Building the Line: DLine Drills for Pass Rush

The heart of a football game is really in the trenches, where linemen collide in a battle of strength, technique, and will. It's where games are won or lost. Your defensive line's ability to disrupt the quarterback's rhythm and timing is key. A good pass rush can force bad throws, get sacks, or better yet, cause turnovers - which can change the entire dynamic of a game.

This blog post has a series of pass rush drills that you can use to develop defensive linemen. Each drill has a summary of its purpose, a list of the equipment needed, a breakdown of the execution of the drill, and some crucial coaching points to look out for. These drills focus on a range of skills, from fundamental techniques like a good stance and start, to more complex strategies involving stunts and twists.

Get Off Drill

Why It's Important: The foundation of any good pass rush begins with a proper stance and a quick, explosive get off. This drill focuses on reinforcing the fundamentals of a good defensive lineman get off.

Setup/Equipment: You'll need 2 lines 5 yards apart on the field.

Execution:

1. Line up your defensive players on the designated line and have them get into their stance (3 or 4 point)
2. On the coach's signal, the players will explosively fire out of their stances and sprint for about 5 yards.
3. Players reset and the drill is repeated.

Coaching Points: Ensure that players are in a balanced, powerful stance. Emphasize a quick, explosive first step and maintaining low pad level on the start. It's not about speed, it's about the initial reaction to the snap and explosion off the line.

Example: Get Off Drill

Rip & Swim Drill

Why It's Important: This drill is designed to enhance the defensive lineman's hand quickness and technique in defeating an offensive lineman's block, using the rip and swim moves. 

Setup/Equipment: For this drill, you'll need two blocking dummies and enough open space for a one-on-one engagement. Place the dummies about five yards apart.

Execution:

1. The defensive lineman starts at one blocking dummy (which represents the offensive lineman).
2. On the coach's command, the player explosively engages the dummy with a good punch (i.e., hands to the chest plate area).
3. The player then executes a rip or a swim move to defeat the block.
4. After defeating the first dummy, the player sprints to the second dummy to repeat the action.
5. This sequence is repeated for a specified number of times or duration.

Coaching Points: Coaches should emphasize a quick, explosive first step and powerful punch. Players should work on using their footwork and hands in unison. The swim and rip techniques should be executed with speed and precision. Make sure each player practices both techniques.

Examples: Rip Move and Swim Move 

Bull Rush Drill

Why It's Important: This drill focuses on the 'bull rush' technique, which is a power move used by defensive linemen to push an offensive lineman directly back to disrupt a pass play.

Setup/Equipment: This drill requires a partner to provide resistance. The partner should be of a similar size and strength. Use a blocking pad for the partner if not in full pads.

Execution:

1. Player lines up in a three-point stance opposite the partner.
2. On the coach's command, the player fires out low and explosively, aiming to hit the partner with a strong punch and to drive them back using leg strength.
3. The player continues to drive the partner back for about 5-10 yards.

Coaching Points: Ensure that the players are maintaining a low pad level and driving with their legs. The initial punch should be strong and quick, and the players should keep their feet moving throughout the drill. Encourage them to be as explosive as possible.

Example: Bull Rush Drill

Hand Fighting Drill 

Why It's Important: This drill is to improve a defensive lineman's hand speed and technique in getting off blocks. Quick hands are crucial in winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Setup/Equipment:  For this drill, you'll need a partner (another player or a coach) to provide resistance. 

Execution:

1. Both the player and the partner get into a three-point stance, facing each other.
2. On the coach's command, the partner tries to engage the player with their hands.
3. The player works on slapping, clubbing, and ripping the partner's hands away while moving laterally in a set direction.
4. The drill is typically performed for a set duration (e.g., 10-15 seconds) or a set number of reps.

Coaching Points: Coaches should stress the importance of quick, powerful hands and good lateral movement. Players should aim to keep their hands inside their partner's and work on their timing and precision.

Example: Hand Fighting

Spin Move Drill

Why It's Important: The spin move is a technique used by defensive linemen to evade an offensive lineman’s block. This drill is to perfect that maneuver and to use it effectively during a game.

Setup/Equipment: A football and two blocking dummies placed about 5 yards apart.

Execution:

1. The defensive player begins at the first dummy.
2. On the coach's command, the player engages the dummy with a pass rush move (punch, rip, etc), then performs a spin move to disengage and move past the dummy.
3. The player then sprints to the next dummy and repeats the action.
4. Repeat this sequence for a specified number of times or duration.

Coaching Points: Emphasize quickness in executing the spin and maintaining balance throughout the move. Coaches should ensure players are staying low and not standing up during the spin. Make sure the player sets the spin move up with a different initial move.

Example: Spin Move Drill

Pass Rush Figure 8 Drill

Why It's Important: This drill focuses on D linemen turning the corner on a pass rush by leaning into the turn to both get around quickly and evade the block.

Setup/Equipment: You'll need 2 pass rush hoops (8 to 10 ft across) placed on the ground about 2 yards apart to create a figure 8.

Execution:

1. The defensive lineman starts in their stance at the bottom of the figure 8.
2. On the coach's signal, the lineman runs around the outside of the first hoop then the other side of the 2nd hoop.
3. The lineman completes the circuit by continuing around the 2nd hoop and the other side of the first hoop (completing the figure 8).

