Brandon Lacy Sr., Edges, Florida Atlantic
This video was originally posted on Glazier Connect.
It is a segment of a content video from Glazier Drive: D-Line Pass Rush Fundamentals & Increasing Your Success Rate on Rushing the QB
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GET-OFF TECHNIQUE
The first priority in the pass rush is developing an explosive get-off. Rather than keying the football, teach defensive linemen to key the outside knee/leg of the offensive lineman. In a two-point stance, the offensive lineman often moves his outside leg before the ball moves as he begins his kick-slide. The emphasis is on reacting to movement, getting the first step down quickly, and gaining ground.
PASS RUSH TREE
Use a pass-rush tree with anchor points to teach edge rushers how quickly they can get upfield and bend the corner. The goal is to reach the intercept point—approximately 3½ to 4 yards upfield—and turn the corner at roughly a 90-degree angle. The concept is that the edge rusher and offensive tackle are essentially engaged in a race to the quarterback.
HIGH, EVEN AND LOW GROUND
At the intercept point, teach rushers to recognize whether they have high ground, even ground, or low ground.
- High Ground: The rusher has won the edge and should continue using speed.
- Even Ground: The rusher and blocker arrive at the same point. Compress the tackle with a power move rather than running around him or dipping underneath and potentially giving the quarterback an escape lane.
- Low Ground: The tackle has over-set and the rusher has gotten underneath him. This is the opportunity to use a counter move.
A useful drill is to have players rush toward a bag while the coach gives a late verbal command—high, even, or low—forcing them to recognize the situation and execute the appropriate response.
HAND FIGHTING
Hand combat is critical because “if they can’t touch you, they can’t block you.” Teach defensive linemen to attack and control the offensive lineman’s wrists and hands. A simple hand-fighting drill can develop the ability to grab, knock away, and remove the blocker’s hands.
THREE PRESSURE POINTS
For edge rushers, focus on three pressure points:
- Wrist: Controls the hands, which influence the blocker’s feet.
- Elbow: Controls the arm and can effectively disable it.
- Shoulder: Controls the blocker’s body.
Whether using a long-arm stab, two-handed power rush, or bull rush, attacking the shoulder helps move the offensive lineman’s entire body.
MAINTAINING THE RUSH TRACK
Defensive linemen must maintain their track even when the offensive lineman makes contact or bumps them. Emphasize a tight core, bent knees, and strong body position so the rusher doesn’t get knocked off his path. The objective is to continue working toward the quarterback rather than allowing contact to disrupt the rush.
POP-RIP AND SNATCH ESCAPES
Teach rushers how to escape when they encounter a power rush or get stuck on the blocker. The pop-rip involves quickly popping the blocker’s hands and ripping through while moving around the edge. The snatch is another escape technique in which the rusher removes the blocker and immediately gets vertical.
The key coaching point is speed and violence in the escape. The arm-over or rip should be quick rather than dragging behind the body, giving the offensive lineman less time to recover.
COACHING EMPHASIS
The overall progression is to develop pass rushers who can react quickly, win the initial race to the intercept point, recognize the relationship with the blocker, use the appropriate rush, control the blocker’s hands, and escape contact without losing their path to the quarterback. The drills should train both individual technique and the ability to make quick decisions based on what the offensive lineman does.