When a youngster starts playing organized football, coaches have to decide whether he is more suited to playing offense or defense. A certain aggressive streak will help coaches push a play toward playing on the defensive end. Once that decision is made, players have to use that aggressiveness and combine it with the skills needed to stop an opponent in his tracks.
Develop Tackling Technique
Defensive players have to know how to tackle well. You can't grab players, reach for players or try to deliver a knockout blow with your shoulder. The latter hit may end up as highlight-film play, but you are more likely to miss the tackle. Instead, you must drive your shoulder into your opponent's midsection and wrap him up by putting your dominant arm around his hips and securing your opponent. Keep your feet moving and drive the player you are tackling to the ground.
Proper Positioning
You have to put yourself in a position to make plays to stop the defense. This requires film study to know who your opponent's most dangerous players are. If you are a linebacker and your opponent has a speedy running back, you may want to position yourself a full yard back of where you normally stand so you can make a big tackle and the running back won't get by you. If you are a defensive back going up against a game-breaking wide receiver, giving him a step or two may allow you to prevent the deep pass.
Read The Quarterback's Eyes
If you are a linebacker or defensive back in pass coverage, make sure you look back at the quarterback to see where he is going to throw the ball. If he is coming in your direction, you will be able to look at his body language and his eyes to potentially determine where the ball will go when it leaves his hand. At that point you can break on the ball, and you will have the potential to come up with an interception. This extra move will allow you to help your team win games that otherwise might have been losses.
Pressure The Quarterback
When you are a solid defensive lineman, you will need to pressure the quarterback and harass him when he sets up in the pocket to throw the ball. if you can do this, you can keep him from stepping up into the pocket and making accurate throws. Pressuring the quarterback will take away his preferred passing angle, and it will give you the chance to sack him, force his throw off target, deflect his pass or force a fumble. These are all game-changing plays that can lead to a victory.
References
- "Inside the Helmet"; Peter King; 1993
- Oskie.com: Basic Defensive Schemes
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