THE TECHNIQUES

The technique I think David is referring to is a term used to

describe where defensive linemen align in respect to the
offensive line. the 'techniques' ("tech" for short) are as
follows (in order going from center to outside, not
numerical):

0 tech: head up on the center

1 tech: inside shoulder of guard
2 tech: head up on guard
3 tech: outside shoulder of guard
4 tech: head up on tackle
5 tech: outside shoulder of tackle
7 tech: inside shoulder of TE
6 tech: head up on TE
9 tech: outside shoulder of TE
8 tech: out in space past TE's alignment

2i, 4i, 6i. These techniques are for playing the inside
shoulder of the guard, tackle, and end, respectively.

The reason the numbers aren't in order going to the outside

is because all 'head-up' alignments are EVEN numbers. All
shade alignments are ODD numbers.
Obviously if the DE is in a 9 tech by rule, if there's no tight
end, he'd slide down to a 5 tech.
The most common example of this terminology is the
increasingly used term "3-tech" for the DT that lines up in
the B gap. This is being used more and more, calling the two
DT's a NT and a "3-tech"

The terms are used on offense to help teach offensive

linemen where to make their sets or where their blocking
assignments are. On defensive its obviously used to teach
where the defensive linemen should line up depending on
formation, motion etc.

Gaps in the Offensive Line

When they say he is using a 3 technique, they are talking

about the specify alignment and responsibilities of that
lineman.

In a 3 technique the defensive lineman is align in an outside

shade of the offensive lineman. He is responsible for
maintaining outside leverage and not letting himself get
hook or reached blocked.

Here is a list of some of the techniques used by the linemen;

A (zero technique) would mean a nose tackle aligned nose-

to-nose with a center.

(1 technique) the defensive lineman is line up in the middle

of the A gap.

(2 technique) defensive lineman is nose-to-nose with the

offensive guard.

(3 technique) defensive lineman is line up in the middle of

the B gap or outside shade of the guard. He is responsible
for maintaining outside leverage and not letting himself get
hook or reached blocked by the offense.

(4 technique) defensive lineman is line up nose-to-nose with

the offensive tackle.

(5 technique) meant that the defensive lineman had his

nose on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle.

(6 technique) was nose-to-nose with the offensive tight end.

(7 technique) meant the defensive lineman had his nose on

the inside shoulder of the offensive tight end.

(8 technique) meant that the defensive lineman was aligned

on air outside the outside shoulder of the offensive tight
end.

(9 technique) meant that the defensive lineman has his nose

on the outside shoulder of the offensive tight end.

(10 technique) definition same as 1 technique only at

linebacker depth.

(20 technique) definition same as 2 technique only at

linebacker.

(30 technique) definition same as 3 technique only at

linebacker.

(40 technique) definition same as 4 technique only at

linebacker.
(50 technique) definition same as 5 technique only at
linebacker depth.

(60 technique) definition same as 6 technique only at

linebacker depth.

(70 technique) definition same as 7 technique only at

linebacker depth.

(80 technique) definition same as 8 technique only at

linebacker depth.

(90 technique) definition same as 9 technique only at

linebacker depth.

Defensive Line Play Versus the Pass

The major part of any defensive lineman's job on game day

in the National Football League is pass rushing. As a rule,
the professional defensive lineman will face pass protection
schemes on more snaps from center than all of the other run
blocking schemes combined. In reality, regardless of the
competitive level at which he plays, a defensive lineman
should never be surprised by a pass read. He must
anticipate that he will have to be a pass rusher on every
snap. He should play the pass and react to the run. In order
to play the pass, a defensive lineman should constantly be
aware of the coaching points for the numerous pass rush
techniques. For example, a defensive lineman should
address the following guidelines involving his role as a pass
rusher.

* Have a plan. An effective pass rusher predetermines his

move. Pre-snap planning the move increases the quickness
factor of the move.
* Maintain a consistent stance. Prior to the snap of the ball,
a defensive lineman should crowd the ball and take a good
stance, but he shouldn't tip his stance and alert the
offensive lineman as to where he is going or what move he
is going to make.

* Pass rush from a shade alignment. A defensive lineman

should align in an inside or outside shade. Such an
alignment enables a defensive lineman to attack only half
the man (his opponent). Forcing an offensive lineman to
commit to one side is of ten the initial step in making a good
move. A shade alignment not only allows the defensive
lineman to get his hat in the crack and penetrate, it forces
an offensive lineman to commit to one side.

