Head Up Technique

When you play headup you take your helmet and face mask and smash them right in the face. Once you have had a major collision with the blocker. Create seperation and read his hat. Playing dline to me is about playing three different techniques either you are outside a man, head up on a man, or inside a man. We only play two of these outside a man and head up on a man. ONly our nose guard plays head up. Give me an email and maybe I can be of help. mbkfootball@yahoo.com

Mad Warrior:

Tepper's same foot, same shoulder technique is primarily designed for use by Linebackers taking on a blocker who is underway. What base defense do you run? Where do you align? If you are concerned about getting reached, one thing the DL can do is foot adjust (change his shade). He puts his inside foot on the outside foot of the blocker. Also, inexperienced DL need to start out a little further off the ball. I am not clear on the step sequence you teach your D-linemen. One concept has the D-lineman with his inside foot back and inside hand down. You step with the inside foot and move the inside part of your body into the shade and never get turned out. Right handed kids don't like this but, by beginning with a 4-point stance, they can adapt.

I think RushLB49 is on to it when he wonders about leverage/hand placement. Where are you teaching your linemen to attack the blocker? Most coaches agree that we should attack half a man. For the DL, I tell them, "It's all about the hands!" We have all heard that inside hands win. They have to get to the upper pecs, thumbs up, grab cloth and lock out. I like a good forearm shiver that stands the blocker up. And, MBKcoach is right on with the hands & hat triangle.

I'm hope there are some real good DL coaches who may help with your question.

Coach Mad Warrior:

It sounds to me like your analysis is on the right track. I can empathize with you, as regards the size issue. For years, I coached one of the smallest schools in the state and we had no size. I am puzzled when you said your guys' jab step put them in a bad leverage situation vs. a base block. I assume this is a 6" jab step upfield. The jab step is important for take-off and quickness in attacking the OL. However, don't over-focus on the 1st step. See how quickly your players get the second step down. This is a power step. It is important that the defenders get their second step down very quickly as they drive their hands/forearm to the breastplate. Also, it's important if they are using a block avoidance technique. If they are striking while the foot of step #2 is in the air, they will get turned/washed out/driven back.

My suggestion is to try and disguise everything you do, in order to get proper angles and leverage. Stem (move) from one alignment to another at the last ("Set" call by QB) moment. Use games with your DE and DT and NG twisting, slanting, angling, etc. Teach your guys about formations (if you don't already) and what to expect from the way an offense lines up. Then you can allow your players to make gap adjustments/exchanges.

I believe in showing a team multiple looks. Don't line up the same way twice in a row. Get your backers moving into/out of gaps, have OL slide to the correct call side after aligning one gap or over one man, walk up your safeties, flex your nose off the LOS 1 1/2-2 yards, even have a kid stand up occasionally. These are some examples of what will cause confusion for the blockers and QB. They won't know what to expect and that gives your kids an advantage.

If I guess right and by the nature of your players, you guys have to do more to put your players in situations that will enable them to succeed. You have to study, inquire, experiment, etc. more than your opponents - just to give your team a better chance to win. Put the pressure on the offense you face.

Try the AFCA website and look in their 2000 proceedings for the Joe Lee Dunn article on multiple pressure defense. It should prove useful.

Best of luck to you.