Youth Defensive Linemen Drill

Here is one of our favorite drills for youth defensive linemen (Ages 11-14).

Youth Defensive Linemen Drill
Have 3 offensive linemen (OL) line up against 1 defensive lineman (DL).

The DL is lined up opposite the middle OL.

The OL will be given a blocking assignment by the coach consisting of either blocking left, right, heads up or the middle OL pulling left or right.

The DL is taught to understand the type of block being put on him and to properly respond to where the play is most likely going.

If the DL gets blocked left or right we want him to realize the play is going opposite of the direction he is being blocked and fight his way there.

Heads up blocking tells him the play is coming at him and to fight and stuff the hole.

When the middle OL pulls left or right, we have the DL follow the pulling OL because plays will typically follow the pulling OL.