Defeating the Reach Block

From an outside shade, the reach block is one of the most difficult to fight against on the first step. First, as we are taking our first step with the shade foot (inside foot) we must mirror our key which is moving laterally to our outside. Thus, our first step actually narrows our base. It is vital that we don’t cross over our feet on this step! See below.

The second step is where we MUST win. The second step must beat the OL to the outside to re-establish outside leverage. At this point, we want our hands to grab ahold of the outside half of our key (just as in a base block situation). Upon establishing outside leverage position, we must maintain contact with the key and continue to fight both laterally and vertically to heels depth. While fighting, we need to find the ball carrier. Why are they reaching us? The ball must be coming, too! Don’t over-run the ball. Once we get to heels depth with outside leverage, work to the back hip of the ball carrier. Why the back hip? The ball carrier is moving East-West at this point, looking for the edge. At some point, he must turn upfield, and that’s where we want to be! Once the ball carrier declares upfield, we must separate from our key to make a tackle. Techniques for disengaging are to shed, push/pull, or rip.

Heavy Shades Will Get Reached

It’s a fact of the game. If we are playing heavy for whatever reason, a reach is inevitable. If it happens, then we want to push vertical underneath the reach block immediately and look to get into pursuit fast! Dip & rip, club & rip, push/pull on back shoulder, or hand swipe are good techniques to get under the reach block since the OL is moving laterally to our outside.

We drill defeating reach blocks every week with a 1 v 1 with ball carrier drill.  The OL can downblock or reach, the ball carrier reacts to the block and we must read the block.  If it's a reach key, we fight as described above and track the hip of the ball carrier.  If it's a downblock, we play down the LOS at heels depth, tracking the hip of the ball carrier in the other direction. 

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To Tilt or Not to Tilt

In 2016 we had a senior, second-year starter at Nose.  He was an absolute brute, benching 350+ and squatting 500+.  He also had great football IQ.  So, when our head coach asked me one day what I thought about trying him in a Tilted 1-technique, I didn't hesitate to dig into learning all I could about it.  Actually, I was a bit embarrassed for not thinking of it myself!

I learned as much as I could and then learned a bunch more as we experimented with his technique throughout that season.  He had a great senior season (he would have regardless of technique), and he helped us create a blueprint for when and how to implement the tilted nose in our defense.

To be clear, we do not always play our N in a 1 technique (shade C).  We will G him (2i) and play in a 0 sometimes, depending on our front, gameplan, or other factors.  But, when he's in a 1 technique, we do like to teach the tilt to certain guys.  Notice I said "to certain guys".  We won't teach this to all of our N tackles, because as I've found it takes a player with key attributes to handle the technique.  First, he has to be smart and able to see multiple things at once (you'll see why this is vital below when we talk about key reads).  Secondly, he needs to be physical enough to give the Center problems in 1-1 blocks. I believe that the psychological factor is part of the success of a tilt 1-tech.  The Center needs to "feel" his presence. 

STANCE. Whether the N prefers a 3 or 4 point stance, we want his forward hand down and forward foot back.  So, if he's on the right of the ball shading the left shoulder of the C, his right hand is down, his right foot is back and he will step with his right foot directly at the elbow/rib cage of the C.  His goal is to pin the Center's elbow to his ribs and knock him into the opposite A-gap, while grabbing hold of the Center's chest plate with his left hand on the second step. We want the initial contact to occur on the first step, using our tilted angle to our advantage in securing position in the A-gap.

KEY. This is where the tilt N makes his money.  We actually want to key through the Center to the opposite Guard.  Because we want to see both the C and G, the angle we tilt at will depend on the best line of vision we can get.  I'm not out there with a protractor measuring a 45 degree tilt angle, it has to be the angle that gets the N the best vision on BOTH the chest of the C and the chest of the G.  If a team lines up way off the ball, then sometimes we'll key the helmet of the opposite G.  The goal is to be able to see two guys at once from our stance.

Let's break down the possible key reads and how to play each (from the perspective of the N).

1. The C blocks me and the G blocks away from me. This could be just base man blocking, or potentially a zone scoop is coming from the backside G, or possibly gap scheme with the mash on the 3-tech.  The N should push through his A-gap to heels depth anticipating a potential double team from the backside G. Be physical with the C to not allow widening of the opposite A-gap.

2. The C blocks me, the G comes towards me to block a backside LB.  This can be a gap scheme or trap scheme away from me (or even midline), so the N should slip across the C face into the opposite A-gap.  This is a great advantage of using the tilt, we can actually get a plus one on the playside if we read the blocks correctly.  The N working across the Center's face will wreak havoc on inside trap, midline and gap scheme (power).  There are various technique tools you can teach the N to rip across the Center's face.  Push-pull-rip or a chop-rip are useful, but by no means are we spinning off the block at the LOS. 

