Alex Means, Air Force, D-Line Coach
Full video on Glazier Drive: D-Line Power Rush Series
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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BULL RUSH FUNDAMENTALS FOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
This coaching breakdown focuses on developing an elite bull rush technique to dominate offensive linemen and create pressure on the quarterback.
ENTRY MECHANICS – THE FOUNDATION
The most critical element is the bull entry drill. Success depends on planting your outside foot at a right angle and driving your center line directly through the offensive lineman’s center line toward the quarterback. Poor bull rushes happen when defenders travel upfield with their hips moving laterally instead of driving straight through. The power comes from that outside foot plant and explosion through your target.
SETTING UP THE RUSH
You can’t just run into a 350-pound lineman who’s set and ready. You need to get him on his heels or with his feet tangled first. When reviewing tape, look for body positions where the offensive lineman is compromised – that’s the setup that makes bull rushes successful.
TEACHING PROGRESSION
Start with tempo drills using pop-ups or cones as targets to practice the footwork without contact. Progress to crash pad drills where players feel real resistance – this is the most important drill for understanding the power required. Players need to experience driving through contact, not just making contact and stopping.
FINISHING THE RUSH
The finish depends on the offensive lineman’s body position. Use two crash pads at 45-degree angles to practice two scenarios: when the lineman finishes high on your upfield shoulder (throw him by), and when he finishes low on your inside hip (blast through his outside half and drive him back).
KEY COACHING POINTS
Enter the rush as if running through a brick wall with ultra-violent intent. Drive through your center line, not around it. Avoid “splash” contact where you stop on impact. The end result should be the offensive lineman on his skates with tangled feet, getting driven into the backfield. Master the entry before working on finish moves, and always emphasize feeling resistance to develop true power rushing ability.