Teaching The Most Effective Defensive Line Move

As a defensive lineman, the ability to create separation, getting away from your blocker and freeing you up to attack the ball, is crucial to success. One of the most effective moves is the sled punch, an explosion push with your thumbs at 11 and 1 o’clock, aiming right underneath the shoulder pad.

Sled Punch

When first teaching your players the push, have them start down on both knees, with their head up against the sled, now on your command, they’ll explode with their hands upward, extending up off the ground and using their entire body.

Once they’re comfortable with that, have them attempt the same move, but on just one knee, and once they’re comfortable with that, have them start out of the 3 point stance, executing the same move.

Triangle Drill

Next we like to put them in a drill thats going to build toughness, and endurance. Have three players line up in front of the defensive lineman participating in the drill. They’ll all have blocking pads, raised high and strong.

Now on your command, the defensive lineman is going to begin pumping his feet, up and down as fast as he can, down low in athletic stance. The bags will have been designated 1-3 from left to right, and whenever you as the coach yell out a number, the player has to immediately explode and perform a sled punch on the corresponding bag.

Once your defensive lineman have got the basic punch down, you might want to show them some more advanced defense line moves – or perhaps your concern is more for how to improve the other side of the trenches. Either way, make sure to leave any questions or comments below!