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.

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

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.

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 3 Technique

Stance & Alignment Assignment Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/Concepts

--S: minimum to no Guard, ball Tackle, pulling 3 technique is an
--Run toward: B
stagger of the feet in a movement lineman aggressive read-on-
gap
three-or four-point the-run technique;
--Run away:
stance. target is outside
Squeeze
--A: inside foot shoulder of offensive
backside A gap
pointed slightly inside guard; attack target
and pursue ball
of the offensive with hands underneath
from an inside-
guard’s outside foot blocker’s pads;
out position
maintain outside
--Pass: Rusk B
leveraged, keep
gap
shoulder square to
LOS; secure B gap, do
not get hooked by
guard.

Key Blocks

The guard drive blocks: Read the guards head, fight pressure, and secure the
B gap before pursuing to another area.

The guard hook blocks: Control the guard’s outside shoulder; keep shoulders
parallel to LOS, then turn them slightly toward the inside and works hips into
play side B gap; 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: Attack the tackle, stays low, and do not get
driven back; as a last resort, drop outside hip and rolls into 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.

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The guard/tackle zone, flow way: Prevent the guard from working to the
second level by jamming the guard and flatten the guard shoulders parallel to
the line of scrimmage while pursuing the ball.

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: Penetrate LOS if the tackle unable to get head across;
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 outside forearm and spill the play outside.

The guard pulls inside, the tackle cuts off: 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.

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D-LINE 14
 4i Technique
Stance & Alignment Assignment Primary Keys Secondary Keys Techniques/Concepts
--S: toe to instep Tackle is visual key Guard is pressure Get off the ball on
--Run toward:
stagger of the feet in a key movement,
Secures B gap,
three-or four-point immediately attack the
squeeze inside
stance. tackle with hands
plays, and
--A: outside eye (inside lockout), keep
pursue outside
pointed at the inside shoulder square, read
plays from an
eye of the tackle and react to tackle’s
inside-out
head, find the ball,
position.
and make the tackle
--Pass: Rushes
the B gap.

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.

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4 Technique
Strong tackle is illustrated for this alignment.

Stance and Alignment

Crowds the ball in a three-or four-point stance, knows-to not-knows with the offensive tackle; minimum
to know staggers the feet.

Responsibilities
Run: Defender is a two-gap player. He is responsible for the C gap when the plays are directed to his
outside and the B gap when the plays are directed to his inside.
Pass: Rushes the C gap contains the quarterback.

Keys
Primary: Tackle, ball movement
Secondary: Guard (tight end if the tight end is aligned to the defenders outside).

Important Techniques/Concepts
Target: Crush technique: The defender attacks the tackle with both hands creating an inside lockout. He
then takes a short jab step in the direction of the play, controls the tackle’s play side shoulder, keeps his
own shoulder square to the line of scrimmage, and secures the playside gap.

Key Blocks

Tackle drive block: The defender must defeat the tackle’s block, fight
pressure, and pursue the ball.

Tackle hook block: The defender must keep his shoulders parallel to the line
of scrimmage, plug the gap in the direction of the play, and pursue the ball.

Tackle/tight end double team: The defender must attack the tight end and not
get driven back. As a last resort, he should drop his outside hip and roll into,
and plug, the C gap.

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 Strong or weak zone: The defender must 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: The defender must 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. The defender
must jam the tackle and squeeze the B gap. He will attack whomever blocks
him 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). The defender must 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 on the
defender, he must fight 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.
The defender must read the backfield action and trap the trapper if the play is
a trap. If the play is a quick pitch, the defender will pursue flat down the line
of scrimmage.

Tackle pass blocks: The defender must pressure and contain the quarterback

5 Technique
Strongside end illustrated for this alignment.

Stance and Alignment

Defender assumes a three- or four-point stance; the defender’s inside foot should split the offensive
tackle’s stance. Some players may have to widen and position their inside foot slightly inside the outside
foot of the tackle.

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

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Keys
Primary: Tackle, ball movement
Secondary: Tight end, near back, pulling linemen

Important Techniques/Concepts
The defender’s target is the offensive guard’s outside shoulder. He must maintain outside leverage, secure
the C gap, and not get hooked by the tackle.

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Key Blocks

Tackle drive block: The defender must read the tackle’s head, fight pressure,
and secure the C gap before pursuing the ball.

Tackle reach block: The defender must maintain outside leverage, keep his
shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage, and plug the C gap by getting his
hips into the hole.

Tackle turnout block: The defender must squeeze the B gap with the tackle’s
body and look for a cutback as he pursues flat down the line.

Tackle/tight end double team: The defender must attack the tight end and not
get driven back. As a last resort, he should drop his outside hip, roll into, and
plug the C gap.

Strong zone guard/tackle combo: The defender must play the tackle’s block as
a hook block.

Tackle blocks inside/tight end cracks: The defender must 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. The defender
must jam the tackle and squeeze the B gap. He will attack whomever blocks
him with an inside forearm. He must force the play inside.

Tackle pulls inside: This is most likely a counter trey. The defender must 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 on the
defender, he must 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.
The defender must read the backfield action and trap the trapper if the play is a
trap. If the play is a quick pitch, the defender will 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.

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 Tackle pass blocks: The defender must pressure and contain the quarterback.

6 Technique
Stance and Alignment
Only use versus a tight end; if there is not tight end present, the defender will play a Ghost 7 technique.
Crowds the ball in a three- or four-point stance; feet parallel or slight stagger of the inside foot. Nose-to -
nose with the tight end.