* Recognize the pass blocker's set. The depth of the

quarterbacks drop is a factor that determines the type of
pass rushing technique that is most effective in a particular
situation. For example, a short quarterback drop mandates
that the defensive lineman execute a quicker pass rush
move (e.g., grab and rip)

* Keep in mind the precept "same hand, same foot." The

primary key to finishing all pass rushing moves (e.g., slaps,
swims, rips, etc.) is to have the defensive lineman adhere to
the "same hand, same foot" precept. Whenever a move is
finished, the defensive lineman should use the same foot as
his primary hand to finish the move. For example, when
punching his right hand over to perform a swim technique,
the defensive lineman should swing his right foot across to
gain upfield position on the blocker.
* Use his hands with sharp movements. A pass rusher
should visualize his hands as those of a martial arts master.
Accordingly, he should use his hands in sharp movements to
stun and jerk the offensive lineman. The defender's hands
should be wielding a razor, not a sledgehammer.

* Use a counter move when caught (i.e., when your original

move did not work). A defensive lineman should have a
counter move to every base pass rushing move. For
example, the counter move for the rip is the re-rip or swim.

* Spin or club the blocker when being carried past the

quarterback. A pass rusher should never "give up" on his
pass rush and allow himself to be carried past the
quarterback.

* Keep his weight and momentum going forward. Above all

else, a pass rusher should keep his feet moving and avoid
dancing.

* Know the quarterback. The best pass rushers familiarize

themselves with a particular quarterback's escape
mechanisms. As such, a defensive lineman should use film
study (to the extent possible, depending on the specific
resources available) to identify the opposing quarterback's
escape moves.

* Run through the sack. A pass rusher shouldn't jump or

leave his feet to sack the quarterback. He should run
through the sack and land on the quarterback, using the
quarterback's body to cushion his fall.

The pass rushing ability of a defensive lineman is enhanced

by his practice of the proper get off technique. Getting off on
the snap with a big step enables a defensive lineman to gain
a jump on up field penetration. All factors considered, drop
back pass protection is normally easily recognized by a
defender who reads on the run. As the defender replaces his
up-hand with his back foot in taking a big step, he reads the
screws of the offensive lineman's headgear. If the screws
pop up and the offensive lineman shows a "high hat," the
defensive lineman should read drop back pass. An offensive
lineman showing a high hat should face a defensive lineman
who gets his hat in the crack and attacks the pass rush lane.
Since an attacking read-on-the-run lineman focuses on his
get off and on gaining penetration on every snap, he should
never be surprised by a high hat read. He must maintain the
mentality of a pass rusher on every down.

Essentials of Defensive Line Play

Whether the emphasis is on reading, penetrating or blitzing,

the defensive player is taught sound, basic defensive
fundamentals. These are namely a good stance, a strong
attack - or effective neutralizing blow, an escape technique,
and a persistent pursuit angle.
The Baltimore Ravens believe in the following five essentials
of good defensive line play:

1. Stance Somewhat Neutral

2. Attack Defensive Disposition
3. Neutralize Control
4. Escape Quickness Strength
5. Pursuit Get Your Shot

Regardless of what type of defense we may use, we will

always emphasize five cardinal points.

Breakdown of the essentials of good defensive line play vs.

The Running Game:

1. Stance - the proper body position and weight distribution

a lineman must have to enable him to make quick powerful
movements in any direction with ease.

2. Attack - a players ability to meet the charge of the

blocker in good fundamental position.

3. Neutralize - the defensive blow delivered to stop an

opponents charge in order to maintain control.

4. Escape - the ability with which you control and/or shed

the blocker.

5. Pursuit - the proper path and effort made in intercepting

the ball carrier.

Principles of rushing the passer

1. A pass defense is only as good as its pass rush

2. The ability to apply devastative power to blockers, to get
them out of control and to throw them aside is essential to a
good pass rush.
3. Only second efforts will do the job
4. At last instant, raise arms high and force passer to throw
out of well
5. Get reputation for being hard throw over knock at least
one pass down per game.