3. The C blocks me, the G pulls behind and disappears.  Trap is going to my side, and the N should expect a double team coming from the backside G.  Push vertically immediately to avoid getting washed out of the play and know the ball is going towards the direction of the puller, but cutback will be to me.

4. The C blocks away from me and the G disappears.  If the C is blocking away from the N, then the backside G MUST be blocking down on the N.  This is rare, but not unheard of.  The N must push vertically immediately to avoid getting washed down by the G.

5. Man or slide pass pro key.  Get into pass rush mode and push my rush lane.  Being in a tilt helps get vertical through the A-gap faster than being a squared-up 1-tech.

In actuality, if you play a shade N the C will block him 99% of the time.  So, removing the pass pro key you have 3 cases (case 1-3 above).  If you can teach your N to recognize those 3 scenarios you can really alter the inside run game in favor of the defense!

#4and1 #KAI20

DL Stunt Technique

We emphasize stopping the run.  We are all about getting hands on OL and reading blocks and plugging gaps (pillars!).  So, when we stunt it's asking our DL to do something that isn't in our normal toolbox.  A few years back we really struggled getting ANY lineman free on a stunt.  So last off season I sought out some answers and this year we had much more success getting our DL stunts home.

SLANT.  Whether we cross an OL face or are merely sparking the gap, changing the key of the DL has paid dividends.  We used to drill as follows: narrow base, wide first step (almost lateral to get into gap), dip and rip to turn shoulders away from the man you've lined up on.  Then, once you've penetrated the gap (assuming you did), square up and find the ball.  This just didn't cut it.  Here's the way we do it now: narrow base, big first step that is both vertical and horizontal, and our eyes are immediately on the hip of the OL that we are stepping towards.  The last part is the biggest game changer for us - we have a visual key, something we are used to doing in our base defense!  What does the key tell us?  The hip of the next OL can only do two things: come towards us, or not.  That's it.  It's a yes/no, true/false test.

If the hip comes to us, we must dip our shoulder and drive vertically upfield immediately!  Why?  Because he is coming to block us, so we must avoid and penetrate.  This is especially true in slide pass protection or zone blocking schemes.  If it's a zone combo, we are splitting immediately by gaining vertical depth on the first step and then again on the second because of the recognition of the second OL coming.  If it's slide pass pro, we're knifing the slide immediately as soon as we see the OL moving to us.  Note that the lateral width of the first step will be different depending upon if we are crossing a face or not.

If the hip is NOT coming to us, then most likely the OL we just slanted across/away from is trying to block us.  Also, the OL we are keying is moving someplace for a reason.  So, we chase his hip!  By chasing his hip, we are attempting to avoid the block of the man on us and also reading where the play is going.  We want to get our hips across the LOS and we will follow at heels depth until we recognize what the play is doing and where the ball is.  Keying the hip of the next OL (that we are slanting towards) has changed the game for our DL.

Now, there's still the next phase - what to do after breaking through.  We used to say, "break through and break down".  I still catch myself saying sometimes, but I try not to.  To link with our base run teaching, where we drive to heels depth and lockout, find ball and shed, we use the same verbage when we stunt now.  After reading the hip, we either chase at heels depth and find the ball, or drive vertical until our hips are past the OL and find the ball.  That's the only coaching cue I use now.  It's less think, and ties into what we already do.  Simplify and play fast!

GAP EXCHANGES (DL). We utilize two types of gap exchanges (twists): Picks and Loops. In one case, we area literally picking OT's with our DT's for the DE to get inside rush lanes.  This is courtesy of Coach Eli Rashed when he was at the University of Toledo (best DL clinic I've ever attended!).  Our DE will take one upfield step with his outside foot and show his outside hand to draw the attention of the OT.  The DT takes aim at the inside shoulder and essentially traps the OT.  We say, "Earhole and slingshot," same as Coach Rashed.  We emphasize that the DT's angle MUST be upfield on the OT, so that there is NO possibility of the OT turning his shoulders back to block the DT. The DE then comes screaming under the DT and takes aim at the A gap.  The OG is in a bind now, he can stick to the DT or pick up the DE.  It's is often the case that the DT is the one who actually comes free, because the OG trades the twist, but the OT cannot block the DT!  This has been a very successful twist for us, especially with a 3 and 5 technique, but it's not something we run frequently because it gives up C gap contain by the DL.  We also teach the same technique for a N-T twist game, where the N will earhole the opposite guard, the T will show outside hand and then get flat off the Nose's tail into opposite A gap.  The N must ensure his angle does not allow the opposite G to turn into him and block him.  We will only utilize a pick exchange if we are anticipating a pass, as we are not getting eyes on any key or pausing at heels depth, but rather we want a free DL to rush the QB!