Responsibilities
Run toward: C gap
Run away: The defender first looks for bootleg; if no bootleg, the defender trails the play along the heel
line, checking for reverse, counter, or cutback.
Pass: Contains rush

Keys
Primary: The tight end is the defender’s visual key and the offensive tackle is his pressure key.
Secondary: Near back, pulling linemen

Important Techniques/Concepts
The 6 technique is primarily used to assist the defender in getting a good jam on the tight end and to put
him in a better position to help secure the D gap on runs into the perimeter. Defender must immediately
get his hands on the tight end, jam and control the tight end, and not get driven back

Key Blocks

The tight end blocks the 6 technique, the tackle blocks inside – off-tackle
run: Defender must attack the tight end, defeat the tight end’s block and not
get driven back. Defender must make certain that the C gap is secured, fight
pressure, locate the ball, and make the tackle.

The tight end blocks the 6 technique, the tackle blocks inside – outside run:
The defender must 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: The
defender must maintain outside leverage and use the tackle’s body to squeeze
the play inside. He must be prepared for the ball carrier to bounce the play
outside as he squeezes inside.

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The tight end releases, the tackle blocks the 6 technique – weakside run:
The defender must fight through or avoids the tackle’s block as he penetrates
the line of scrimmage. He must first look for bootleg; if none, he trails the
play along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback or reverse.

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 The tight end releases, the tackle blocks inside, the near back kicks out the
6 technique – C gap run: The defender must squeeze the C gap, attack the
back with his inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play
inside. It is important that the defender does not penetrate across the line of
scrimmage and create an alley for the ball carrier.

The tight end releases, the tackle reach blocks the 6 technique – outside
run: The defender must first jam the tight end and squeeze the C gap. He will
then control the 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, the tackle blocks inside, an offensive lineman traps
the 6 technique – C gap run: The defender jams the tight end and secures the
C gap by squeezing back inside. He will then attack the blocker on the line of
scrimmage with his inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the
play inside. In the case of a counter trey, it is important that the defender cut
blocks the guard, thereby preventing the tackle from leading through the hole.

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

The tight end releases/passes: The defender must pressure and contain the
quarterback.

7 Technique
Stance and Alignment
Defender assumes a three- or four-point stance, inside shade of the tight end.

Responsibilities
Run toward: C gap
Run away: The defender first looks for bootleg; if none, the defender trails the play along the heel line,
checking for reverse, counter or cutback.
Pass: Contains rush.

Keys
Primary: The tight end is the defender’s pressure key and the offensive tackle is his visual key.
Secondary: Near back, pulling linemen

Important Techniques/Concepts

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The immediately gets his hands on the tight end and jams him. He must not get driven back or crushed
inside

Key Blocks

The tight end blocks the 7 technique, the tackle blocks inside – off-tackle
run: Defender must 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:
The defender must 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: The
defender must 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:
The defender must fight through or avoids the tackle’s block as he penetrates
the line of scrimmage. He must first look for bootleg; if none, he trails 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: The defender must squeeze the C gap, attack the
back with his inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play
inside. It is important that the defender does not penetrate across the line of
scrimmage and create an alley for the ball carrier.

The tight end releases, the tackle reach blocks the 7 technique – outside
run: The defender must first secure the C gap, force the play outside, and
pursue the ball carrier from an inside-out position. It is vital that the defender
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: The defender must attack the blocker on the
line of scrimmage with his inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and
force the play inside. In the case of a counter trey, it is important that the
defender cut blocks the guard, thereby preventing the tackle from leading
through the hole.

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

D-LINE 23
 The tight end releases/passes: The defender must pressure and contain the
quarterback.

Ghost 7 Technique
Stance and Alignment
Defender assumes a three- or four-point stance one yard outside of the tackle; the defender’s outside foot
back.

Responsibilities
Run toward: C gap. Depending upon the specific scheme, the end may or may not have containment
responsibility.
Run away: The defender first looks for bootleg; if none, he trails the play along the heel of the line
checking for reverse, counter, or cutback
Pass: Contains rush

Keys
Primary: The offensive tackle to the near back
Secondary: The pulling linemen

Important Techniques/Concepts
The defender employs a jet technique and quickly penetrates the line of scrimmage (to the heel line). He
maintains outside leverage on blocks by the offensive tackle or the near back and never gets hooked.

Key Blocks
The tackle reach blocks the 7 technique – outside run: The defender must
beat the tackle’s head across the line of scrimmage and not get hooked. If he
has eluded the tackle’s block, he should continue toward the ballcarrier and
make the tackle in the backfield. If blocked, he must maintain outside
leverage by controlling the tackle’s outside shoulder. The defender’s first
responsibility is to secure the C gap.

The tackle blocks the 7 technique – inside iso: The defender must 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: The defender must fight
through or avoid the tackle’s block as he penetrates the line of scrimmage.
He must first look for bootleg; if none, he trails the play along the heel line,
checking four counter, cutback, and reverse.

D-LINE 24
 The tackle blocks inside, the near back kicks out the 7 technique – C gap
run: The defender must squeeze the C gap, attack the back with his inside
forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside. It is important
that the defender does not penetrate across the line of scrimmage and create
an alley for the ball carrier.

The tackle blocks inside, an offensive lineman traps the 7 technique – C

gap run: The defender must attack the blocker on the line of scrimmage
with his inside forearm, maintain outside leverage, and force the play inside.
In the case of a counter trey (both guard and tackle pull), it is important that
the defender cut blocks the guard, thereby preventing the tackle from leading
through the hole.

