Slanting defensive linemen can be a very effective technique when done properly. However, if they just turn their shoulders and run, offensive
How To Coach The Defensive Line: Techniques, Reads, & Fundamentals
Inside, you'll find coaching resources to help you coach the fundamentals, techniques, and reads needed to build elite run-stopping and pass-rushing defensive linemen.
These resources were built for youth and high school coaches who coach the defensive line and want a progression system for teaching the following: stance, start, block destruction, and pass rushing.
If you want to accelerate your learning with video instructions and guided help. Check out vIQtory Pro below.
Core Defensive Line Skills
Below, we're going to cover the 4 core defensive line skills that every defensive line coach should know. Whether you're dealing with interior defensive linemen or defensive ends, these techniques will be applicable to all.
Stance
First and most important is the stance. This is where all of the power begins. A lazy stance, or one not optimized for that specific player, often results in them getting knocked backward or having minimal impact on the play. Here are the steps to get in a proper 3-point stance:
If the right hand is going on the ground, the right foot should be back. Start by putting the right toe on the back heel of the left foot. Then, step at a 45-degree angle, so the back foot is just under the opposite shoulder. This gives the defensive linemen something to push off as they get out of their stance.
Next, have your player squat down and put their elbows (or hands) on their knees to get into an optimal power stance. This ensures your player's hips are loaded before they put their hand on the ground. Here's what it should look like:
Once the player has put their hands or elbows on their knees, it's time to lean forward to get into a three-point stance. The player should be comfortably resting on their fingertips. If they have to put a flat palm or a fist on the ground because it's uncomfortable on their fingertips, it means they're putting too much weight forward. Have them put less weight on their hand.
Start
Next is the start. Starting from the three- or four-point stance is all about generating power and "knockback." Knockback is moving an offensive lineman back when the ball is snapped. This is important because it disrupts the offense's blocking schemes.
If the offense can knock our defensive players back, they will control the line of scrimmage and ultimately run the football and control the clock.
Defensive linemen should get out of their stance, play with a low pad level, and run their feet. When making contact, here are a few things you can measure as a coach to know if your defensive linemen have a great stance:
- Are they generating knockback?
- Are their arms locked out on contact, so they can control the offensive lineman?
- Are their feet running on contact, or are they staying still?
- Their pad level should be below the chin of the offensive player. This is a great way to measure if they are low enough.
Block Destruction
Block destruction is all about making violent contact, playing with leverage, and then having a successful disengage move.
Starting with violent contact, the defensive linemen should try to knock the offensive player backward and lock out their arms. Based on the defense, they should own leverage by keeping their head and shoulder into their gap.
Once extended, push, pull, and rip or arm over to disengage from the offensive player. It's important to push and pull so you can own the leverage.
Pass Rush Moves
Lastly, all defensive players should know how to rush the passer. This means having a toolbox of moves to do when the ball is snapped, so they can close the pocket on the quarterback and ultimately disrupt the throw.
Popular pass rush moves include:
- Arm Over
- Speed Rip
- Push Pull Rip
- Spin
- Bull Rush
We wrote more about different pass rush moves here, which can help you sharpen your coaching skills so your players make the quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket.
Coaching Install Progression
This is the order we found works best for installing your techniques and fundamentals with your defensive linemen. These progressions can start as early as the off-season, continue through the preseason, and carry into week one. If you're starting during the season, then we recommend picking one skill a day and introducing it slowly to your players. Throughout the year, the players should sharpen their skills each day.
Steps To Install | Coaching Points | Player Progression |
|---|---|---|
Step 1: Stance | Teach your players the 4 steps we talked about above to get into a stance. | Players should first feel comfortable putting weight on their fingertips everytime they get in their stance. Have them hold their stance for 5 seconds at a time. |
Step 2: Start & Movement | Teach your players how to fire the ball and use proper footwork. | Once players feel comfortable firing forward, teach them how to slant and disrupt the line of scrimmage. |
Step 3: Block Destruction | On top of getting off blocks, defensive players need to know how to play base blocks and pullers. | The goal is to make sure your players can successfully get off blocks and make tackles. That's when you'll know your players are progressing. |
Step 4: Pass Rush Moves | Learn how to compress the pocket and get after the quarterback with these pass rush moves. | If the quarterback can sit in the pocket for over 5 seconds with no stress, you'll know it's your pass rush. |
Get More Drills & Video Instruction Inside vIQtory Pro
The Full Defensive Line Install: Get drills and video instruction on how to coach the defensive line. Inside you'll find a library of drills, progression on how to coach your position and game plan tools to put it all together on game day. Built for youth and high school coaches.
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