As a DB, there will most likely come a time where your coach will ask you to play man-to-man pass coverage. In man coverage, you must focus your eyes on the man you're covering instead of focusing on the QB as you would for zone coverage. As you won't be focused on the QB, you may not see the ball until the very last instant.
Man-to-man pass defense is one of the most exciting and challenging techniques for any DB to master. It has all the trappings of a true one-on-one battle - just you and your coverage target.
When you line up to play man defense, it's important to familiarize yourself with and get used to the three main pass route zones - short, medium, and long. The short zone extends from the line of scrimmage to 6 yards downfield. Medium covers the territory between 7 and 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Finally, the deep zone encompasses the remainder of the field beyond 15 yards all the way to the goal line.
It's important these zones become second-nature to you as they will help you identify individual pass patterns developing within them.
This is a pretty heady topic, so it's going to be broken up into a couple parts. On Monday, we're going to get into how to recognize patterns and your interception points.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Defensive Back: Maintaining Your Pace...BACKWARD
Now that you've learned to assume a comfortable stance, get a good start, and run backwards properly, it's time to take the next step in your progress by learning to shift and maintain your straight line backward run over to an angled backpedal.
One of the objectives of the wide receiver is to adjust his pass route by angling to the inside or outside so that you turn and leave your backward run. Once the wideout has you turned, he's got a much better chance of creating separation on a short or medium pass route.
Learning to stay in your backward run is a technique that will require practice. Once you master the skill, you'll find your coverage ability will improve markedly. The overall goal here is to change the direction of your backward run without crossing your feet or turning your shoulders.
Start out by slowly beginning your backward run. After running approximately five yards, angle your backpedal to the left for another five yards. To do this, swing your right leg around. As you do so, your hips and shoulders should be square and remain in proper position for backpedaling.
Next, repeat the drill going to your right, swinging your left leg around. You will want to repeat this drills until you're able to swing your legs around without crossing your feet or rotating your shoulders.
After you've got these steps down, you'll want to increase the distance of your backward run from ten yards total to twenty. You will go through four changes of direction without ever leaving your backward run. Each segment of your run should be five yards. Begin with five yards straight back, adjust five yards to the left, five straight back, the five yards angled to the right.
It's vitally important to maintain proper body position for the entirety of the twenty yard run. Keep your feet less than the width of your hips apart and land with each step on the balls of your feet.
Keep your hips directly above your feet. Maintain a slight forward bend at the waist so that your shoulders and head are in front of your hips and feet. Each movement should be smooth and relaxed.
One of the objectives of the wide receiver is to adjust his pass route by angling to the inside or outside so that you turn and leave your backward run. Once the wideout has you turned, he's got a much better chance of creating separation on a short or medium pass route.
Learning to stay in your backward run is a technique that will require practice. Once you master the skill, you'll find your coverage ability will improve markedly. The overall goal here is to change the direction of your backward run without crossing your feet or turning your shoulders.
Start out by slowly beginning your backward run. After running approximately five yards, angle your backpedal to the left for another five yards. To do this, swing your right leg around. As you do so, your hips and shoulders should be square and remain in proper position for backpedaling.
Next, repeat the drill going to your right, swinging your left leg around. You will want to repeat this drills until you're able to swing your legs around without crossing your feet or rotating your shoulders.
After you've got these steps down, you'll want to increase the distance of your backward run from ten yards total to twenty. You will go through four changes of direction without ever leaving your backward run. Each segment of your run should be five yards. Begin with five yards straight back, adjust five yards to the left, five straight back, the five yards angled to the right.
It's vitally important to maintain proper body position for the entirety of the twenty yard run. Keep your feet less than the width of your hips apart and land with each step on the balls of your feet.
Keep your hips directly above your feet. Maintain a slight forward bend at the waist so that your shoulders and head are in front of your hips and feet. Each movement should be smooth and relaxed.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Defensive Back: The Backpedal
You probably learned to run forward shortly after learning to walk. Defensive backs must master the difficult art of running BACKWARD. This is a key to any good DB's success.
When comfortable getting into your stance and getting a good start, you're ready to continue your backward movement away from the line of scrimmage.
