Alex Means, Air Force, D-Line Coach
Full video on Glazier Drive: D-Line Speed Pass Rush Series
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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PASS RUSH TECHNIQUES: SPEED CHOP AND DOUBLE ARM SWIPE
This coaching clinic covers two fundamental pass rush moves with detailed teaching points and drill progressions.
SPEED CHOP TECHNIQUE
The speed chop is an excellent initial move for pass rushers, particularly freshmen, but requires an elite get-off to be effective. Key coaching points include:
- Must reach the offensive lineman in 1-2 steps with explosive get-off
- Requires rush IQ – won’t work against high-handed punchers (use double arm swipe instead)
- Cannot execute the chop from behind the blocker – must get even with or past the upfield shoulder
- Emphasis on reaching out and “breaking bone” like a karate chop on a 2×4
- Must avoid chopping too low or too soon
- Finish with a U-turn and outside arm reach
DRILL WORK
Simple drill using crayons/markers to force explosive get-offs. Focus on reaching the blocker quickly and executing the chop at the upfield shoulder, then finishing with proper technique.
DOUBLE ARM SWIPE TECHNIQUE
This move is designed for high-handed punchers or shorter rushers who can get underneath blockers’ arms. Teaching points include:
- Separate hands rather than keeping them together – creates a larger strike zone
- Hands don’t have to move simultaneously – can execute as a one-two sequence
- Target inside wrist with inside hand, then swipe elbow away with outside hand/forearm
- Philosophy on direction (up and away vs. down and away) – coach prefers up and away to make hand recycling harder for the blocker
- Execute in two movements for better success rate
- Finish with outside arm reach
DRILL PROGRESSION
Rapid fire popup agile drills working four reps in a row, always finishing with U-turn and reach technique.
The transcript includes multiple film examples from practice and NFL games demonstrating both techniques, emphasizing that these moves are also valuable for linebackers and DBs getting pass rush opportunities.