Coaching Points: Teach players the importance of leaning into the hoop without falling over or having to put a hand down. As the player comes to the bottom or top of each hoop, you can have them reach with the outside hand as if trying to get the ball from the quarterback.

Example: Pass Rush Figure 8

Stutter and Club Drill

Why It's Important: The stutter and club is a move designed to catch the offensive lineman off guard by changing the defensive lineman's speed during their pass rush and then attacking with the club. This drill is to help the players get comfortable with changing their pace.

Setup/Equipment: A blocking dummy or a partner with a blocking shield.

Execution:

1. Player starts in a three-point stance about 3 yards away from the dummy.
2. On the coach's signal, the player rushes towards the dummy executes a 3 step stutter.
3. Immediately after the stutter, the player then explosively accelerates to one side of the dummy and violently clubs with the hand away from the dummy.
4. Reset and repeat.

Coaching Points: The key here is to sell the stutter and then explode with a change of pace. Encourage players to experiment with different pass rush moves after the stutter..

Example: Stutter and Club

Redirect Drill

Why It's Important: This drill helps defensive linemen work on their ability to quickly change directions or "redirect" when the play goes in an unexpected direction.

Setup/Equipment: None.

Execution:

1. The player starts at the line in a three-point stance.
2. On the coach's signal, the player gets off from stance explosively.
3. The coach will either back pedal straight back, or run left or right signifying what the lineman should do.
4. If the coach moves straight back, the lineman continues forward toward the coach as a pass rush.
5. If the coach moves right or left, the lineman redirects in that direction as pursuing the ball carrier..

Coaching Points: Emphasize the importance of being aware of the movement. Coach staying low during the change of direction. Encourage quick, explosive steps to change direction and accelerate again.

Example: Redirect Drill

Twist Drill

Why It's Important: This drill is designed to help defensive linemen practice twist stunts (T/E stunts) where two linemen swap places to confuse the offensive line.

Setup/Equipment: You will need two partner players and two defensive players.

Execution:

1. Place the two partners side by side, simulating the offensive line's gap.
2. Assign one player as the penetrator (who attacks first) and the other as the looper (who loops around the penetrator).
3. On the coach's signal, the penetrator attacks their partner aiming to draw the attention of both offensive linemen, then loops to the second partner.
4. Simultaneously, the looper waits a beat, then loops around to attack the first partner.

Coaching Points: Timing is crucial in this drill. The penetrator must engage aggressively enough to sell the initial attack and draw the attention of the offensive linemen. The looper must have good timing to ensure the lane is clear when they begin their loop.

Examples: Defensive Line Twists

Slant Drill

Why It's Important: This drill is designed to train defensive linemen to perform slant stunts, where they attack a gap other than the one directly in front of them.

Setup/Equipment: You will need three offensive line dummies and two defensive players.

Execution:

1. Place the three offensive line dummies in a line, simulating an offensive front.
2. Assign each defensive player to a dummy, with one extra dummy on the outside.
3. On the coach's command, each player slants to attack the next dummy over, practicing quick lateral movement and penetration.

Coaching Points: The focus of this drill is on a quick, explosive first step and immediately getting into the adjacent gap. Players should stay low and aim to penetrate the offensive line's gap quickly.

Example: Slant Drill

Edge Containment Drill

Why It's Important: Containing the edge is crucial to prevent quarterbacks from scrambling outside the pocket or running backs from breaking out to the sidelines. This drill reinforces the importance of maintaining outside leverage and controlling the edge.

Setup/Equipment: You will need some cones to mark a simulated pocket, a football, and a partner to act as the QB.

Execution:

1. Set up cones in a semi-circle to represent the pocket.
2. Position a defensive lineman on one edge of the pocket.
3. A quarterback or coach stands in the center of the pocket.
4. On the coach's signal, the QB will attempt to break containment and scramble outside.
5. The lineman must work to keep outside leverage, redirecting the QB back inside or tagging him off.

Coaching Points: Emphasize the importance of not allowing the QB to break outside. The player should always be on his toes, ready to redirect the QB. The first step should be lateral or upfield, not inward, ensuring they always maintain outside position.

Containment React Drill

Why It's Important: This drill focuses on the defensive lineman's ability to react to different plays while still maintaining containment. Whether it's a pass, run, or a bootleg, they need to be ready.

Setup/Equipment: You will need a football, and a 2 partners to act as the QB and RB.

Execution:

1. Defensive lineman starts in their stance at the line of scrimmage.
2. Quarterback starts under center with a running back behind him.
3. On the snap, the QB will either drop back for a pass, hand off the ball, or execute a bootleg.
4. The lineman must read the play:

• If it's a pass (QB keeps the ball and holds it high), they rush while maintaining outside containment.
• If it's a run (QB hands off to RB), they engage and shed potential blockers, ensuring the running back doesn’t break outside.
• If it’s a bootleg, they must ensure the QB doesn’t turn the corner.

Coaching Points: Quick reaction and play recognition are key here. The lineman should always be wary of the edge and force plays back inside where help is present. Remind players that containment is more about position and angles than sheer speed.

Each of these drills will help your defensive linemen refine their skills and techniques, improve their hand speed and strength, and ultimately, be more effective at disrupting the opposing team's pass game. Like any other practice, consistency is key. Do these drills regularly, and you'll see a definite improvement in your team's pass rush performance.

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