Great DBs can backpedal with amazing speed. Many of the top corners can run nearly as fast backward as a receiver can running forward.
This is a skill you must cultivate as you learn to play the position.
Maintain good body position and movement as you get into your backpedal and run backwards.
1. Your hips should remain over your feet
2. Maintain a slight forward lean at the waist
3. Keep your shoulders in front of your hips
4. Reach back with each step
5. Each step should be on the balls of your feet
6. Keep your feet hip-width apart
7. Move your arms as normal when running
8. Keep your motion smooth and relaxed
9. Keep your head up
10. Keep your eyes on the receiver in man coverage, on the QB in zone
You want to make your backward movement a true run. When starting out, you may have the tendency to lean too far back so that your hips, shoulders, and head are behind your feet. In this position, you will feel more like you're pushing backwards instead of running. You'll be landing on your heels instead of the balls of your feet.
If this is happening to you, start over. Go over the steps outlined above. Practice them until you've got it right and feel like you're truly RUNNING backwards.
When comfortable getting into your stance and getting a good start, you're ready to continue your backward movement away from the line of scrimmage.
Great DBs can backpedal with amazing speed. Many of the top corners can run nearly as fast backward as a receiver can running forward.
This is a skill you must cultivate as you learn to play the position.
Maintain good body position and movement as you get into your backpedal and run backwards.
1. Your hips should remain over your feet
2. Maintain a slight forward lean at the waist
3. Keep your shoulders in front of your hips
4. Reach back with each step
5. Each step should be on the balls of your feet
6. Keep your feet hip-width apart
7. Move your arms as normal when running
8. Keep your motion smooth and relaxed
9. Keep your head up
10. Keep your eyes on the receiver in man coverage, on the QB in zone
You want to make your backward movement a true run. When starting out, you may have the tendency to lean too far back so that your hips, shoulders, and head are behind your feet. In this position, you will feel more like you're pushing backwards instead of running. You'll be landing on your heels instead of the balls of your feet.
If this is happening to you, start over. Go over the steps outlined above. Practice them until you've got it right and feel like you're truly RUNNING backwards.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Defensive Back: Moving on the Snap
As has been a recurring theme during our football coverage, speed is crucial to the defensive back's skillset. If you're not moving with the same speed and quickness in your start as the wide receiver, you're probably going to get beat.
When you watch any top DB in a game, you can notice their speed and quickness at the start of every play. Their ability to start on the snap and quickly move backwards is necessary for their success.
When thinking about beginning your backward run, it's important you understand that you must explode off your front foot. If you're in a stance with your front foot under your nose and turned in, you'll be able to use both the muscle on the outside of your foot and the muscles in your lower leg to give you the proper explosion. A majority of your weight must be present on the front foot in order to start correctly.
As you push off the front foot, think about thrusting your hips backward as you step back with your back foot. As you take the second step, your shoulders should slowly begin to rise.
Practice this start repeatedly. Push off with the front foot, thrust your hips back, step back with your back foot, and begin to run backward in an easy, fluid motion.
On each play, it's a good idea for young DBs to start by moving back and away from the line of scrimmage. If the other team runs the ball, you can always adjust and come up to get in on the tackle.
Problems crop up when you operate in the reverse order. If you play the run first, the receiver may be so far downfield that it's impossible to recover for a tackle or interception.
You are the last line of defense - think pass first and run second.
When you watch any top DB in a game, you can notice their speed and quickness at the start of every play. Their ability to start on the snap and quickly move backwards is necessary for their success.
When thinking about beginning your backward run, it's important you understand that you must explode off your front foot. If you're in a stance with your front foot under your nose and turned in, you'll be able to use both the muscle on the outside of your foot and the muscles in your lower leg to give you the proper explosion. A majority of your weight must be present on the front foot in order to start correctly.
As you push off the front foot, think about thrusting your hips backward as you step back with your back foot. As you take the second step, your shoulders should slowly begin to rise.
Practice this start repeatedly. Push off with the front foot, thrust your hips back, step back with your back foot, and begin to run backward in an easy, fluid motion.
On each play, it's a good idea for young DBs to start by moving back and away from the line of scrimmage. If the other team runs the ball, you can always adjust and come up to get in on the tackle.