Tackle pulls toward the center – run away: The defender must first look for
the bootleg; if none, he defeats the fullback’s and then trails the play along
the heel line, checking for counter, cutback, or reverse.

Tackle pass blocks: The defender must contain rush.

9 Technique
Stance and Alignment
Defender assumes a three- or four-point stance; the defender’s inside foot is in the middle of the tight
end’s stance. Some players may have to widen and position their inside foot slightly inside the tight end’s
outside foot.

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

Keys
Primary: Tight end
Secondary: Near back, pulling linemen, the ball

Important Techniques/Concepts
The defender must maintain outside leverage and not get driven back or hooked. He will attack the tight
end with his hands and use a forearm rip when taking on a running back or a pulling lineman. When
dealing with a cut block, the defender must use his hands, sprawl, and ricochet off the ground.

D-LINE 25
Key Blocks

Tight end reach block: The defender will immediately get his hands on the
tight end and lock him out. He must control the tight end’s outside shoulder
an d secure the D gap.

Tight end turnout block, inside run to either B or C gap: The defender will
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: As the defender jams the tight
end, he must see the near back out of his peripheral vision. The defender must
close back inside and seal the C gap. He will attack the blocker with an inside
forearm, and force the play inside. It is important that the defender does not
penetrate across the line of scrimmage and create an alley for the ballcarrier.

Tight end release, flow away: The defender will first check for bootleg before
he chases along the heel line, checking for counter, cutback or reverse.

Tight end block inside: The defender must jam the tight end’s outside hip and
squeeze the C gap. He will then attack the blocker (near back or pulling
lineman) with his inside shoulder and spill the play outside.

Tight end releases/pass: The defender will rush and contain the quarterback

8 Technique
Stance and Alignment
Defender will line up approximately one yard outside the tight end in a two-, three- or four-point stand
(depending up preference).

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

D-LINE 26
Keys
Primary: The tight end
Secondary: Near back, pulling linemen

Important Techniques/Concepts
The defender will explode upfield and aggressively penetrate the line of scrimmage at the snap. He must
contain the quarterback and all perimeter runs. As he penetrates the line, he will react to the movements
of the near back and pulling linemen. The defender must keep his outside arm and leg free as he
maintains outside leverage on the blockers.

Key Blocks

Reach block by the tight end – outside run: The defender can never be
hooked by the tight end. He must avoid or ricochet off the block and contain
the ballcarrier.

Turnout block by the tight end – inside run: The defender must defeat the
tight end’ block as he squeezes and condenses the play. He MUST maintain
outside leverage on the ballcarrier at all times.

Tight end blocks inside, defender is blocked by a running back or offensive

lineman: The defender will contain and squeeze the play inside as he
maintains outside leverage on the blocker.

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

Tackle pass blocks: The defender will contain rush.

Detailed Alignment Specifications

Our technique numbering system is structured to include the three basic alignments - inside, head up, and
outside. The two shade alignments are the inside and outside 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.

D-LINE 27
  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.
A more accurate method for accurately aligning defensive lineman in a consistent shade involves having
the defender position his foot on a plane cutting through the blocker stance. Three such planes exist
 One plane splits the stance into to even parts. Referred to as the midline plane, this plane splits
the crotch of the blocker
 The second plane - called the inside plane - runs parallel to the instep of the blockers inside foot.
 The third plane – called the outside plane – runs parallel to the instep of the blockers outside
foot.
Look at the following diagram to see the stance of an offense a player and the three dissecting planes of
the blocker stance.

To take advantage of the three planes that cut through the offensive lineman’s stance, the defender must
specify one of his feet as his “leverage foot", while designated the other foot as his “anchor foot.”
Given the fact that the defender must keep “leverage" in his gap, the leverage foot is the foot that must be
kept free in his gap responsibility. Consequently, the defenders gap side foot is his leverage foot.
Conversely, the defender's opposite foot is his anchor foot. Proper positioning of the anchor foot
guarantees that the defensive lineman will align in the precise locations desired - as a shade, a crotch, or a
shadow technique.
 The 2i, 2, 4i, 4, and 7 techniques use the foot furthest from the ball as the anchor foot.
 The 0, 3, 5, and 9 techniques use the foot closest to the ball as the anchor foot.
 The 1 technique aligns in the A gap and has no designated anchor foot.

Outside Techniques (3, 5 and 9 Techniques)

When the defensive lineman assumes his stance, he places his anchor foot on one of the three intersecting
planes of the offensive lineman’s stance. The outside defender (i.e., the 3-technique, the 5-technique or
the 9-technique) uses his inside foot as his anchor foot. If an outside technique places his anchor foot on
the inside plane of the blocker stance, he is aligning in the shade alignment.

D-LINE 28
Shade Alignment. The shade alignment is the tightest alignment variation of any number technique. A
tight alignment is an alignment that is as close as possible to head-up on the blocker, without actually
being head up. For example, a 3-technique defender lines on the offensive guard and has B-gap
responsibility. Like all outside techniques, his anchor foot is his foot closest to the ball. The 3-techniques
leverage foot is the foot closest to the B gap. By placing his anchor foot on the inside plane, the 3-
technique aligns in the tightest possible 3-technique alignment (the shade 3-technique alignment). On the
other hand, if a 3-technique defender were to place his foot directly in front of the offensive guard’s
inside foot his alignment would no longer fall under the definition of the 3-echnique. At that point, he
would then be a 2-technique
Half-Man Alignment. When an outside technique places his anchor foot on the offensive lineman’s
midline plane, his anchor foot points directly at the offensive lineman’s middle, “splitting” the offensive
man in half. Accordingly this alignment is called a half-man alignment. The half-man alignment is
typically used for any odd-number technique. Likewise the user alignment for the even-"i" techniques (e.
g., 2i and 4i techniques) is also the half-man alignment.