Basic fundamentals
Regardless of the technique you use, there are basic
fundamentals that are vital in order to be effective:

1. Anticipation of a pass determined by field position and

down and distance.
2. Immediate pass recognition predicated on offensive
movement.
3. Quickness and decisiveness on your initial move.
4. Coordination of the hands, feet and head movements.
5. Try to pin the blocker down quickly and free yourself to
get to the passer (exception: shoulder drive).
6. Keeping your momentum towards the passer without lost
motion. We must get penetration into the throwing zone and
force the passer to move from the pocket divert his
attention.
7. Keeping your shoulder forward of the feet to prevent
blocker from getting under you.
8. Keep your eyes on the passer while your hands, head and
feet get you there.
9. If you have not reached the passer, get the hands up as
he starts to throw to block the ball, force elevation of throw
or make him pull it down.
10. Once the ball is thrown, sprint in direction of throw to
block for an interception return; in case of short pass, get in
on a clean up tackle or recover a fumble.
11. If you are blocked out of your lane, stop and work back
through your lane.

Note: Working on strengthening the hands and arms daily.

This will make you more effective with your hand grabs,
swipes, pulls, and throws. Whatever your physical traits may
be mental toughness, pride and desire to excel have no
peers.

Techniques of pass blocking

1. Rider:

Blocking uses the rushers reactions and momentum to keep

him out of the pocket. He relies on his balance,
maneuverability and use of his hands to ward off hand
grabs. He is most susceptible to the shoulder and quick
drive, with a counter move off of each.

2. Pop & recoil:

This technique is used to stop the overpowering type player.
It is an aggressive head block from the numbers up under
the chin and recoiling back to position for a follow up, pop,
cut or ride. He is susceptible to the pull and swipe.
Quickness in getting by this type blocker before he can
regain his recoil position is important.

3. Set & cut:

Generally employed by shorter players often used on short
passes and as a change of pace for the overpowering type
rusher and arm swiper. The use of the hands in pulling this
blocker aside or head faking with a pull is effective. A rusher
should jump or limp-leg this blocker occasionally. Always
strive to get one leg over the cut block to insure maximum
recoverability.

4. Aggressive:
This is a butt block used on play action passes. The fake of a
run to disguise the pass holds the defender momentarily;
however, the blocker generally is over extended and easily
pulled or thrown off balance.

5. Quick action:
An aggressive head block through the groin designed to tie
up the legs and keep the hands down on short passes. This
technique is susceptible to quick pull or jumping over
blocker.

Pass rush techniques

1. Shoulder drive:

Strong surge over outside shoulder of offensive lineman. It

is designed to defeat the rider type blocker that lacks
strength or sets inside too much. This is an all-out assault to
whip your man physically, and must your first technique
because it sets your man for all other escape moves.

1. No head fakes, pull or throw, but simply a Power thrust at

the point where the QB sets up.

2. Force the blocker back into the QB.

3. Once you have been successful you have forced the

blocker to commit his strength to stop you. He is ready for
the fake shoulder drive and throw off-shoulder, arm and
hand swipe.

4. It is vital that the inside shoulder is forward and under

the blocker and hold your leverage and momentum
throughout the drive.

2. Quick drive:
This is the speed escape designed to outrun the blocker that
sets inside too much, has slow footwork or crosses over to
engage the rusher. Should also be used when QB does not
step back into the pocket to give blocker advantage.

1. It is to your advantage to widen your position slightly or

drive directly upfield to avoid immediate contact with
blocker. You are sprinting to a point and attempting to
defeat your opponents poor footwork and quickness. The
ideal time to exploit this is on an inside blitz.

2. Jerk blocker towards l.o.s. simultaneously stepping away

from him on the side you intend to escape.

3. A quick head fake inside your initial move is often

effective.

3. Counter
This move is opposite the throw. You are faking a rush and
pulling the blocker that sets towards you or to l.o.s. it is
good against pop and recoil type, aggressive control or one
who gets his head down and his weight committed forward.

1. Fake an inside or out rush with a strong hand grab n the

shoulder pads good head fake important.

2. Jerk blocker towards l.o.s simultaneously stepping away

form him on side you intend to escape.

4. Swim
Charge the blockers outside and grand pull his shoulders
with your outside hand. Simultaneously with this pull, reach
over his shoulder with your inside arm and catapult yourself
free from his block in the direction of the passer.

1. An inside head fake is a good combination as it is an even

more effective technique if the blocker is leading away form
your move.

2. Along with the reaching technique, the rusher should

combine a quick thrust.