Defense, defense and more defense. This issue of GS focuses on that subject and, more specifically, D-Line technique, proper tackling, and defensive pursuit drills. With the emphasis on the need for better tackling from a safety perspective – at all levels – three different articles detail how your team can improve overall tackling.
Cornelius Coleman, the Assistant Head Coach at Averett University, stresses the importance of the defensive lineman staying low when firing off the football. In The Importance of the Proper Defensive Line Technique, Coleman explains that the lineman that has the ability to play lower than his opponent will always win the battle.
Leon Criner, the Defensive Coordinator at Los Angeles Valley College, has over three decades of experience on the defensive side of the ball. In his article, Defensive Line Drills to Improve Your Pass Rush, Criner talks about what a coach should ask himself before selecting his team’s drills. He includes length, tempo, the ideal number of players involved, and what results you want from a drill as factors that should be considered.
Brian Wilmer, the Defensive Coordinator at Azusa-Pacific University, refers to a defense’s ability to pursue as their ‘lifeblood.’ His article, Defensive Pursuit Drills includes four different drills, each involving all 11 players. They include the Traditional Pursuit Drill, Sideline Pursuit Drill, the Rabbit Pursuit Drill, and the Pass Route Pursuit Drill. In Wilmer’s view, “Pursuit is not just a game-time effort. Rather, it is an all the time effort and must be continually emphasized throughout practice.”
In future issues of GS, we will be focusing on offense, special teams, and off-season motivation. We hope you enjoy this issue of GS and we welcome your feedback.
Respectfully,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor