High School Football training guide – Part 3

Posted on Categories Fun

Chris’s Note: I asked ChatGPT to come up with a training program for my son who is starting high school football in the fall. Here’s what it came up with!

Defensive line moves, also known as pass rush moves, are techniques used by defensive linemen to defeat offensive linemen and reach the quarterback or ball carrier. Here is a walkthrough of some common defensive line moves:

Bull Rush:

  • The bull rush is a power move that relies on brute strength and leverage.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman, placing your hands on their chest or shoulder pads.
  • Drive your legs and push the offensive lineman backward, using your momentum to collapse the pocket or reach the ball carrier.

Swim Move:

  • The swim move is a finesse technique that uses speed and agility to get past the offensive lineman.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman, then quickly swipe one of their arms away using your opposite arm.
  • At the same time, bring your other arm over the top of the offensive lineman’s shoulder, mimicking a swim motion.
  • Use your speed to move past the lineman and pursue the quarterback or ball carrier.

Rip Move:

  • The rip move is another finesse technique that uses leverage and body positioning to defeat the offensive lineman.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman and create separation by extending your arms.
  • Choose one side of the lineman to attack, and use your inside arm to “rip” upward and underneath their arm.
  • Use your body leverage and momentum to get past the lineman, keeping your pad level low and driving forward.

Spin Move:

  • The spin move is an agile technique that can catch offensive linemen off-guard.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman and use your momentum to initiate a spin move.
  • Plant your inside foot and pivot around it, spinning your body away from the lineman.
  • As you complete the spin, use your arms to ward off the lineman and create separation.
  • Accelerate towards the quarterback or ball carrier once you have cleared the lineman.

Club Move:

  • The club move is a hand-fighting technique that relies on quick and powerful arm movements.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman, then forcefully “club” one of their arms away using your opposite arm.
  • Use the momentum from the club move to quickly move past the lineman, keeping your pad level low and driving forward.

Hump Move:

  • The hump move, popularized by Reggie White, is a powerful technique that uses the offensive lineman’s momentum against them.
  • Engage with the offensive lineman and bait them into leaning too far in one direction.
  • As they lean, forcefully push their shoulder or upper body in the direction they are leaning with your inside arm.
  • Use the lineman’s momentum to quickly move past them and pursue the quarterback or ball carrier.

By mastering these different defensive line moves, a defensive end can become a more versatile and effective pass rusher. Keep in mind that each player has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to practice and develop a combination of moves that work best for the individual athlete.

This blogpost was created with help from ChatGPT Pro