Problems crop up when you operate in the reverse order. If you play the run first, the receiver may be so far downfield that it's impossible to recover for a tackle or interception.
You are the last line of defense - think pass first and run second.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Defensive Back: Stance is Key
The defensive backfield is the only defensive position on the team where your first movement will USUALLY be backward instead of forward. You must be able to move backward at the same speed the receiver has driven off the line. If you don't have a specific man to cover, you may have the luxury of adjusting your stance.
Your beginning stance - how you position yourself before the play begins - must allow you to explode into a backward run. Getting into a proper stance is one football skill that you can easily practice away from the field.
The stance you'll use as a DB will depend on the style of defense you coach is teaching both you and the team. Always make sure to understand exactly what your coach wants you to do on every play.
If playing on the outside as a corner, it's important to be disciplined when getting into your stance. Practice:
1. Standing up straight
2. Keeping your feet even and spread at hip-width
3. Stepping forward with your outside foot
4. Bringing your foot to a position in the center of your body directly under your nose
5. Turning your foot to the inside so that you can feel your weight on the outside edge of the foot
You should have enough weight on the front foot so that you can easily lift up the back foot. You're now in a position to use the larger muscles in the front of your lower leg instead of your toes only to push back when you start. With your foot in the proper position, lean forward with your shoulders and let your arms hang relaxed. You shoulders should be far enough forward so that they're slightly in front of your forward foot. Keep your shoulders even, back straight, and head and eyes up.
If you're playing as an inside defensive back, practice this same stance in case your opponent forces you into quick coverage. As a strong safety, you might want to stand more erect to give you a good view of the offensive backfield. Depending on your coverage, you can usually bring your outside foot straight up and not to the center of your body under your nose.
As a free safety, you have the freedom to line up with your feet even, spread comfortably. You can stand erect with only a slight forward lean. You need a good vision of the field.
Your beginning stance - how you position yourself before the play begins - must allow you to explode into a backward run. Getting into a proper stance is one football skill that you can easily practice away from the field.
The stance you'll use as a DB will depend on the style of defense you coach is teaching both you and the team. Always make sure to understand exactly what your coach wants you to do on every play.
If playing on the outside as a corner, it's important to be disciplined when getting into your stance. Practice:
1. Standing up straight
2. Keeping your feet even and spread at hip-width
3. Stepping forward with your outside foot
4. Bringing your foot to a position in the center of your body directly under your nose
5. Turning your foot to the inside so that you can feel your weight on the outside edge of the foot
You should have enough weight on the front foot so that you can easily lift up the back foot. You're now in a position to use the larger muscles in the front of your lower leg instead of your toes only to push back when you start. With your foot in the proper position, lean forward with your shoulders and let your arms hang relaxed. You shoulders should be far enough forward so that they're slightly in front of your forward foot. Keep your shoulders even, back straight, and head and eyes up.
If you're playing as an inside defensive back, practice this same stance in case your opponent forces you into quick coverage. As a strong safety, you might want to stand more erect to give you a good view of the offensive backfield. Depending on your coverage, you can usually bring your outside foot straight up and not to the center of your body under your nose.
As a free safety, you have the freedom to line up with your feet even, spread comfortably. You can stand erect with only a slight forward lean. You need a good vision of the field.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Defensive Back: Mental and Physical Preparation
Successful defensive backs can't wait for the next play to start. They are eager to match their skill against that of the player they're covering. Their compete level is high. This is the type of attitude you need to bring on the field to excel at this position.
In order to bring the necessary level of confidence to succeed, there are some areas you can work on improving daily. First and foremost, you should understand and study exactly what your coaches want you to do when playing your position. Pay attention not only to your coaches, but to any players that might be ahead of you on the depth chart. It's likely that they have more experience than you and you can learn a great deal from them. Don't only learn from what they do right, but pay attention to mistakes they make and resolve not to repeat them.
As for the physical part of the game, your off-season conditioning program should prepare you to hold up under the rigors of the position. Without continued hard work, you can quickly lose the physical edge you gained during the off-season. To have continued success as a DB, you MUST be able to run well - both fast and with great endurance.
