This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
As a D-Line coach, you need to help every pass rusher have a primary move, a counter, and a great get-off.
In the video below, Colorado State D-Line Coach Chuka Ndulue, shows practice film and game application of six drills that he uses with his offensive linemen.
His entire presentation on D-Line Pass Rush Fundamentals & Drills is posted on Glazier Drive.
- The Step Through Drill – Focuses on teaching players to bend at the top of their rush, which is crucial for reaching quarterbacks with a launch point at 6.5-7 yards. The technique emphasizes toe positioning (“wherever you’re going, that’s where your toe is pointing”) and turning toward the quarterback.
- Three-Step Approach – Players should reach their offensive lineman in two steps, with the third step beginning to point toward the quarterback. This creates the proper angle for pass rushing.
- Upper Body Rotation – The instructor stresses the importance of rotating shoulders perpendicular to the line of scrimmage to negate offensive linemen’s hand placement (at “10 and 2”).
- College vs. NFL Differences – The coach notes that NFL quarterbacks typically stay in the pocket more while college quarterbacks tend to run, requiring different rush techniques and angles.
- Hand Combat Techniques – Rather than club moves, the coach prefers forearm swipes for greater surface area when engaging with offensive linemen’s hands (“when you beat the hands, you beat the man”).
- Flexibility Assessment – The drills help identify which players have the hip flexibility for finesse moves versus those who might be better suited for power rushing techniques.
