Shoring Up the Edge: Contain Drills for Dominant Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers
Contain Drills are essential for developing lockdown defensive ends and outside linebackers. These drills focus on mastering proper technique to contain the outside edge of the run play, preventing ball carriers from breaking free for significant gains. By incorporating cones, a designated blocker, and a ball carrier simulating sweeps, this drill scenario allows linemen to refine their skills in a controlled environment that translates well to game situations.
Purpose
- Mastering Outside Contain: The drill emphasizes understanding and executing the proper technique for containing the outside edge of the run play. This involves forcing the ball carrier to run wide and preventing any cuts back upfield.
- Building Confidence: Successful completion of the drill builds confidence in defensive ends and outside linebackers. They learn to trust their technique, read the play quickly, and effectively contain the edge.
Description
Drill Setup
- Offensive Line Simulation: Mark an offensive line using cones or a linemen-split marker. This visual aid helps the defensive player understand the offensive formation and their proper alignment.
- Offensive Personnel: Position a designated player as the “offensive last man on the line” (LMOL), typically a tackle or tight end. In the backfield, position another player as the “ball carrier” (running back or wide receiver) who will simulate a sweep play.
- Defensive Player Positioning: Place the defensive end or outside linebacker in their appropriate alignment for containing the edge.
Drill Execution
- Backfield Run: On the coach’s command, the ball carrier in the backfield sprints parallel to the line of scrimmage (LOS) towards the contain player’s side. Their objective is to simulate a sweep play and only turn upfield after reaching a designated point outside the contain player.
- LMOL Block: The offensive LMOL attempts to block the contain player inside, trying to open a running lane for the ball carrier.
- Contain Player Reaction: The defensive end or outside linebacker focuses on reading the play and maintaining outside leverage. They should not allow the blocker to push them inside, effectively “shucking” the block and forcing the ball carrier to run wider.
- Pursuit and Control: Once the contain player successfully forces the ball carrier outside, they should maintain a low center of gravity and pursue the ball carrier with quick, choppy steps. The drill emphasizes staying outside the ball carrier and preventing any cuts back upfield.
Coaching Points
- Penetrating the Block: Emphasize the importance of the defensive player first getting past the blocker and into the backfield. This allows them to disrupt the play and effectively contain the edge.
- Outside Shoulder and Leg: Continuously remind players to keep their outside shoulder and leg back when engaging the blocker. This maintains leverage and prevents the blocker from pushing them inside.
- Reading the Play: Coach the defensive player to be alert and read the development of the play. While initially focusing on forcing the ball carrier wide, they should be prepared to adjust and pursue if the play changes direction.
- Contain vs. Cutback: Stress the importance of staying outside the ball carrier for as long as possible. It’s preferable to give up some ground initially than allow the ball carrier to get to the outside and cut upfield unimpeded and gain significant yardage.
Equipment
- Football
- Cones (or Linemen-split marker)
Contain Drills are a valuable addition to any defensive line training program. By refining their technique, reading plays effectively, and maintaining outside leverage, defensive ends and outside linebackers become a formidable force on the edge and shutting down outside runs.
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