Shadow Alignment. When an outside technique places his anchor foot on the outside plane, he aligns in
a shadow alignment. A shadow alignment is also known as a “loose" alignment. In a shadow alignment,
the outside-technique lineman plays from his widest alignment. Should the defensive lineman move out
wider than an outside technique, the defensive tackle's alignment would be classified as a gap-technique
alignment. The shadow alignment is a good adjustment for the outside technique to assume versus foot-
to-foot (i. e., very tight) offense of line splits, and also in pass-rushing situations, regardless of the
offensive line splits.

D-LINE 29
Inside Techniques (2, 4, and 7 Techniques)
Shade Alignment. The inside-technique defender uses his outside foot as his anchor foot. If an inside-
technique defender places his anchor foot on the outside plane of the blocker’s stance, he is in a shade
alignment. For example, a 2i-technique defender assumes a shade 2i alignment, when he places his
outside foot on the outside plane of the guard’s stance. Likewise, a 4i-technique defender takes on a shade
4i alignment, we places his outside foot on the outside plane of the tackle's stance. Similarly, a 7-
technique defender is positioned in a shade 7-technique alignment, when he places his outside foot on the
outside plane of the tight end's stance.

Half-Man Alignment. When an inside technique places his anchor foot on the midline plane, his anchor
foot points directly at the offense of lineman's midsection. This alignment is the half-man alignment of
the inside technique. Remember, the crotch alignment is the standard alignment for the inside techniques.

D-LINE 30
Shadow Alignment. The shadow alignment of an inside-technique defender is the tightest available
alignment to the ball. For example, a shadow 4i defender is closer to the B gap then he is to the offensive
tackle. The inside-technique defender aligns in a shadow alignment, when he feels that the gap closest to
his leverage foot is too wide for the offensive lineman to control. The shadow alignment allows the
inside-technique defender to beat the blocker by blitzing through the gap. The shadow alignment should
never be used when the offense of line splits are relatively narrow.

Head-up Technique (Shade and Shadow)

The head-up 0-technique nose tackle doesn't have the luxury of the “inside" or outside" reference foot.
However if the nose tackle assumes a shade alignment or crotch alignment, he must offset his alignment
to one side of the ball. Once the nose tackle offsets to one side, he then establishes an “inside" foot and a
“outside" foot. The offset nose tackle's inside foot is his anchor foot while his outside foot is his
leverage foot.
The center's inside foot naturally corresponds to the inside anchor foot of the offset nose tackle. These
facts established, the shade 0-technique aligns with his inside foot on the outside plane of the center. The

D-LINE 31
following summary provides an overview of foot positioning points for the three basic types of
alignments (Shade, half-man, and shadow) for both outside and inside techniques.

Summary
Outside Techniques
 A shade 0-technique puts his inside foot on the inside of the center.
 A shade 3-technique puts his inside foot on the inside plane of the guard.
 A shade 5-technique puts his inside foot on the inside plane of the tackle.
 A shade 9-technique puts his inside foot on the inside plane of the tight end or third man.
 A crotch 0-technique puts his inside foot on the midline plane of the center.
 A crotch 3-technique puts his inside foot on the midline plane of the guard.
 A crotch 5-technique puts his inside foot on the midline plane of the tackle.
 A crotch 9-technique puts his inside foot on the midline plane of the tight end or the third man.
 A shadow 0- technique puts his inside foot on the outside plane of the center.
 A shadow 3-technique puts his inside foot on the outside plane of the guard.
 A shadow 5- technique puts his inside foot on the outside plane of the tackle.
 A shadow 9-technique puts his inside foot on the outside plane of the tight end or third man.

Inside Techniques:
 A shade 2i- technique puts his outside foot on the outside plane of the guard.
 A shade 4i-technique puts his outside foot on the outside plane of the tackle.
 A shade 7-technique puts his outside foot on the outside plane of the tight end or third man.
 A crotch 2i- technique puts his outside foot on the midline plane of the guard.
 A crotch 4i-technique puts his outside foot on the midline plane of the tackle.
 A crotch 7-technique puts his outside foot on the midline plane of the tight end or third man.
 A shadow 2i- technique puts his outside foot on the outside plane of the guard.
 A shadow 4i- technique puts his outside foot on the inside plane of the tackle.
 A shadow 7-technique puts his outside foot on the inside plane of the tight end or the third man.

Defending the Run

The most important rule of defense of line play versus the run is that alignment can never leave his gap
until he can guarantee that the ball is not going to be run there. Two defensive schemes exist– attack
scheme and read scheme. There are significant advantages for youth football defensive lineman in an
attack scheme. An attack philosophy of defense of line play is utilized in both the seven-and eight-man-
front schemes.
The perceived advantages of an attack technique over read technique are
 An attack technique forces the offense of lineman to defend against penetration. One likely result
of this scenario is tentative play along the offense of line, as each offense of lineman tends to be
overly concerned about “stopping" the defender's penetration instead of focusing on controlling
the defender. Any time an offense of lineman focuses on “defending" or “stopping," that
offensive lineman is essentially defeated.