It's important to love running at full speed from the start of practice to the end. Leave the locker room running and don't stop til you hit the showers. Make running something you enjoy and can do all day.
In order to bring the necessary level of confidence to succeed, there are some areas you can work on improving daily. First and foremost, you should understand and study exactly what your coaches want you to do when playing your position. Pay attention not only to your coaches, but to any players that might be ahead of you on the depth chart. It's likely that they have more experience than you and you can learn a great deal from them. Don't only learn from what they do right, but pay attention to mistakes they make and resolve not to repeat them.
As for the physical part of the game, your off-season conditioning program should prepare you to hold up under the rigors of the position. Without continued hard work, you can quickly lose the physical edge you gained during the off-season. To have continued success as a DB, you MUST be able to run well - both fast and with great endurance.
It's important to love running at full speed from the start of practice to the end. Leave the locker room running and don't stop til you hit the showers. Make running something you enjoy and can do all day.
Carolina Panthers Star Luke Kuechly Beating the Heat at Charlotte O-D Camp!
Future football stars won't be the only talented athletes on the field on Sunday, June 23rd at the Offense-Defense Charlotte Camp at UNC-Charlotte. Current NFL star and Carolina Panthers linebacker, Luke Kuechly, will be on hand as part of Gatorade's Beat the Heat initiative promoting heat and hydration safety to all campers in attendance. The 2012 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year isn't stopping there, however - in addition to talking with the young athletes participating in camp, Luke will be performing and demonstrating some of the skills and drills being taught and how they apply to his continued success at the highest level of the game.
Join us in Charlotte for the best football training experience in the world and to meet and learn from one of the game's brightest young stars - Luke Kuechly! We can't wait to see you on the field!
Join us in Charlotte for the best football training experience in the world and to meet and learn from one of the game's brightest young stars - Luke Kuechly! We can't wait to see you on the field!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Defensive Back: Playing Under Pressure
Today we're introducing those fleet-footed pass-intercepting/deflecting superstars, defensive backs!
This post will consist of a rundown of the skills needed to play the position well as well as a general overview of the role.
A defensive back must have extraordinary speed, be a sure tackler, and have above-average pass catching ability.
On running plays, they are responsible for attacking the line of scrimmage, shutting off running lanes, and pursuing the ball carrier.
On pass plays, DBs may drop into zone coverage, cover a receiver man-to-man, break up passes, blitz the QB, or catch the ball for an interception.
As a defensive back, you will be playing one of the most exciting positions on the team. On each and every play, you may have the opportunity to make the play that will stop a touchdown and allow your team to win the game.
Being able to play this demanding position with a positive (NOT COCKY!) attitude is essential for success. You must look forward to being in on a touchdown-saving tackle, deflecting the deep pass at the last moment or, best of all, making an interception.
This post will consist of a rundown of the skills needed to play the position well as well as a general overview of the role.
A defensive back must have extraordinary speed, be a sure tackler, and have above-average pass catching ability.
On running plays, they are responsible for attacking the line of scrimmage, shutting off running lanes, and pursuing the ball carrier.
On pass plays, DBs may drop into zone coverage, cover a receiver man-to-man, break up passes, blitz the QB, or catch the ball for an interception.
As a defensive back, you will be playing one of the most exciting positions on the team. On each and every play, you may have the opportunity to make the play that will stop a touchdown and allow your team to win the game.
Being able to play this demanding position with a positive (NOT COCKY!) attitude is essential for success. You must look forward to being in on a touchdown-saving tackle, deflecting the deep pass at the last moment or, best of all, making an interception.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Tight Ends: Catching the Deep Ball
There are three pass patterns we'll look at today - the "post", "corner", and "seam".
To have success with these patterns, all three will need to be run at full speed for their entire length. Each will test the QB's arm and your ability to run underneath the ball and potentially stretch for a catch. You will be required to look the ball into your hands.
