Bridge the Gap: Close Drill for Explosive and Technically Sound Pass Rushers
The Close Drill is a cornerstone for developing elite pass rushers. This drill hones in on two critical aspects of a successful pass rush: explosive movement off the snap and proper body positioning while closing the distance to the offensive lineman. By simulating a live pass rush scenario with a moving target, linemen learn to react quickly, maintain a low center of gravity, and execute their pass rush technique effectively to reach the simulated quarterback. This drill requires only one football, making it a convenient and versatile tool for any defensive line training program.
Purpose
- Explosive Get-Off: The core objective of the drill is to train defensive linemen to explode off the line of scrimmage at the snap. This quick first step disrupts the timing of the offensive lineman’s blocking scheme and allows the pass rusher to gain an immediate advantage.
- Body Control and Leverage: The drill emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper body positioning (low center of gravity, good body lean) while closing the distance to the blocker. This allows linemen to maintain leverage and prevent the blocker from pushing them off course.
- Setting Up the Pass Rush Move: By forcing the defensive lineman to close the distance quickly, the drill encourages them to set up their pass rush move effectively. This could involve a swim move, rip technique, or club/cross-chop depending on the situation and the lineman’s preference.
Description
Drill Setup
- Partner Up: Divide defensive linemen into pairs. One player will act as the defensive lineman (pass rusher), while the other acts as the offensive lineman (blocker).
- Stance and Alignment: The defensive lineman assumes a proper pass rush stance at the line of scrimmage (LOS). The offensive lineman aligns off the defensive lineman, approximately 3-4 yards back from the LOS.
- Simulated Snap: The coach simulates the snap of the football by either clapping their hands, blowing a whistle, or verbally calling out “Snap!”
Drill Execution
- Offense Backpedals: On the simulated snap cue, the offensive lineman shuffles straight back, attempting to evade the defensive lineman while maintaining proper blocking position.
- Explosive Close and Technique: The defensive lineman explodes off the line of scrimmage with a powerful first step, focusing on closing the distance to the offensive lineman quickly. As they close the gap, they must maintain good body lean and keep their eyes on the blocker. Upon reaching the offensive lineman’s effective blocking zone, the defensive lineman executes a pre-determined pass rush technique (e.g., swim move) to bypass the block and reach the simulated quarterback (marked by a cone or coach’s hand).
- Repeat and Switch: The drill continues for a designated number of repetitions (typically 3-5 reps). Players then switch roles, allowing both players to experience both sides of the drill.
Coaching Points
- Fast Feet, Don’t Fly: Emphasize the importance of quick, choppy steps with good footwork. Explosive movement doesn’t equate to launching off the line of scrimmage. Linemen should strive for a controlled explosiveness, maintaining a low center of gravity throughout the drill.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Continuously remind defensive linemen to keep their eyes focused on the blocker’s chest or belt buckle. This allows them to track the blocker’s movements and react accordingly.
- Hands Up and Active: Stress the importance of keeping hands up and active throughout the drill. This disrupts the blocker’s hand placement and prevents them from effectively engaging the defensive lineman.
- Set Up the Move: As the defensive lineman closes the distance, encourage them to identify the appropriate pass rush move based on the blocker’s positioning and movements. This could involve a swim move to the outside shoulder, a rip technique to disengage inside, or a club/cross-chop to control and redirect the blocker.
- Finish the Drill: After successfully executing the pass rush move and reaching the simulated quarterback, remind linemen to finish the play by swatting the ball down (if appropriate) or pursuing the quarterback as if it were a live game situation.
- Challenge the Rusher: For more advanced players, the coach can challenge the defensive lineman by varying the offensive lineman’s backpedal technique. This could involve a straight backpedal, a lateral shuffle, or a set back with an attempted reach block. This forces the defensive lineman to adapt their approach and demonstrate their ability to react to different blocking schemes.
Equipment
- Football (for simulating snap)
The Close Drill is a valuable tool for any defensive line training program. By focusing on explosive get-off, proper body positioning, and setting up the pass rush move, this drill helps develop well-rounded pass rushers who can consistently disrupt the offensive line and create pressure on the quarterback.
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