D-LINE 32
  An attack technique forces the offensive line coach to double-team at the point of attack. When
coaching the offensive line, all factors considered, neutralization is better than penetration,
because neutralization implies that a stalemate has occurred. Instead, an offensive line coach
should view a stalemate as a situation that is synonymous with failure. The point to remember is
that under most circumstances, the offense of lineman must try to create a new line of scrimmage,
gain a push along the front and use its leverage to create seams for the running back. A
stalemated offensive lineman can accomplish none of these objectives. Consequently the most
basic strategy in gaining an offensive edge at the point of attack versus an attack style defensive
lineman is a double-team strategy, but the defensive gains in numerical advantage in its pursuit
when a double-team is forced at the point of attack.
 An attack technique tends to break down the offensive line's scheme. Versus an attacking
defensive line, the offensive line coach must design his game plan according to his opponent's
defense of philosophy. An entirely new dimension is added to a team's offensive preparation
when it's opponent's defensive philosophy is an attack scheme on the defensive line.
 An attack technique frees the defense of line to disrupt the blocking scheme. By charging upfield
on the snap, a defensive lineman becomes the aggressor. Most defensive coaches agree that
movement is one of the keys to success on the offensive line. If this is correct, then movement
should be the pre-snap objective of the defensive lineman. Each defensive lineman should
remember to gear his reactions to a high level of sensitivity and get in the gap. This approach
forces the offense of lineman to adjust to the defender's attacking technique.
 Along the offensive and defensive lines, the player who forces his opponent to make an
adjustment has the advantage. The defensive lineman who attacks the line of scrimmage on the
snap of the ball gains the upper hand.
 An attack technique maximizes the talents and skills of every athlete. In some instances an attack
scheme can enable an undersized defensive lineman to succeed at the line of scrimmage. A
defensive lineman playing within an attack scheme can overcome mismatches of strength,
quickness, and size-all because of the jump he gets by keying the ball and attacking a specific
area or gap, rather than waiting for the offensive lineman to cue him to anchor and control the
blocker.
 Waiting to read the blocking scheme and sliding horizontally upon establishing control of the
blocker is a skill that few young athletes can physically accomplish. On the other hand, attacking
to establish a new line of scrimmage and breakdown the offensive scheme is a skill that most can
accomplish.
 While an attack technique may limit the ability of some defenders to physically focus on the
peripheral action, well- coached, disciplined, defensive lineman tend to be aware of it. This
includes reacting to peripheral threats, such as traps and angle blocks.
 An attack style of defense is designed to let a defensive lineman play. He doesn't need a defensive
call to rush the passer. He does not require a defensive call to tell him to attack, instead of read;
he attacks on every step of the ball. An attack style puts the game into the hands of the athlete. In
the process the defender is given the opportunity to concentrate on the physical dimension the
play.

Defensive Lineman Progression Training

D-LINE 33
Stance
Four-Point Stance

A 4-point stance is a great stance if we are trying to stop the

run. It is effective against the pass, but not quite as good as the
3-point stance. To get into a 4-point stance:
 Spread your feet shoulder width apart and take a half step
back with one foot so your back foot’s big toe should be
lines up in the middle of the up foot.
 Squat and put both hands on the ground
 Walk both hands up two small steps so that their back is
level
 Head is up creating a level plane from your head,
shoulders, and hips
 From this angle, you will have a 45 degree angle on the
snap and this will put your feet on the line-of -scrimmage
after the snap and help with the leverage.

D-LINE 34
Three-Point Stance

A 3-point stance is an adaptable stance because it is able to

change between stopping the pass and the rush. To get into the
3-point stance:
 Spread your feet shoulder width apart
 With your inside leg take one step back where your inside
foots big toe is lined up with your outside leg’s heel. Set
the front and back feet so they have a heel/toe relationship
 Bend down and walk your hands out two small steps
 Your inside hand should be the down hand and it should
on the ground on fingertips and be in line with your back
foot.
 Bend the outside arm, elbow in with hand at the earhole of
your helmet, ready to strike to fight off the offensive
lineman who will throw up his hands and get a hold of you
on your numbers.

Pre-Snap Reads
A 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.
 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.

D-LINE 35
First Step and the Primary Key Concept
When the ball is snapped, defensive ends 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 offensive lineman that the DL attacks is called the “PRIMARY KEY.” This key will be different
depending on the offensive formation and the defensive front.
A DL must know what his primary 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.
 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 primary key and react to his block.
 If your primary key does not block you, your next worry is a block by the adjacent O-Lineman.
 Shoot your hands and get separation then play him like you would your primary key.
 If you are not blocked immediately, step inside and look inside for a trap or kick-out block.
 If this does not come, then you can penetrate.
 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

D-LINE 36
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; it 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).
 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.

D-LINE 37
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 carriers body and
wrap. Even falling down, clogging up the hole and forcing the ball carrier to bounce is still a
good result.

Defeating Specific Run Blocks

BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION
• Primary Key blocks you straight on.
• Engage him, fight against pressure and get gap control
Base

• One of the most difficult blocks to recognize and can

come from either lineman in front of you.
• The blocker tries to take away your gap position by
getting to a head up position or across you body.
Reach/Zone • Move with him and keep your head in the gap. Push his
near shoulder and pull with the other hand. This is the
opposite to your actions versus a base block. It will
prevent him from turning you. Fight to keep your
shoulder and leg in the gap.
• A block from the adjacent lineman.
• It all depends on when you recognize it. If you see it
early, play it like a base block.
• If you see it late and the blocker gets position, lean into
Down/Fan him and shiver him with your forearm to protect
yourself.
• Then work your arms inside and try to get gap control
back.
• Both linemen block you.
• Your job in this case is to hold your ground and not
allow the reach block by one o-lineman and the release
by the other.
• Your primary key will come at you. Therefore, you will
Double/Chip naturally play it like a base block.
• Then, while holding on to your primary key, try to get
low and sideways in the hole. Push your hip into the
other blocker and fight to hold your ground.
• If you get blown back, fall down.