The Seam:
1. Be aware of the safety's alignment on the field.
2. Try to release outside the defender in front of you
3. Immediately direct your speed and momentum upfield
4. At 12 yards, bend to the outside while still making headway upfield
5. Settle into a position and path that allow you to run upfield 5-to-7 yards outside the hashmarks
6. At 15 yards, allow your path to bring you slightly back to the inside
7. Establish a sight path to the QB and ball
8. Pick up the ball as it leaves the QB's hand
9. Look over your inside shoulder and pick up the flight of the ball
10. Maintain stride
11. Be prepared to adjust to the flight of the ball
12. Expect to make the catch on your inside, directly in front of you, or over your outside shoulder
Speed here is crucial. Regardless of the main defender's position, you cannot slow down to make moves.
Regarding the Post:
If the defender is lined up and playing you on the inside, angle slightly toward the sideline as you sprint upfield, getting him to come with you to open up the inside. If he's playing you on the outside, you'll probably be able to sprint straight ahead for 12 yards before making your break to the inside.
When you make your break, roll over your inside foot and direct your path at 45 degrees into the center of the field.
You will probably have to run under the pass. The ball will be lofted and it is your responsibility to keep running in order to make the catch. As soon as you break, look for the QB and the ball in the air. Adjust your path if necessary to make the catch.
And the Corner:
The run the corner successfully, you must sell the post to the defender. After you make your "post" cut and run three or four more yards, make a second cut at 45 degrees BACK toward the corner of the field.
The ball should hang in the air a long time - expect it to travel at LEAST 15-20 yards through the air before you can make a catch. Check over your outside shoulder for the QB and the ball. Make adjustments as necessary. Reap the glory of your efforts.
To have success with these patterns, all three will need to be run at full speed for their entire length. Each will test the QB's arm and your ability to run underneath the ball and potentially stretch for a catch. You will be required to look the ball into your hands.
The Seam:
1. Be aware of the safety's alignment on the field.
2. Try to release outside the defender in front of you
3. Immediately direct your speed and momentum upfield
4. At 12 yards, bend to the outside while still making headway upfield
5. Settle into a position and path that allow you to run upfield 5-to-7 yards outside the hashmarks
6. At 15 yards, allow your path to bring you slightly back to the inside
7. Establish a sight path to the QB and ball
8. Pick up the ball as it leaves the QB's hand
9. Look over your inside shoulder and pick up the flight of the ball
10. Maintain stride
11. Be prepared to adjust to the flight of the ball
12. Expect to make the catch on your inside, directly in front of you, or over your outside shoulder
Speed here is crucial. Regardless of the main defender's position, you cannot slow down to make moves.
Regarding the Post:
If the defender is lined up and playing you on the inside, angle slightly toward the sideline as you sprint upfield, getting him to come with you to open up the inside. If he's playing you on the outside, you'll probably be able to sprint straight ahead for 12 yards before making your break to the inside.
When you make your break, roll over your inside foot and direct your path at 45 degrees into the center of the field.
You will probably have to run under the pass. The ball will be lofted and it is your responsibility to keep running in order to make the catch. As soon as you break, look for the QB and the ball in the air. Adjust your path if necessary to make the catch.
And the Corner:
The run the corner successfully, you must sell the post to the defender. After you make your "post" cut and run three or four more yards, make a second cut at 45 degrees BACK toward the corner of the field.
The ball should hang in the air a long time - expect it to travel at LEAST 15-20 yards through the air before you can make a catch. Check over your outside shoulder for the QB and the ball. Make adjustments as necessary. Reap the glory of your efforts.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Tight Ends: The "Ins" and "Outs"
For medium range routes, such as an "out" or "in" pattern, there are a couple more elements to keep in mind.
The first thing you need to determine as you release up the field is how the defensive back is playing you. Is he on your inside or outside? You have to understand that you can influence the position of the DB and help yourself get open by angling your route slightly away from the direction of your final cut.
If running an "in" pattern, angle to the outside 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. This adjustment to your route will cause the defender to vacate your target location. If inside, the defensive man will come right along with you. If on the outside, he'll move out wider to attempt to remain on the outside.
Once you've got the defender moving, it's important to redirect your pattern straight upfield. This will convince the defender you're going deep, hopefully tricking him into turning and running upfield as well.
After another five yards, you can cut into your final pattern. Don't plant and push - keep your momentum and speed by leaning your upper body to the inside and rolling over your inside foot.
Turn your head to the QB and make the catch.
