Defensive Line Football Drills

Football coaches conduct specific drills to teach defensive linemen the proper way to play their position. The type of defense the team uses will determine the particular drills the coach runs. Drilling sessions usually last half the practice, then the players scrimmage against each other. The coach will often stop the scrimmage to point out how a particular drill applies in a game situation.

  1. Pass-Rush Drill

    • The defensive line tries to sack or pressure the quarterback during a pass rush.

      Every player on the defensive line has a chance to sack the quarterback. The best way to work on the defensive line pass rush is by simulating an actual pass play. Have both the offensive and defensive linemen take their positions, instructing the defenders to avoid hitting the quarterback. Tell the quarterback to take the snap from center and drop back seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Let the offensive and defensive linemen battle each other for five seconds. If one defender reaches the quarterback, the play is over. Run the drill until the defensive line gets to the quarterback at least five times.

    Tackling Drill

    • Use tackling drills to teach a lineman the proper way to bring down a runner.

      Tackling drills should be part of every defensive line workout. Have two defensive linemen take their positions, and then instruct two offensive linemen to face them. Give a running back a football and put him five yards behind the offensive linemen. Tell the runner to run to either side or up the middle to try to elude the tackle. Blow the whistle to start the drill and observe the play as it unfolds. Step in to make corrections to a defensive lineman's tackling technique if necessary. Run the drill until each lineman tackles the running back once, then substitute all of the players with a fresh group.

    Stunting Drill

    • A coach calls a defensive stunt to try and trick the opposition.

      The purpose of a stunt is to trick the offensive line into blocking the wrong man, making it easier for the defense to tackle the runner or sack the quarterback. During a stunt, two or more defensive linemen switch positions when the opposing quarterback starts to call out the offensive signals to his team. Have five defensive linemen get into position. Make two players line up at defensive end, two at defensive tackle and one in the middle position, also known as nose guard. Stand opposite the nose guard to simulate the opposing quarterback position. Call out the signals and have the defensive line practice switching positions. Continue the training drill until each player demonstrates the proper stunting technique.