D-LINE 38
 • A backside o-lineman or full back will make a running
block against you to try to knock you out of position
• You should step and look inside as soon as you are
unblocked. Do not penetrate! When you see the block,
Trap/Kick Out turn towards it, get low, dip your backside shoulder and
rip underneath the blocker.
• If you are a DE and you have been given Force/Contain
responsibility, don’t do this. Rather, stay square, squeeze
inside and take on the blocker with your near shoulder.

• An outside-in block, usually done by a receiver on a

Defensive End
• Always be aware of a crack. Don’t depend on help from
Crack your teammates. As soon as you see a crack developing,
turn towards it and execute a “wrong arm” technique

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
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.

D-LINE 39
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.

Rush and Escape Techniques

Club
1. Start with two players standing across from each other on the line. One player will be the
offensive blocker and will start with his hands out.
2. The defensive player will raise his outside arm up and bring it sharply across his body.

1 2 2

3. The defensive player clubs both arms away from the blocker, stepping outside the blocker.

3 3

D-LINE 40
 4. The defensive player decreases his body surface area, creating space for him to flip his hips, and
settle up into the gap.

4 4

Swat
1. Swat is essentially a double club. Start with the defensive player’s inside hand between both of
the blocker’s extended arms, and his outside hand on the outside of the blocker’s inside arm.
2. Defensive player comes across his body with both of his arms and clubs away both extended
arms of the blocker.

1 2

3. The defensive player steps to the outside of the blocker.

4. The defensive player settles through the gap he has created to the outside of the blocker.

3 4

D-LINE 41
Forklift
1. The forklift is an inside power rush move to take advantage of the offensive player’s leverage.
Start with two players standing across from each other on the line. One player will be the
offensive blocker and will start with his hands out.
2. As the players come out of their stance, the defensive player aims for the blocker’s inside elbows,
coming up under the elbows, knocking the elbows up and out.

1 2

3. The defender pushes the elbows up and out, knocks the blocker’s hands off of him and moves his
hands to the blocker’s breastplate.
4. The defensive player punches the blocker in the chest keeping separation, driving the blocker
back and stepping into the gap created by the move.

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3 4

D-LINE 43
Trap
1. In the Trap, the defensive player comes down hard on the blocker’s extended blocking arms,
taking advantage of the blocker’s forward movement.
2. The defender destroys the block by moving the blocker’s arms out and taking away the blocker’s
power.
3. The defender quickly punches the blocker in the chest, maintaining separation and stepping into
the gap.

1 2 3

Rush Techniques
Bull Rush
Defensive line play is not pretty, it’s upper body violence! The Bull Rush is the primary rush technique
that sets up every other defensive rush technique. The first step is a balanced and staggered stance. The
alignment of the defensive lineman (DL) on the offensive blocker is based on the defensive player’s
responsibility.
1. The DL gets into a balanced stance, staggers his feet and puts enough pressure on his hands so
that most of his weight is off of his heels and on to the balls of his feet.
2. The most important thing about the bull rush techniques is that the DL has to rush HALF A
MAN. He never rushes straight up the middle where the blocker is the strongest, but rather
attacks the outside or inside half of the man.
3. On the ball movement, the first step the DL takes is one hard step and he makes contact with the
blocker using his hands.

2
1 1 3

D-LINE 44
 4. With the second step the DL brings his arms up to the blocker and gathers preparing to defeat the
blocker..
5. With his third step he is locking out the blocker by placing his hands on the blockers chest.
6. The “X” shows where the DL’s hands should be placed on the blocker.
7. The DL keeps his arms locked out and drives the blocker back into the backfield.

4 5 6 7

Stab and Grab

1. The DL is in a balanced stance, relaxes, weight off the heels of his feet.
2. At the snap, the DL takes his first step and attacks the blocker. The blocker is going to punch the
DL in the chest with both hands, arms parallel.
3. The DL will rotate his upper body and stab with one arm, which is longer than the two arms of
the blocker to keep the blocker off of him.

2 3
1

D-LINE 45
 4. The next move of the blocker might be to grab the DL.
5. The DL on the follow through, takes his free arm (if the DL is on the left side will be his right
hand) takes it to his own armpit and violently takes the blocker’s arm at the wrist.
6. The DL thrusts the blockers arm up in the air, and drives him back into the backfield

4 5 6

Rip Move
1. The defensive player starts in a balanced stance with good pad level, hands ready to play. The first
rip step is a short quick step low and hard into the outside half of the blocker.
2. The second rip step the defensive player is upfield and getting ready to set the rip.
3. The third step the DL drives his inside leg forward to step behind the heels of the blocker while
throwing a violent rip move. He is rushing “half a man”, not straight through the chest of the
blocker.