For an "out", you'll first angle to the inside before sprinting upfield and making a cut to the outside. This pattern is essentially run in opposite to the "in".
The first thing you need to determine as you release up the field is how the defensive back is playing you. Is he on your inside or outside? You have to understand that you can influence the position of the DB and help yourself get open by angling your route slightly away from the direction of your final cut.
If running an "in" pattern, angle to the outside 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. This adjustment to your route will cause the defender to vacate your target location. If inside, the defensive man will come right along with you. If on the outside, he'll move out wider to attempt to remain on the outside.
Once you've got the defender moving, it's important to redirect your pattern straight upfield. This will convince the defender you're going deep, hopefully tricking him into turning and running upfield as well.
After another five yards, you can cut into your final pattern. Don't plant and push - keep your momentum and speed by leaning your upper body to the inside and rolling over your inside foot.
Turn your head to the QB and make the catch.
For an "out", you'll first angle to the inside before sprinting upfield and making a cut to the outside. This pattern is essentially run in opposite to the "in".
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Tight End: The "look-in" and "short out" patterns
Once you've learned your stance, start, and release, you're ready to start getting into running pass routes. Today, we're going to get into a couple so-called "short" routes - the "look-in" and the "short out" patterns.
When running these patterns, you won't have time to try to move the defender into the location you'd like to make your final cut. The QB will take a short 3-step drop before delivering the ball. The O-Line will only be aggressively blocking for a short time. Every pass in this area of the field must be executed quickly to achieve success.
As you release upfield on a short route, know the distance you'll be running before you make your break. For a "short out" where you cut to the outside at five yards beyond the line of scrimmage, you'll roll over your foot in that direction - toward the sideline. Do not plant and step as you'll lose momentum.
When coming inside for the "look-in" pass, you should once again make certain you know the distance you need to travel before redirecting your body to the inside. In this case it's only a step or two beyond the line before you angle in.
In both patterns:
1. Burst into your final move
2. Bring your head around quickly
3. Establish good vision of the quarterback
4. Be ready to catch the ball
5. Secure the ball immediately
The ball will reach you VERY fast and you will likely be struck by a defender as soon as you make contact with the ball. MAKE SURE THE BALL IS SECURE!
When running these patterns, you won't have time to try to move the defender into the location you'd like to make your final cut. The QB will take a short 3-step drop before delivering the ball. The O-Line will only be aggressively blocking for a short time. Every pass in this area of the field must be executed quickly to achieve success.
As you release upfield on a short route, know the distance you'll be running before you make your break. For a "short out" where you cut to the outside at five yards beyond the line of scrimmage, you'll roll over your foot in that direction - toward the sideline. Do not plant and step as you'll lose momentum.
When coming inside for the "look-in" pass, you should once again make certain you know the distance you need to travel before redirecting your body to the inside. In this case it's only a step or two beyond the line before you angle in.
In both patterns:
1. Burst into your final move
2. Bring your head around quickly
3. Establish good vision of the quarterback
4. Be ready to catch the ball
5. Secure the ball immediately
The ball will reach you VERY fast and you will likely be struck by a defender as soon as you make contact with the ball. MAKE SURE THE BALL IS SECURE!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tight End: Pass Catcher
For a TE to be a successful part of the passing game, he needs to have a good release off the line of scrimmage. Most tight ends use a three-point stance, fewer a two-point, but the latter is much more frequent when the TE is flexed away from the offensive tackle. No matter which stance is utilized, your ability to quickly get off the line is crucial for your capability to be an effective pass catcher.
Your release tends to be more difficult as a defender will nearly always be lined up right in front of you. Whoever you face, you cannot allow yourself to get held up at the line on your way to running your route.
In an instance where a defender is lined up on you, you'll have to take an angle step with your back foot so that it winds up on the side of your release. It's essential that the step moves forward and that it's one that begins taking you up the field.
If you have your right foot back in your stance and are releasing to the right of the defender, you need to step slightly to the right as you bring your back foot up. When releasing to the left in the same stance, you'll want to bring your back foot up and slightly across your body.
You should have a small amount of separation from the defender with your step. From here, bring your arm closest to the defender forward. Swing this arm up hard in front of your shoulder. This rip move if done right should be adequate to pull the defender's hands from your jersey.
