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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


Lightning Bolts

Defensive Line Drills
by: Wayne Nunnely
Defensive Line Coach,San Diego Chargers
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Very quietly, the San Diego Chargers defense has been among the NFL's elite forces during the 1990s. The Lightning Bolts led the AFM in fewest total yards allowed last season and topped the conference in fewest rushing yards allowed for the fourth time this decade. One of the primary reasons for this success has been the Chargers' defensive line play.

In order to have an effective defense, you must start with a defensive line that can put pressure on the passer. If the quarterback does not have time to throw the football, the passing game has very little chance at success. And, as you know, that means the offense won't have much luck running the ball, either.

Pressure on the passer explemplifies the spirit and aggressiveness of a strong defensive team. Every pass rusher must be intense and hell-bent on getting to the quarterback. It is a great compliment for a defensive team to have a lot of sacks, especially if they also are good at stopping the run. But more important than the number of sacks a defense produces is the crucial need to put constant pressure on the quarterback - to force bad throws, block his passes, force him out of the pocket. In general, to make him so jittery his timing and effectiveness are destroyed.

One of the first principles of an effective pass rusher is his ability to anticipate a pass situation. This requires him to have a pre-determined technique and the ability to quickly recognize the pass. Knowing the down and distance, the score and the time remaining in the game are key.

An effective pass rusher must also know his opponent and be familiar with the technique that the offensive lineman across the ball prefers to use, as well as his strenghts and weaknesses. The best way to acquire this is through film study and game experience.

It's also extremely important for a pass rusher to learn and know his keys. There are tips to be found, ranging from the blocker's stance; movement by the quarterback in his feet or knees; and, of course, movement of the ball. Once the ball is snapped, an explosive initial move - decisive and quick in acceleration - is vital to defeating the block.

A good pass rusher is going to have to escape a block or two to get to the quarterback. Coordinating head, hand and foot movement with a good body lean - shoulders ahead of feet - is extremely important. The rusher also must keep his legs driving and his eyes on the passer.

The ability to react to what the quarterback does is an enormously important skill for a pass rusher. If the passer looks away, you must continue to rush aggressively. But if he looks your way, you must get your hands up in hopes of deflecting the ball; forcing a bad throw; or forcing the passer to pull down, scramble or go to a secondary receiver.

One of the best ways for an offense to counter a pass rush is the screen pass. The best way for a defensive lineman to play the screen is with hustle. After the offensive lineman releases his block, you must sprint for the screen. The offensive tackle will generally cut the end on a screen, and you should read and react accordingly.

Drill Your Way to Success

Although there is a certain amount of reckless abandon required for a defensive lineman rushing the passer, learning solid technique is the best way to develop a pass rusher's effectiveness in getting after the quarterback.

Close Down Drill

The purpose of this drill is to get off the ball quickly and close the distance between you and the pass blocker (see diagram one). The offensive blocker starts three yards off the ball and back pedals as quickly as possible when the drill begins. The defensive lineman gets off on his movement and tries to close the distance from the blocker as quickly as possible. The idea is to touch both hands on the shoulders of the blocker before he can.

Cone Drill

The idea here is to develop the ability to get off the ball, to run and lean in non-parallel lines, and then burst and close on the quarterback (see diagram two). The defensive lineman aligns his inside shoulder outside of the first cone. On ball movement, he sprints to the second cone, then dips his inside shoulder and sprints underneath the last cone (simulating the QB).

Turn Offensive Lineman Hips Drill

The goal in this drill is to force the offensive blocker to open up his hips (see diagram three). The defensive lineman aligns himself on the outside of the offensive lineman. On the snap of the ball, the DL attempts to beat the blocker to the set point and dips his inside shoulder and bursts to the QB. The offensive blocker is not trying to block in this drill. Use either wide alignment or speed rush to get by him.

Turn the Edge Drill (Rub Drill)

Here we are trying to teach pass rushers how to lean on a blocker and turn the edge. There are two parts to this exercise: (1) The DL runs and leans around the circle to the right and then the left (see diagram four). (2) A blocker is added inside the circle in a pre-lock position (see diagram five). Fit the defender's arm under the blocker's armpit to simulate the arm-under position with inside leg back. The blocker will place his inside hand on the defender's chest and the outside hand on his hip to push him out of the circle. On command, the defender will drive his arm up and lean against the blocker and drive his hips around the circle, simulating the drive to the QB.

Swim Progression and Strip QB Drill

The goal is to teach the defender to quickly defeat his blocker, get to the quarterback and strip the ball loose (see diagram six). Both the defender and the blocker will start on one knee. The DL will start on his inside knee and shade the blocker's outside knee, which is also down. The defender clubs with his outside hand, then drives off his inside knee and foot, swimming over the head of the blocker and turning his hips toward him. Once the block is beaten, sprint to the bag and strip the football.

Chargers Defensive Dominance

Led AFM in fewest total yards allowed 1998

Led AFM in fewest rushing yards allowed 1998, 1994, 1992, 1990

8th in AFM in sacks 1998






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