Breaking Down the Chop Move
Defeat the arm, defeat the blocker
There are lots of different Pass Rush moves out there.
Speed moves. Power moves. Counter moves.
The Chop is a great option.
Let’s get into it.
Get Off
The Chop is a Speed Move.
Like all Speed Moves, it starts with a great get off.
A tilted stance will ensure there are no wasted steps.
Burst off the line and beat the Offensive Lineman to the spot.
That will set you up for the Chop.
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Now back to today’s article…
The Move
Offensive Linemen are big.
With Speed Moves like the Chop, you don’t need to take on the entire blocker. Just their outside arm.
If you defeat the arm, you defeat the blocker.
The Chop is a violent downward strike with the inside arm. Aim for the wrist or elbow.
But don’t Chop too early. Wait for the Offensive Lineman to punch, then Chop their outside arm down.
Bend and Finish
It doesn’t end there.
The Offensive Lineman can recover if you don’t Bend and Finish.
As you Chop with your inside arm, step with your inside foot and point your toe inside.
This will help you Bend towards the Quarterback.
Final Thoughts
There you have it.
A few key points on executing the Chop Move.
A great addition to any Pass Rusher’s toolbox.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx
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