Make certain on the snap that you stay low and come off the ball hard. Don't waste time trying to fake the defender at the line.
Your release tends to be more difficult as a defender will nearly always be lined up right in front of you. Whoever you face, you cannot allow yourself to get held up at the line on your way to running your route.
In an instance where a defender is lined up on you, you'll have to take an angle step with your back foot so that it winds up on the side of your release. It's essential that the step moves forward and that it's one that begins taking you up the field.
If you have your right foot back in your stance and are releasing to the right of the defender, you need to step slightly to the right as you bring your back foot up. When releasing to the left in the same stance, you'll want to bring your back foot up and slightly across your body.
You should have a small amount of separation from the defender with your step. From here, bring your arm closest to the defender forward. Swing this arm up hard in front of your shoulder. This rip move if done right should be adequate to pull the defender's hands from your jersey.
Make certain on the snap that you stay low and come off the ball hard. Don't waste time trying to fake the defender at the line.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Tight Ends: Combination Blocking
When we talked about double team blocking, we focused on a tight end paired with a tackle or a wing back to impede a defender. Combination blocking presents a different scenario - the tight end and a tackle working in tandem to block TWO defensive players, usually a lineman and linebacker.
The combination block is used primarily against stunting or slanting defenses where the d-lineman move quickly into a gap on the snap of the ball. The combination block starts with an attack on the defensive player on the line of scrimmage. Both tight end and tackle must understand what each other will be doing and how they'll be handling each situation the defense might present.
The block may be used against the defensive end and an outside linebacker. The end will be lined up directly on the tackle while the outside 'backer is lined up on you. The play might be being run to the OPPOSITE side of the formation and your goal is to keep both defenders from pursuing down the line of scrimmage.
On the snap, you'll both step laterally with your inside foot. It's important on the second step that the tackle strikes the end in the chest with the palm of his outside hand, halting his penetration across the line.
As the tight end, on YOUR first step you should check the linebacker in front of you. If he begins to blitz, abandon the combination block and impede the 'backer as best you can. If he moves laterally in pursuit, you can continue with the combination block - take your second step and strike the END with the palm of your inside hand.
When the end stunts or slants to the outside, the tackle should turn him over to you after making first contact, release to the inside, and move up field to engage the incoming linebacker.
As the tight end, you must:
1. Get in front of the defensive end
2. Cease his forward progress across the line
3. Impede his LATERAL pursuit
If the end instead moves to the INSIDE, you must keep your vision on the 'backer. The end will remain the tackle's responsibility.
Once the linebacker makes his move, you must:
1. Disengage from the defensive end/offensive tackle scrum
2. Perform a running drive block, covered previously, on the linebacker
The combination block is used primarily against stunting or slanting defenses where the d-lineman move quickly into a gap on the snap of the ball. The combination block starts with an attack on the defensive player on the line of scrimmage. Both tight end and tackle must understand what each other will be doing and how they'll be handling each situation the defense might present.
The block may be used against the defensive end and an outside linebacker. The end will be lined up directly on the tackle while the outside 'backer is lined up on you. The play might be being run to the OPPOSITE side of the formation and your goal is to keep both defenders from pursuing down the line of scrimmage.
On the snap, you'll both step laterally with your inside foot. It's important on the second step that the tackle strikes the end in the chest with the palm of his outside hand, halting his penetration across the line.
As the tight end, on YOUR first step you should check the linebacker in front of you. If he begins to blitz, abandon the combination block and impede the 'backer as best you can. If he moves laterally in pursuit, you can continue with the combination block - take your second step and strike the END with the palm of your inside hand.
When the end stunts or slants to the outside, the tackle should turn him over to you after making first contact, release to the inside, and move up field to engage the incoming linebacker.
As the tight end, you must:
1. Get in front of the defensive end
2. Cease his forward progress across the line
3. Impede his LATERAL pursuit
If the end instead moves to the INSIDE, you must keep your vision on the 'backer. The end will remain the tackle's responsibility.
Once the linebacker makes his move, you must:
1. Disengage from the defensive end/offensive tackle scrum
2. Perform a running drive block, covered previously, on the linebacker
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