Defensive Line is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of football.
It can take a lifetime to master all the techniques associated with the position.
But when it comes to scheme, a Defensive Lineman’s world is often small.
Really, it starts with one basic thing:
Attacking targets.
Defining Your Target
The target is the aiming point for the Defensive Lineman’s hands.
There are two main options.
If you’re playing a one-Gap scheme, the target is typically the blocker’s near shoulder and midline (V of the shoulder pads).
If you’re playing head up or two-Gap, the target is the middle (chest plate) of the blocker.
All your different Fronts and Stunts and Blitzes are just fancy ways of assigning different targets to each Defensive Lineman.
My overriding opinion on targets is this:
If you properly attack your target, it will make you right against every type of block.
Base Block
With a Base Block, your target is coming right at you.
Defeat the block by aggressively striking the near shoulder and midline, extending the arms, and keeping the feet hot.
With good extension you will be able to find the football, disengage, and make the play.
Reach Block
With a Reach Block, your target is on the move.
Now you must identify your target, see it moving, and adjust.
Scoop Block
Even versus a Scoop Block, attacking your target will make you right.
With a Scoop Block, your target wants nothing to do with you. Your target is going off to block someone else.
But if you attack your target properly, it will pull you away from the blocker who is actually coming to overtake you.
Final Thoughts
Often, if a Defensive Lineman ends up in the wrong spot, it can be traced back to them not properly attacking their target.
This is a simple coaching point, but to be successful it takes great coaching of the stance, first step, footwork, and eyes.
As always, everything comes back to fundamentals.
Skool Community
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Recently we’ve been having great discussions about defensive naming systems, Cover 3 beaters, pursuit drills, and thoughts around play calling on the last play before halftime.
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All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx
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