Techniques, Fundamentals, and Drills Tom Howe Defensive Ends Coach Stephen F. Austin State University
Initial Pass Rush Thoughts There are natural pass rushers but this phase can be developed and refined by all players It is very similar to a golf swing…many components must come together in order to be successful The best pass rusher in the NFL accumulated 22 sacks in 545 attempts (4.0%) The best pass rushing team in the NFL accumulated 54 sacks in 559 attempts (9.6%) We ended the season 20 th in the nation in sacks per game with 34 sacks in 412 attempts (8.2%) Difficult skill to master that must be worked on daily to maintain or improve
Basic Principles of Pass Rush Anticipation and recognition of the opponent’s passing situations Always have a pass rush move in mind and a counter off it Have an understanding of the opponent’s pass protections Do I have a two way go Understand where the quarterback will set up Great ball get-off winning the 3 yard race Creating a small target area for your opponent Coordinate your hips, hands, and feet Finish through your leverage on the quarterback If you can’t get to the quarterback, get your hands up
Angles, Leverage, and Set Point ≈ 7 ½ Yards 3 Yards 3 Yards 3 Yards 3 Yards DE DT DT DE
Pass Rush Stance At least 80/20 pre-snap weight distribution Coiled, sprinters position in 3 point stance Staggered to your anticipated pass rush move Heavy front foot weight distribution in 2 point stance Man to ball key Width and tilt align for success
Base Post Snap Progression Large vertical step maintaining your shade gaining yards Keep your target area the tip of your shoulder as long as possible Win the 3 yard race to the corner React to the hands of your opponent, don’t anticipate them Neutralize the upfield shoulder and force opponent to play with inside hand As the upfield shoulder is neutralized, you must clear your hips, cut off the kick step, and angle your lead foot to the rush point Finish clearing off any remaining hands and accelerate to your leverage
Pass Rush Techniques Speed Rush Speed to Power Stab Half Rip Club Arm Over Push Pull Counter Olé Bull Near Shoulder Hand Fighting
Pass Rush Countermoves Spin Off Elevate Bicep to the Sky Wipe Z Movements
Pocket vs. Running Quarterbacks Pocket quarterback – give the defensive line option to take underneath moves at their discretion. Still must understand and maintain leverage Running quarterback – maintain pass rush lanes. Force quarterback to step up into the pocket. Underneath moves are only acceptable if the quarterback is sacked.
When to Take the Inside Move Pre-snap recognition of protection Skating offensive lineman Shoulders out to your shade Reach quarterback depth Leverage point during pass rush dictates going under
Defending Screens & Draws Remember…rush the passer, react to the screen or draw “Smell a Rat” Pre-snap formations and tendencies Wall influences Quarterback retreating, showing you both numbers Soft sets, clubs in the back Retrace with eyes inside vs. draws Find the back vs. retreating quarterback showing you both numbers Most applicable turn vs. clubs or soft set climbs. Find the tunnel and get in it
Game Techniques Penetrator and looper Bang ricochet Vertical and under
Coaching Points for Games Align for success Vision through the slant Take the first open window. Don’t run to darkness Understand which shoulder you must neutralize Understand post game quarterback leverage Stay thin on the pass rush
Daily Drill Work Aim Small Miss Small/Gun & Knife/Stick & Move Hoop Drills 1 on 1 Pass Rush Half Line Games
Specific Drill Work Ball Get Off Tennis Ball Get Offs Tag Tag Move Hands Wax On Wax Off Hips/Hands/Feet Mirror Dodge Turn the Corner Gauntlet Screen/Draw Drill Ball Drills Reaction Drill Drop Drill Game Timing
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