length of 1st step

Coach,
When we teach our d-line to read we do not talk about how big the first step is. We talk about exploding off the ball getting into your man first. We do a drill where our d-line steps and jumps to their belly. We do this so our kids know that them impact of the hit will keep them on their feet. When we slant we take a 6 inch step... we work very hard on our first step when we slant.
Hope that helps
PGOLLA

As an O line coach last year, I taught my players that contact was to be initiated after their second step, or preferably, immediately after the third step. The O Line used a 6 inch step set step, an attack step, and a leverage step (all this is from Dave Christensen's O line book). This allows the O line to get into a blocking relationship with footwork and establish the proper angle to get the fit for the block. It seems to me that by taking a 6 inch step with the back foot, you are giving the O lineman extra time to get his feet into position. I would prefer the D line attack off the first step, but remain in balance, i.e., not lunge at the O line, but establish hands and position ASAP on the snap of the ball. It would seem to me that the six inch step puts you at a little bit of a disadvantage.