Chutes

Chutes aren't just for offensive linemen. Defensive linemen need to learn to stay low off the snap as well. Start
inside the chute and progressively work to line up behind the chute. First 3-5 steps should be full speed through the
chutes. Repeated drills with left/right foot first.

Bag Drills
Running over or in and out of ground bags/dummies is an integral part of being a defensive lineman. He will need to
train his feet to go over and around offensive bodies who are chop blocking and other techniques. Typical bag drills
include high knees, lateral shuffle and in and outs. Players hands should be up to fight off defender and eyes need to
always be at the coach.

Hand Combat
Hand fighting is a skill that all defensive linemen must learn.In this drill, two players stand across from each other at
no more than arm's length. The "offensive" player repeatedly attempts to strike the defenders chest with his hands.
The defensive player must react quickly to keep his opponent's hands away using arm/hand blocks, one hand wipe
offs, double hand wipe offs, tomahawk chops, etc. At no time during the drill should either player move his feet.

Recovery
Again, players pair up, playing the roles of offense and defense. The offensive player takes a firm grasp on the
breastplate of the defender's shoulder pads with his helmet set slightly to one side. On the whistle, the defensive
player must fight across the face of the offensive lineman. The offensive player will use force to run in the same
direction as his head.

Breaking Double-Team Blocks

Two techniques can defeat the dreaded double-team block. The object of a double-team drill is to learn how to split
the block, or, at worst, avoid being driven back into the linebackers. Two offensive linemen try to block a single
defender by stepping together and creating a solid wall.
The first option is to split the double team. The defender needs to be quick, turning his shoulders perpendicular to the
line of scrimmage, driving a leg between the two players and placing his foot on the turf behind the heels of the
offensive linemenall while staying as low as possible so he can squeeze between the hips of his two opponents.
If a defender is unable to split it, the second option is to take both linemen to the ground, creating a pile that plugs the
gap in the line and eliminates two blockers. The defensive lineman must attempt to drive his knee into the ground
directly beneath the blocking linemen while holding on to both players. If successful, the defender will end up lying on
his side with one lineman in front of him and the other on top.

One-on-One Pass Rush Drill

Five defensive linemen line up across from five offensive linemen, preferably in the positions they normally play.
Standing behind his unit, the offensive line coach selects a specific defender to rush, while the defensive line coach
stands behind his unit and indicates the snap count. On the snap, all five defenders take two steps at full speed, as if
they are rushing, but only the selected player continues rushing. He must find a way to reach the quarterback in less
than four seconds using any technique he chooses (DL coach must have taught pass rush techniques
beforehand...swim, rip, spin, bull, etc. )After four seconds the whistle blows, indicating a thrown pass, and the
defensive lineman must halt his rush and sprint back down the field as if pursuing the ball.

Block Recognition Drill

Three offensive linemen face off against a single defender who must recognize and react to the different blocks they
attempt to use against himpass blocks, double-team blocks, down blocks, zone blocks, and trap blocks, among
others. Defensive player should align on the end most (rt or lt) offensive lineman. In this defensive lineman drill,
players use the skills theyve learned from the other drills to defeat the blocks. Some coaches require players to shout
out the style of block they are facing. Others prefer their players to focus on beating the offense.

Daily O-Line Drills

OL must be the most physical and consistent players on the field. Play in and play out, these five or six/seven must
set the tone for each play. Every day should have some type of physical challenge. Start each day with chute work
without defenders. Base steps on the 6" principle. Only step six inches at a time to corral power and stay low. Two
styles of blocking - hands or shoulder/forearm - the OL coach must be able to teach both. First step the hands come
to the hips, second step the hand shoot out making contact with defender's body.
First drill is right foot first, drive (straight ahead); Next is left foot first. After, boom right then boom left. Make sure
hands are shooting each time. Next roc right/left - make sure OL is stepping playside but pushing inside. Finally,
work pulls from inside the chute.
OL drills must be fast and furious. Little time should be spent talking by the coach. If players loathe the drills, the
coach is doing the right thing.
Hammer practice should involve driving out of chutes against heavy dummies. OL must hit low and keep low hip and
drive dummies. If dummy falls over, it was not done correctly. Wall drill is also a great drill when done with half line.
One side must boom everywhere. Use more than 11 people to create chaos for the OL. OL must know that the DL
will use any means necessary to stop the play. OL and the OL coach must be able to recognize this and know
combatant skills against. OL must teach effective chop/cut techniques. Aim for inside knee joint. If players don't
practice it, they won't do it in game.

RB Drills
Running backs have three purposes in the Wing T.
1. Block for other backs
2. Carry the ball for a minimum of 4 yards per play. Even if the OL does not do right, the back must get four
yards each play. This includes ball handling (not fumbling), agility (cutting), and
3. Carry out play fakes without looking back at play.
Notice the first purpose of a Wing T back. The backs must know what each block means, and where to go. Failure
to block will guarantee the back won't tote the rock. For blocking drills, see the OL coach. All players in wing t are
eventual blockers and with the exception of the chop block, use the same principles.

WR Drills
Wide receivers in the wing t are often overlooked. Tight ends and wing backs usually garner more attention in this
offense because of the deception as well as closeness of plays. Wide receivers are important, but not as well used
as in the spread. The main focus of the wing t WR is to block, either man on (stalk) or crack, but usually downfield
shielding a safety from the running back. The WR still has to know how to run routes, catch a ball, and run after
catching it. Some think WR's are simply the players who can't do anything else. This is false. More often than not,
WR's are extra RB's or other athletes who want the team to win. WR's need to work daily on stalk/mirror blocking;
sustaining the block for up to six seconds. Defenders should not be able to get around receiver. WR's should also
practice precise route runs - doing them so frequently, their feet know where to go. Balls are even needed as no

passes are thrown in route runs. The coach needs to ensure they know their steps. Receptions can be practiced
later in practice or during QB/WR/Skill periods against a defense.

Change of Direction
Ground dummies should be used and LB's should run drills that involve backpedalling, shuffling, and sprinting; stay
on toes, eyes always at QB/coach; learn to trust feet

Hand Shiver
The LB must be an effective hand player; has to be able to deliver a strike into all players - OL - RB - WR. Strikes
need to be with force. In this drill, use your 5 or 7 man sled. LB will begin at end chopping feet. On whistle, he
shuffles right or left and each time he faces a dummy, he explodes out of hips and delivers a two hand strike to
dummy. Sled should at least bounce or move. Slapping does not constitute a strike. Do left and right, or mix it up by
LB following ball movement by coach. At last dummy, LB should use rip technique to get by and rush QB.

Scrape/ISO
Use technique of keeping outside arm free and taking on ISO or blocking back/trap but delivering forearm blow with
inside arm on ISO plays. LB has to recognize types of OL block combos and know when he will be isolated. In order
to combat the ISO, the LB must be headed downhill as he sees the blocker coming at him. Waiting on the heels is
prohibited.

Strike and Deliver

Coach should use heavy bag and ball. LB will be in stance and eye coach. LB will follow ball flow moving laterally or
back. When coach puts ball to ear to show a pass, LB will plant and sprint to coach where a heavy dummy will be.
LB will lower shoulder and hips and deliver a full speed hit with shoulder, simultaneously lifting dummy up and
sprinting a minimum of 5 yards. Dummies that hit the ground do not count as a rep.

Backpedal Break
This drill will help DB learn which way to open hips as well as backpedalling skills. DB eyes QB/coach. As coach
turns body to pass to right or left, DB opens that hip and continues backpedalling on angle. When coach brings ball
to hip, DB plants and sprints past coach.