1 2 3

D-LINE 46
 4. The DL grabs the wrist of the blocker with his outside hand while throwing the rip with his inside
arm. This stops the blocker’s momentum and helps the DL control the blocker.
5. The defensive player1should be almost hip to hip and parallel with the blocker. The defensive 4
player is NOT rushing the whole man, he is getting upfield and getting hip to hip is what gets the
defensive player around the blocker
6. If the blocker puts his backside hand on the DL’s hip, the DL has to flip his hips and violently
check with his rip arm.
7. The DL follows through and runs his hip through the offensive backs

4 5 6 7

Hump
We will use this move if our DL has been beating his offensive blocker off the ball the whole game, the
blocker will start jumping to the outside. We need to start thinking about having the DL go INSIDE.
1. The DL gets in a comfortable stance, weight on the balls of his feet, NOT his heels and gets ready
to come off the ball. His first step in a hard step upfield. The blocker, who has been getting beat,
is most likely to jump outside.
2. On his second step, the DL makes what appears to the blocker to be a rip move.
3. On the third step, the DL takes the rip out, making the blocker think that the DL is just going to
check it.

1 2 3

D-LINE 47
 4. The DL comes across the blocker’s body with a rip with the opposite (inside) arm from the
backside. 7
5. The DL hooks the blocker under the pads and throwing him to the outside.
6. The DL uses the blocker’s momentum to the outside to make his inside move.

4 5 6

Bull Jerk
The Bull Jerk works well off of the Bull Rush. To implement this move, our DL must have successfully
executed a Bull Rush. The DL must come off the ball low, quick, hard and violent.
1. The DL gets into a balanced stance, nice foot stagger, and weight on the balls of his feet, same
thing as the bull rush. The first step the DL gets his hands up.
2. The second step the DL engages the blocker similar to what the DL does on a Bull Rush.
3. The blocker will think it is a Bull Rush that the DL has successfully used previously. The blocker
will sit down to try and get his power under him to stop the Bull Rush.

1 2 3

D-LINE 48
 4. The third step, instead of driving the blocker back like a Bull Rush, when the blocker sits down,
the DL uses his leverage against him by violently jerking the blocker down.
5. The DL sheds the blocker and drives into the backfield.

4 5 6

5
Defensive Lineman Tips
When playing D-Line you will always have one set objective. Depending on the defensive package our
team is running, you might:
 be trying to simply get to the quarterback
 have a hole to plug
 have zone to cover
 prevent the outside game
No matter what your job is, getting off the ball fast is the key to being successful. The fun aspect of D-
Line is the freedom to move around, not worry about how far your feet are from the guy next to you, and
the freedom to go wild and do everything you can to get your job done. Simply put, playing on the
defensive line is fun!
Here are some tips that may help improve your game as a defensive lineman, and can help you beat the
offensive line whether they know the snap count or not.
1. Stance is the key.
2. Stay on your finger tips. When you are on the D-Line getting off faster than the O-Line is
crucial and can give you a major advantage. One way you can help yourself is to always be on
your finger tips. Being on fingertips helps you come out of your stance a lot faster.
3. Stay low. This is one of those things that take practice. Genuinely try to stay low coming out of
your stance. The low man wins.
4. Heel-Line. The heel line is literally the line that is formed by the opposing O-Line’s heels. When
you break through the line and get to their heel line, you should break down and then make your
next move from there. Too often you see players over pursuing and getting beat by the running
backs and QB's.

D-LINE 49
 5. Shoot Your Hands. This means when you come off the ball nice and low you hit the offensive
players with your arms extended. If you allow the offensive linemen to pull you in close, he is
going to be able to hold you and control you. Shoot your hands out and create separation.
6. Hand placement. Because we key the outside “V” of the neck of the offensive lineman in front
of each defensive lineman, we rarely align on the inside shoulder of offensive linemen and we
don’t talk much about visual and pressure keys. Our “stab-and-grab” hand placement technique
is as follows:
a. Inside hand stabs the heart of the offensive lineman in front of us.
b. Outside hand grabs the outside shoulder pad of the offensive lineman in front of us.
c. The emphasis is on keeping thumbs up and elbows in.
7. Be aggressive. This isn't really a tip as much as common sense. When you are playing D-Line
you need to forget about getting hurt, about the pain you might be feeling, and about how big the
man across from you is. Playing D-Line you need to let yourself go, throw your body around, be
aggressive, and get your job done.
8. Attack only half of the offensive player. Assume you are lined up in the gap between the
offensive Left Tackle and the Left End. You should shoot for the right shoulder of that tackle
rather than trying to simply hit the gap and getting driven back or trying to take his entire body. It
is easier to control half a man than the entire body.
9. Engage and defeat the blocks When we talk about defending one-on-one run blocks, we talk
about the triple threat position that offensive lineman can create. They can do one of three things
presnap:
a. Base/drive block. Work to keep a body on a body but keep leverage in the gap. We want to fight
pressure with pressure with an inside hand.
b. Down block. We emphasize getting our hands on the lineman by pushing him down the line of
scrimmage. We emphasize the possibility of a trap block coming from the play side or back side
of a play.
c. Reach block. Because we step with the ballside foot first, we work to get our second step down
in a hurry and fight the reach block. We need to push with our outside hand and pull with the
inside hand to flatten out blocker.
The best thing you can do is practice with all 8 of these tips. Practice getting in your stance, staying on
your fingertips in your stance, firing off low, breaking down at the heel line, and being aggressive with
your actions. If you practice them, it becomes second nature and you find yourself just doing it in a split
second game time.

