Big D: Defensive Line Philosophy and Daily Drills for an Aggressive Front

One key to a strong defense is that each position group develops the fundamental skills required to consistently execute their individual assignments. Here is our defensive line philosophy and an outline of the daily drills we utilize to help our players compete at a high level.
 
Defensive Line Philosophy

We pride ourselves on being a fast, aggressive front that plays with exceptional fundamentals and discipline. We prepare, practice, and compete with tremendous energy and attention to detail every day. Success is founded on mastering basic individual techniques by consistently working to build the fundamental skills necessary to control the line of scrimmage.

Our primary focus is stopping the run. By utilizing a violent punch, we control the offensive blocker while aggressively cancelling our gap. In passing situations, we are relentless in our pass rush to get a vertical push when rushing the quarterback. Above all, we emphasize team defense. It’s critical that all positions trust one another and consistently execute their individual assignments.
 
Daily Defensive Line Drills

I’ve included the daily drills we utilize to help our players build the skills required to control the line of scrimmage. Listed here are our four fundamental defensive line drills, the purpose of each drill, supplemental video clips demonstrating the drill and key coaching points.
 
Line Drill

Structure: Split the players up, DTs and DEs, and put them on a line.

Objective: a) Get the players in a proper stance b) teach a good north/south 6- inch power step.
 
Line Drill Wide Clip (Video #1 and Photo #1)

Photo 1: Line Drill Wide

Coaching Points:
•  When your foot moves, you should shoot your hands.
•  Transfer your weight to the balls of your feet with a good 6-inch power step.
•  Get your foot in the ground.This will allow you to react to what the offensive blocker is doing.
 
Line Drill Tight Clip (Video #2 and Photo #2)

Photo 2: Line Drill Tight

Coaching Points:
•  Have a good base with your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart.

Fast for Five

Structure: Align in your position group. DTs inside and DEs on the outside.

Objective: Teach great take-off while executing a good power step.
 
Fast for Five Clip (Video #3 and Photo #3)

Photo 3: Fast for Five

Coaching Points:
•  Key the ball for great take-off.
•  Be explosive and attack the line of scrimmage.
•  Get into them before they get into you.

Fast Hands

Structure: Two players should partner up across from one another. One player will be on offense and the other on defense while the next person in line is there to support the offensive blocker.

Objective: a) Teach the athletes to quickly get a good fit, b) punch the opponent with thumbs up and hands inside on the “V” of the neck.
 
Fast Hands Clip (Video #4 and Photo #4)

Photo 4A: Fast Hands - Pre-Punch

Photo 4B: Fast Hands - Post-Punch

Coaching Points:
•  The first point of contact must be with your hands. Punch the “V” of the neck with your thumbs up and palms together.
•  Be physical and violent with your punch.
•  Roll your hips. Start with your butt on your heels and then move forward as you punch the offensive lineman.
•  Disengage from the offensive blocker by running a move on the third rep of the drill.

Key Drill

Structure: Split the segment up. DTs and DEs. DEs will face an OT while DTs will be situated in a one-on-one or two vs. one situation. DEs will execute three reps vs. the following keys: down block, reach block, and pass set. DTs will rep vs. the following: combo/base, reach, and pass set.

Objective: To force the defensive lineman to read his keys and put everything together: a) good power step b) proper hand placement c) defeat the basic blocks they face.
 
Coaching Points:
•  Take a good power step and react to the block.
•  Change the blocks each week based on what your opponent does.
 
Key Drill (A) Down Block (Video #5 and Photo #5)

Photo 5: Key Drill Down Block

Down Block Coaching Points:
•  Get your hands on the offensive lineman.
•  Replace the heels of the offensive blocker.
 
Key Drill (B) Pass Set (Video #6 and Photo #6)

Photo 6: Key Drill Pass Set

Pass Set Coaching Points:
•  If the offensive lineman doesn’t sink his hips and attack the line of scrimmage on the snap of the ball, it’s pass. High Hat=Pass.
•  Elongate your steps after recognizing pass to close the distance between you and the offensive lineman.
•  Get upfield and get a vertical push.
 
 Key Drill (C) Reach Block (Video #7 and Photo #7)

Photo 7: Key Drill Reach Block

Reach Block Coaching Points:
•  Get your foot in the ground and redirect after the initial power step.
•  You beat a reach block by controlling your opponent with your hands and widening with the offensive blocker to maintain outside leverage.

About the Author: Jim Schroeder joined the Benedictine staff in 2005 as defensive coordinator and added the title of recruiting coordinator the following season.
He previously coached at both Davidson and Columbia. A 2000 graduate of Valparaiso, Schroeder began his coaching career at his alma mater as a graduate assistant.