A defensive end plays on the defensive line and has two major responsibilities. The first is to stop the run. When an opponent runs the football, the defensive end must shed the blocker, locate the ball carrier and tackle the runner. Even more importantly, the defensive end must pressure the opposing quarterback in the passing game. The ability to force fumbles, deflect passes and sack the quarterback at key moments is often the difference between winning and losing.
Making the Play
Step 1
Recognize the formation the offense is using and come to a decision before the snap of the ball about whether your opponent is going to run or pass the ball. You will not get this right all of the time, but a good defensive end can tell by down, distance and formation what will happen most of the time. Knowing that your opponent will run the ball means the opposing offensive tackle in front of you will likely attempt to block you out of the way. On a pass play, he will pull back and attempt to keep you away from the quarterback by forming a pocket with the rest of the offensive linemen.
Step 2
Get low when your opponent tries to block for the runner. The key to run blocking is getting lower than the man he is blocking. As he attempts to get leverage, you can counter that by going under his block, standing him up and ruining the strategy on the play. Once you can stand up the blocker, you can grab hold of him and force him out of the way, locate the ball carrier and tackle him.
Step 3
Speed rush the offensive tackle in an attempt to get around him and sack the quarterback. Defensive ends are usually far more athletic and much faster than offensive tackles. By timing your burst to the snap of the ball you should be able to take two steps before the offensive lineman has backpedaled and started to form a pocket. Attempting to race past the offensive tackle is known as the speed rush.
Step 4
Knife through the space between the offensive tackle and the offensive guard to put pressure up the middle on the quarterback. More often than not, defensive ends will use their athleticism to win the battle against the blocker. However, you have to change the pace and change your strategy. When you sense the offensive tackle is looking for your speed move to the outside, fool him by going to the inside.
Step 5
Force a fumble when you come from the quarterback's blindside. If you are a right defensive end and your opponent has a right-handed quarterback, you will be coming from his backside as he surveys the field and prepares to throw to a receiver. While you always want to tackle him for a loss, you might be able to force a fumble by taking a swipe with your hand at the passer's arm or the ball. This can force a turnover and cause a momentum change in the game.
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