TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE defense, your team must be able to stop the run. Here are 8 rules that you can share with your team to help them stop the run.

1. ASSIGNMENT

Know your assignment and do your job first. Have confidence in your teammates. Together we can stop anything!

2. ALIGNMENT

Your exact alignment will be dictated by the defense that is called. Know your technique. Don’t give your opponent an advantage before the ball is snapped.

The following are two basic defensive fronts and the player responsibility rules:

DIAGRAM 1: 4-3 DEFENSE:




Strong-Side End: (6 Technique) Align inside foot on the outside foot of the offensive tackle with the inside hand down.

Strong-Side Tackle: (3 Technique) Align outside shade of the offensive guard, splitting his outside leg with inside hand down.

Weak-Side Tackle: (2 Technique) Align head up over the guard, 1/2-yard off the ball with feet parallel and either hand down.

Weak-Side End: (Colt Technique) Align 1 1/2-yards outside the offensive tackle, slightly cocked inside with the inside hand down.

DIAGRAM 2: 54 DEFENSE




Strong-Side End: (5 Technique) Align outside shade of the offensive tackle, splitting his outside leg with the inside hand down.

Strong-Side Tackle: (Shade Technique) Align on the center, splitting his outside leg, slightly cocked with inside hand down.

Weak-Side Tackle: (3 Technique) Align on outside shade of guard, splitting his outside leg with the inside hand down.

Weak-Side End: (Colt Technique) Align 1 1/2-yards outside the offensive tackle, slightly cocked inside with the inside hand down.

Ball Alignment
X Align on front tip of the football (crowd the ball).

X When the ball’s ready, make sure you are!
X Does the center tilt the ball up? If so, crowd more! Be aware whether the ball is flat or not.
X Do not align on the opponent. They will vary their depth and cheat deep. Find the ball.
X Ignore the line! Never practice on a line. The ball is only on a line 8 to 12 times a game. This will force each player to concentrate.

3. STANCE AND GET OFF

A defensive linemen must have good body position with proper weight distribution to be able to move instantly on the snap of the football or movement of an offensive lineman.

Stance: 3-point stance, feet slightly wider than shoulder width, inside hand down, have toe to heel relationship, eyes focused on the target, ankles cocked, weight forward, free hand hanging and on the balls of feet with hips slightly split. Note opponent’s stance, weight on hand and split. Also note your opponent’s teammates stance and splits. Try to see the big picture. Try to see all movement around you while focusing your eyes on the primary target.

4. MIRROR/READ
Key your opponent’s head, as it will take you to the ball. Your ability to move instantly on the snap of the ball or the movement of an offensive lineman to attack that player or penetrate the line of scrimmage as fast as possible is very important.

5. HAND SHIVER
If you always put your hands on the opponent’s breastplate, good things will happen. Never allow an easy release. Attack the blocker by neutralizing the power of his block by delivering a blow in such a manner that you defeat the block or gain position on him.

Strike the blow with open palms to the chest or shoulders of the offensive lineman. Step with back foot on the initial blow. Movement of the hands and arms must be forward, locking elbows out as the blow is struck. As the hands strike, hips are dropped and the head is snapped up to get balance. Strike blow through the opponent and get operating space by locking out the arms. Accelerate feet on contact and run through the opponent.

Defensive linemen must play the game on the opponent’s side of the line.

6. SHED THE BLOCKER

While you are moving, read the blocking combinations in order to tell what type of run is occurring and then put into effect the proper escape technique. Concentrate on the opponent nearest you, for he is the man you block first.

Do not raise up to look for the ball carrier. The blocker will tell you where the ball is going. Keep your back parallel to the ground and you will be extremely difficult to block.

Do not go to the ground, but get up quickly if you do. A football player’s ability can be measured by the amount of time he spends on the ground.

7. FINISH

Complete the job. Meet the ball carrier near the line of scrimmage and stop his forward progress. Always knock him back. Go full speed from snap to whistle.

8. CONTROL THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

Always act as if you own the LOS and neutral zone. Defy anyone to take it from you. Protect your piece of sod. Take it personally!