Football has changed since the days when defensive players were selected solely on brute strength and the willingness to collide with offensive players at full speed. Strength and desire are still essential, but the modern defensive game requires skill and technique. Training drills develop the abilities of players at each of the particular positions on the defensive team.
Linemen
Defensive coaches use terms like "explosiveness" and "bull-rush" when teaching linemen techniques for neutralizing blockers. Typical training drills that develop leg strength and hand technique consist of several blocking bags placed at intervals similar to offensive blockers at the line of scrimmage. A defensive lineman sets in a four-point stance across from the first bag. At the whistle, the player launches forward and attacks the bag with both arms extended and hands open, then sidesteps to the next bag and repeats the action. Coaches have defensive linemen perform the drill starting from the right or left and attacking each bag with maximum force.
Linebackers
Playing linebacker requires strength, agility and skill to avoid blockers and tackle a running back who is carrying the football. The point-of-attack drill consists of several blocking bags placed flat in a line to simulate offensive linemen attempting to block the linebacker's legs. Two blocking bags stand upright behind one end of the line as the point of attack for a running play. A third bag stands behind the upright bags to represent a ball carrier. At the whistle, a linebacker must sidestep over each ground bag in a lateral line as he moves from one end of the row toward the point of attack. At the instant the linebacker reaches the point of attack, he takes off forward at full speed and tackles the running back bag. Coaches have linebackers perform the drill in both directions to develop the range of agility needed to play the position.
Defensive Backs
Defensive backs must have a combination of skill, speed and the proper technique to cover receivers' running pass patterns. All football programs use a form of the backpedal-and-break drill to training defensive backs. The drill consists of a defensive back, a receiver, and a quarterback. At the whistle, the defensive back must backpedal and maintain separation from the receiver, who is running straight ahead. The back learns to watch the receiver's belt buckle to avoid falling for deceptive head fakes or stutter steps. The drill teaches defensive backs how to plant one foot and break with the receiver on crossing routes over the middle or sideline patterns. The back learns to turn his head toward the quarterback while running at full speed, locate the football and attempt to intercept the pass or knock it down.
Team Drills
Many coaches conduct team drills that teach and train defensive players how to operate as a unit. Team drills emphasize the use of proper technique and speed when getting to the point of attack on running plays. Linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties train to each of the various pass coverage schemes that a coach plans to use during games. Live drills include tackling running backs and covering receivers on passing plays.
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