Push/Pull Technique

"PUSH/PULL": The best DTs will inevitably grab jersey. Here's why...the push/pull technique is still one of the fundamental lessons a DT can learn when playing against a single block. Let's say I am lined up on the OG. At the snap, he takes a hard step with his outside foot in an effort to reach block me. The thing I really want to do is to make his shoulders turn perpindicular to the LOS, not parallel. Then, after I have made contact and have jersey, I push with my outside hand and pull with my inside hand. Effectively, this turns him perpindicular to the line and eliminates his blocking power.

This is a pretty advanced technique, but I have seen some average DTs in HS become very good using push/pull. The problem is that the great DTs have so much ability that they don't learn it until later in life, if at all.

VS. "CUT" BLOCK: the DLM covering the blocker who cuts grabs hold of the blocker who is cutting (whether the cut is on HIM or not). Alternative: = "Play the Piano" (shuffle laterally with fingertips near the ground & push the cut blocker down). Cut blockers usually pull for at least 3 steps (or 2-3 holes over) before "throwing" which gives you time to read it!

WILLIE,

I, PERSONALLY, AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE "SPRAWL" TECHNIQUE, BUT IT DOESN'T SOUND PRACTICAL TIME WISE TO BE MUCH OF A TECHNIQUE. JUST MY OPINION AS ALWAYS.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

Push pull- Keep play side arm locked out while driving back side elbow to front side knee to get him turned.

When first teaching this start the player on both knees so he only focuses on the upper body movements.