D-LINE 50
Nose Tackle Play
Role
Nose Tackles play a simple but vital role – they clog up the “A” gaps and keep the Center and the Guards
occupied while creating a big pile in the middle and causing havoc with the Center-QB-Running Back
exchange. This is a job that any player of any size can do but requires good coaching.
Out Nose Tackle are similar in build to our Defensive Tackles but are most likely slower and beefier. This
is also a position to play our Minimum Play Players (MPP). They should be hard to move and when using
MPP, rotate one at time every play.
In odd defenses, such as the 3-3, 5-3, or 7-4, the Nose Tackle is head up (0-technique) or slightly to
either side (Shade R or L) of the Offensive Center and his job is to control the Center and work with the
Middle Linebacker to plug the “A” gaps.
In an even defense, such as the 4-4, the Wide Tackle Six, or GAM the basic move of our Nose Tackles is
to frog leap into the gap, and then bear crawl and create a pile, grabbing legs and rushing the passer.
In the Wide Tackle 6 defense the Nose Tackles job is to:
 Prevent the QB from running a QB Sneak
 Stop the FB from running a Wedge right up the middle untouched

Stance
 The Nose Tackle assumes a 4 point stance with back flat
 Up on the balls of your feet and fingertips of your hands
 Stays off of your knees.
 Hands in front of your helmet

First Steps
 On ball movement, you leap out of your stance like a frog exploding.
 After your initial explosive hop, you catch yourself on your hands and toes, knees off the ground
and proceed to bear crawl with your butt low, head up and feet underneath you.
 Your job is to stay low to create a stalemate, or pile, or split the double team, or grab the QB’s
legs

Responsibilities and Keys for Nose Tackles

 Pre-Snap Reads
o Look and listen for the defensive call from the sidelines and ILBs
 Wide, Tight, Double Wide, Stack, Gap 8, Pass Defense

D-LINE 51
  Stunt, Shift, Slant
 Pass or Run Call

o Read the offensive line and formations

 Recognize formation from practice?
 Where is the Rabbit?
 Change in your offensive lineman? Overload (unbalanced line)?
o Find your gap/know your job
o Anticipate the snap count
 Alignment, Assignment, Key Reads
o Which gap for defensive call – A, B, Center Bullrush
o Normal alignment is Shade, 1-technique, 2-technique, 4i-technique (Double Wide)
o Proper 4-point stance
o Crowd the Center, watch the ball and make him nervous but DO NOT line up or jump
offsides; explode when the ball moves
o STAY LOW – if you stand up, you will get blown off the line
o Double Teamed - Use your butt and body to fight any double team blocks; hip butt your
Guard or create a pile if you must.
o If the defense shifts to the strong side and you play a 0-technique, head up on the Center, you
must bullrush and attack him.
 Attack the offensive lineman with your hands in his chest, punching him with the heels of
your hands, thumbs up below his armpits, on the outside of his numbers
 Stand him up, drive him back until your heels are on the LOS, hunt the football.
NT IN WIDE TACKLE AND TIGHT TACKLE 6

D-LINE 52
NT IN DOUBLE WIDE 62

 NTs play on the inside shoulder of the Offensive Tackles (4i-technique).

 NTs penetrate the B gap, targeting the hip of the Fullback.
 Stop runs to B-C and A gaps

Defensive Tackle Play

Role
Defensive Tackles stop the inside run. We want big strong players to anchor the B or C gaps. In most
situations, you will:

D-LINE 53
  Shoot the gap
 Use rip or other block defeating techniques to defeat blocks
 Get skinny and not lock up with an offensive player
 Penetrate the Line of Scrimmage
 Pinch down toward the Center about one-half a gap
 Get no deeper than one yard in the backfield (heels on the LOS).

Responsibilities and Keys for Defensive Tackles

 Pre-Snap Reads
o Look and listen for the defensive call from the sidelines and ILBs
 Wide, Double Wide, Tight, Stack, Gap 8, Pass Defense
 Stunt, Shift, Slant
 Pass or Run Call
o Read the offensive line and formations
 Recognize formation from practice?
 Where is the Rabbit?
 Change in your offensive lineman? Overload (unbalanced line)?
o Find your gap/know your job
o Anticipate the snap count
 Alignment, Assignment, Key Reads
o Which gap for defensive call – A, B, C
o Three point stance
o Wide Tackle – outside shoulder of the Offensive Tackle (5-technique) or inside shoulder of
the Tight End (7-technique) with C gap responsibility
o No Tight End/Lone Offensive Tackle w/WB – outside shoulder of the Offensive Tackle
(Ghost 7 technique)
o Tight Tackle – inside shoulder of the Offensive Tackle (4i-technique) with B gap
responsibility
o Double Teamed - Use your butt and body to fight any double team blocks; “die” in the hole
while bringing down both blockers to create a pile and bottle up the ballcarrier.
o Fall on the 3d or 4th step backward if getting beat to create a pile of bodies.
DT IN WIDE TACKLE 6

D-LINE 54
  Do not pinch down (into area shown in yellow here) before penetrating the LOS.
 Penetrate then pinch ½ a gap.
 Penetrate to heels of offensive linemen.
 Control your Gap Track Lane.
 If you get blocked, fall in the gap and don’t back up.
DT IN TIGHT TACKLE 6

 DTs aligned on the inside shoulder of the Offensive Tackles (4i technique) and target the FB
hips/near RB.
 The DTs have responsibility for the B gaps, stopping runs B-A/C; the Inside Linebackers have
responsibility for the C gaps.
 Don’t pinch down before you penetrate to the heels of the offensive linemen.

D-LINE 55
DT IN DOUBLE WIDE 6

 DTs align on the inside shoulder of the Tight Ends (7-technique).

 The DTs have responsibility for the C gaps; stop runs C-D/B.
 Think SWEEP!

D-LINE 56