For loop exchanges, we do what most everyone else does.  If we are exchanging a DE and DT, both will engage their man by taking two steps at him as they would any other play, and then the outside player (DE) will rip into the inside gap.  To rip inside we teach a swipe/rip and a push/pull technique. Once the outside player rips into the gap he locks eyes on the hips of the next OL just like above.  As soon as he rips, the inside player (DT) will disengage and loop around to replace the DE in the rush/contain.  We can run loop exchanges on the interior with both the Nose or the Tackle being the first man (NUT, TON), like most even fronts do.  These are good stunts when we want to ensure we maintain contain, as well as run stunts since we are still key reading and playing to heels depth.

As I said above, I think the key to improving our stunt game has been adding a visual key.  It ties in to what we already do and know, and the key helps lead us to the ball. It gives us rules, instead of "get through and break down", now we have concrete IF/THEN rules.

#4and1 #KAI20

The Pillars of the Defense

We fondly refer to our defensive line as the four pillars of the defense.  As a base even front, schematically the metaphor makes sense.  The line sets the foundation upon which the rest of the defense is built.  But, what you build your foundation upon is just as important.  Build an incredibly structurally sound home upon a foundation of sand, and well, it won't stand for long.  Build it on bedrock, now you've got something lasting!  What are we built on?

Literally every program I've been a part of has their own acronym soup.  I remember learning in middle school the "GOO" rules (gap, on, over) for O-Line play.  We base our defense on the acronym C.A.S.K.R.T.  It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but if you play defense at Groves you better know it, live it, breathe it!  It's sort of like the math order of operations, PEMDAS.  It's a hierarchy of defensive football, and it's what we build our foundation upon. 

COMMUNICATION.  Let me say that again, COMMUNICATION.  The first tenet of playing Groves defense is to communication.  We say "over-communicate".  There should never be a doubt that all eleven players on the field and all coaches on the sideline know what call we are in.  Sounds obvious, right?  Of course, but it has to be emphasized ALL THE TIME!  On Friday nights when the lights are on and the crowd is hyped and the offense comes out in something they haven't done all year, or motions to something new, and the Safety checks the defense it better be communicated by every player.  Over-communicated.  All it takes is 1/11th to miss the call and we're toast.  COMMUNICATE.

ALIGNMENT.  Defensive football really boils down to three things.  Align correctly to have a chance.  Hustle to the ball (effort).  And tackle.  Alignment is controllable, it's mental, there's no physical effort involved.  Know where to be and be there.  But, if 1/11th is mis-aligned we're toast if the offense finds it.  Being aligned correctly is vital to success.

STANCE. So, we lined up in the correct spot.  Now what?  Get in a GREAT stance!  Not a good stance, but great.  At this point the ball isn't snapped, there's no physical battle with the opponent.  It's completely controllable, so do it and do it great!  The reminder of "stance" in the acronym again emphasizes that it's THAT important to playing great defense.

KEYS.  So, the players know the call, are aligned in the right spot and in a great stance.  Now, focus on the key.  Every position has it's own keys.  Now is when you find them and lock in on them.  Laser focus, burn holes though your key with your eyes.

RESPONSIBILITY.  This reminds each player to think about his role in the defensive call.  As an end, if the call sends an inside LB on a B gap blitz then I have to know I have QB contain on option now.  A corner needs to know what he's responsible for if we're playing cover 3 and the number receiver hard releases inside. 

TECHNIQUE.  Everyone has different techniques for different offensive keys, but this is the reminder that each athlete knows what to do.  Your coaching and drill work has prepared you for this role. Just DO YOUR JOB, and do it to the best of your ability.

I've seen many other "Tenets of Defense" for teams, and they're all good (mostly).  If it works for a team, then great for them.  I know that we believe in C.A.S.K.R.T. and it's the foundation we build upon.  The pillars rest on CASKRT! 

Building Your DLine in January

So it's January in Michigan.  Whether you won a state title last year or missed the playoffs, the season's been over for more than a month.  The equipment is stored, the awards are handed out and the coaches and players are looking forward to next year and no longer back on last year.  At least, that's how it is here at Groves.  Off-season strength and speed training is in full swing, and hopefully athletes are either playing a winter sport or working towards their spring sport.  So, what can we do to make better defensive linemen now? 

