At Heidelberg University, one of our top defensive priorities is to stop the run. We believe that once you have forced an opponent into physical submission by stopping the run game, your defensive linemen will have the opportunity to rush the quarterback. Understand that rushing the quarterback is not all about getting sacks; it’s about pressures, hits on the QB and tipped balls - basically making the QB feel as uncomfortable as possible in the pocket. With that in mind, there are a few key concepts for our D-Line to remember and work on when rushing the passer.

   1. Down and Distance
   2. Takeoff
   3. ½ Man Principle
   4. Same Arm/Same Leg Concept
   5. Finish

Down and Distance

   Down and distance gives us a chance to cheat in our alignments and stances. In our alignment we will take a “loose” alignment.  Basically, if we are in an outside shade, we want to align our inside foot to the OL’s outside foot to create more of an edge for our players.  This “loose” alignment will also adjust our stances. Our stances will become narrow and elongated.  By narrowing our feet from shoulder width to toes under the armpits and elongating our stagger from toe-to-instep to toe-to-heel, this will give us a sprinters-like mentality for a great takeoff (See Photo 1).


Takeoff




    We believe the takeoff is the most important part of the pass rush. Our takeoffs will put our defensive linemen in a great position to defeat offensive linemen. With our takeoffs, we want to gain as much ground as possible and get upfield. If we can beat the OL to a distance of four yards behind the LOS, we have a great chance to win the battle. What we emphasize in our pass rush takeoff drills is to replace our hand with our foot while leading with our shoulders. This enables us to keep low off the snap.

Takeoff Drill

Emphasis: Gain as much ground as possible with first step and lead with the shoulders. This allows us to fire out and not up.                                                                                                                                            

Equipment:  5 launch pads and a ball to snap.                                                                              
How to run the drill: On the snap of the ball, the lineman will explode out with his first step (only one step taken) while gaining as much ground as possible, then land on the launch pad (See Photos 2-5).


½ Man Principle

   The next concept is to get our men to understand the ½ man principle. What we mean by this is to always attack ½ the man and never take the blocker down the cylinder of his body. By utilizing the ½ man principle, this will create a better edge and enable us to use the offensive lineman’s body weight to our advantage. There are a few drills that we utilize every week to work on running with leverage.

Hoop Drills

Photo # 6 - ½ hoop with towel scoop at the top.

Photo #7 – 1 ½ hoop with towel scoop at the top.

Photo #8 – Run ½ hoop while leaning into OL.

Same Arm/ Same Leg Concept

   The same arm/same leg concept is totally different from the way we run and walk. This concept is one that makes you move more like a puppet. It will also set us up for a couple of basic pass rush moves which are the Club Swim and Club Rip. In both of these moves, as we close ground and approach the OL, our aiming point becomes his shoulder. When we are ready to club the OL, we need to throw our right arm with our right leg to open our hips and get our belly button pointed toward the QB. We always move in the direction our hips are pointed (See Photo 9).


Once we have obtained control of the shoulder it is now time for the final phase – the finish.
The Finish 

    The finish is just as important as the takeoff. As we finish our moves, it is imperative that we keep in mind the same arm/same leg concept. We will finish with either a swim or rip move depending on where the OL’s hand/arm is.  In photo #6, the OL’s arm is high so we want to finish with a rip move. At the start of the Club Rip, we clubbed with our right arm and leg. Now, in the finish, we want to rip with our left arm and step through with our left leg (See Photo 10).  As we step through with our left leg we talk to our players about pointing the toe to your target and bursting through the QB. 
 

About the Author: This fall marks Corey Fillipovich’s sixth season at Heidelberg University as D-line coach. He has coached on both sides of the ball at Heidelberg, taking over the defensive line in 2005. A native of Adena, OH, Fillipovich graduated from Muskingum College in 2003 and served as an assistant defensive line coach that season at his alma mater. He earned his Master’s Degree in education from Heidelberg in 2006.