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AFM Magazine


OSU: Defensive Fundamentals

Defensive Line Coach, Oklahoma State University
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Two basic defensive fundamentals that we teach at Oklahoma State are 1) How to defeat a block and 2) Pursuit angles to the football. Both fundamentals are key to the success of any defense. In order for a player to be productive, he must first get himself in position to make the play.

Defeating a block

The first block sequence that we teach is how to defeat a base block. The progressionthat we teach is broken down into three areas: 1) Contact, 2) Leg drive and 3)Release. Every practice, we take a 5 minute period to teach this basic fundamental.We pair up each defensive player and align them on a selective line facing oneanother. The line designated as the defense will start in a fit position (contactphase).

Cowboy Drill
Diagram 1. Cowboy Drill

The coaching points that we stress start in the contact phase. The defender should align with a good base beneath himself – feet approximately shoulder width apart, knees bent and back flat to produce power angles.

On the coach’s command, the defender will explode out of his hips, drive his legs and extend his arms to a locked out position. The defender will drive the blocker back for 10 yards while the blocker applies resistance.

Diagram 2.

After 10 yards, the defender will execute his release technique. The defender will throw the blocker opposite the direction in which he intends to release, then apply either a tight arm over or rip move to escape. He then balances up to locate the ball carrier.

Every defensive coach works on block protection drills specific to their position. However, this is one drill we do as a unit that applies the basic fundamentals to defeat a block.

Pursuit

Defensive pursuit is one fundamental that we take great pride in at Oklahoma State. Effective pursuit is the result of desire and taking proper angles to the ball. It results in big plays for the defense, eliminates big plays for the offense and overcomes individual defensive mistakes.

Effort (desire) is the first ingredient necessary for proper pursuit. Following each game, we grade our defensive personnel in 3 categories: 1) Effort, 2) Technique and 3) Production. If a player gives anything less than 100 percent effort, he will receive a “loaf” for his lack of effort. (“Loafs” require extra conditioning.)

What is a Loaf?

1. Laying on the ground
2. Not turning and going to the ball
3. Change of speed
4. Getting passed up by another player
5. Turning down a hit

Pursuit Drill

Diagram 3. Pursuit Drill

We go straight to our pursuit drill as soon as we finish the “Cowboy Drill.” The set up and organization of the drill is as follows: Align two cones, one on each side of the field on top of the numbers. Scout players will align to simulate an offensive formation ... 1 receiver outside each hashmark and one aligned as the running back. The defense will huddle, receive the defensive call and align according to the formation. On the snap, the defense reacts to one of these different pursuit drills.

Perimeter Run Drill

Diagram 4. Perimeter Run Drill

The QB (coach) will turn and toss the football to the running back. The running back will run at 3/4 speed towards the sideline and around the cone, simulating a run that has broken down the sidelines.

The defense initiates proper footwork on the snap and reacts to the play. The perimeter players rotate according to coverage: Primary force, Alley, secondary force and deep pursuit. The defensive front pursues toward the sideline at an angle to intersect the ball carrier. Once each defender has closed at the proper angle, he breaks down and waits for the whistle before returning to the huddle.

Screen Drill

Diagram 5. Screen Drill

The QB (coach) drops back to pass and then turns and throws to one of the receivers standing outside the hashmark.

The defense initiates proper on the snap and reacts to the play. The secondary and linebackers will drop into coverage as they read dropback pass. The defensive front will rush the QB while staying in their lanes. As the ball is thrown to the receiver, the coverage will react, force and fit according to the coverage called. The defensive line will retrace their steps back to the line of scrimmage and pursuit flat to the screen. As all players pursuit and fit on the screen, they will break down and wait for the whistle before returning to the huddle.

Interception Drill

Diagram 6. Interception Drill

The QB (coach) drops back to pass and throws the ball downfield.

The defense initiates proper footwork on the snap and reacts to the play. The secondary and linebackers drop into coverage and the defensive line rushes. As the ball is released the coverage will converge on the ball. The first defender to the ball will intercept the ball at its highest point and sprint down the nearest sideline to the endzone. The second defender to the ball will simulate a block on the intended receiver. The remaining defenders will lead the ball carrier down the sideline into the endzone. The drill ends with the whole unit celebrating together in the endzone.








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