For one, be flexible and encourage participation in other sports.  We don't want athletes burnt out or turned off from this great game.  We want them to love playing football and it should be something they always look back fondly upon.  That said, they better be accountable and accounted for.  We make sure every athlete in the program is somewhere from January to June.  If they're in season for another sport, great!  If not, well then they better be coming to team workouts.  For our D-Linemen, even those in season for another sport, it is vital they continue to strength train.  The position requires power, which cannot be developed without first increasing an athlete's absolute strength.  We focus on the power development in the summer, which means from January to June the athlete must work at adding strength in the weightroom.  If an athlete is in-season for another sport, you need to have conversations with those coaches about getting the DL into the weightroom 2-3 times per week and develop a plan specific for that athlete.  For these athletes, you'll have to be creative and meet his needs in various ways.  But, the more you can get him with the group of DL, the better.

Find ways to incorporate competition into training.  The most important movement patterns for defensive linemen are squats and presses.  Think about it, at the snap what movements are you asking your DL to complete?  He needs to fire out of his stance and use his quadriceps to explode into his gap, then engage his hands onto a target and press the target off him while controlling his gap.  In other words, squat and press.  A coaching cue I use during DL drills is "bench press him off you".  It helps connect what we do in the weightroom to the field.  So, here's where you can bring in competition.  On upper body days, have DL challenge others for rep-offs of fail sets.  On lower days, incorporate a sled drive competition or a pause squat challenge.  I would avoid back squats to failure for safety, but you can work goblet or front squats for reps.  Be creative!  This is a great opportunity to take a younger athlete, say an upcoming junior, and match him up against a senior-to-be and test his metal.  It can really pay off in August when that junior knows he can hang with the upper-classman.  Tire flips and axe swings are also great competition opportunities.

Find ways to teach and rep technique in the weightroom or otherwise.  In Michigan, we do not have spring football.  Thus, there's no need to prepare our athletes for full practices in May.  On the other hand, we don't have the ability to practice in earnest until August.  So, one way to help keep your athletes sharp and improve position-specific skills is to incorporate technique work into workouts or group training sessions.  This also allows for an opportunity for upperclassmen to teach the younger athletes, which is a win-win.  One thing we do 1-2 times weekly is have the DL work mirror drills between sets/stations.  This allows stance and key read work, which they can never do enough of!  We also work hand placement drills and get offs depending on the flavor of the day/week.  No pads, no equipment, just old fashioned foot and hand placement work.  90% mental, and takes very little time or energy to fit into a workout session.  I highly encourage you to find time for these.

Film work.  I go back and forth on this one.  How much?  How often?  What is useful to watch?  A few years ago I had 4 returning starters, so in February we began bi-weekly meetings where each senior-to-be led a 15 minute meeting on the nuances of his position, which included film cut-ups the athlete put together himself.  This was great, as it allowed the athletes to own the meeting and the younger DL learned a bunch.  The following year, I had exactly one DL returning with any varsity experience.  Obviously, the above method wasn't going to work.  I had to run and teach meetings myself, and here's where the line between being necessary and an over-burden can become blurred.  As coaches, we want to teach every nuance possible and cram as much into a meeting as possible.  But, a 16 year old sitting in a film session in February when he's taken zero reps as a varsity athlete isn't always fully interested or invested in that process.  He doesn't get it yet. I'm always teetering back and forth on this point.  How frequent should we meet?  What is valuable to spend time on?  What will just have to be retaught in summer/fall anyway?  These are all things to consider before scheduling those mandatory film sessions.  What is a MUST, though, is it make sure you show cut-ups from last season of GREAT technique from your group and sit down at some point in the off-season to watch it as a group.  You can save the "improvement clips" for down the road, but showing guys how it's supposed to be done re-energizes them for the next workout.  Trust me.

Camps and combines.  Yes, and yes.  Allow your athletes to go.  They'll come back with some new technique or drill they learned and push you to run it.  And, while you may have to "uncoach" something they learned at one of these deals, the experience they get of competing and testing their metal against guys from other places is worth it in my opinion.  We've had a slew of Division 1 OL in our area lately, and when our DL can get a chance to compete against these guys it's always a bonus. Another option you have is to organize and run your own camp.  I've thought of doing this for a long time, and maybe will do it someday.  We do run OL/DL camps during the summer as part of our normal training (who doesn't?), but a nice winter/spring technique camp could be a good program builder. I'll let you know if we ever move forward and do one.

Last, and most important, is to use the winter to begin building leadership skills in your athletes.  There are tons of materials out there on leadership, and every coach has his own methods.  I'm not going to go into all that here (maybe a future blog post?), but I'll say that NOW is the time you forge those leadership skills.  If you wait until August, it's too late! Find a way, or try something new this off season, to get your DL into leadership roles and counsel them on how to handle the responsibilities.  Simply placing a kid in charge of his peers or in charge of a task is not teaching him leadership.  You must teach him how to lead, how to handle situations and mange people.  If you do nothing other than lift weights and teach leadership skills this offseason, you'll already be further along than most of your opponents!

#4and1 #KAI20