As I move forward with these blog postings, I’d like to focus on three “quick” drills you can use to get work on a specific part of the game. This month, I’m including three drills I use with my ILBs to work on rushing the passer – a skill which is frequently overlooked in ILB play.
HIP HOP/FLIP FLOP
When we teach our kids pass rush skills, we teach them to never rush a “full” man. We always want them rushing an “edge”. If they’re attempting to rush one edge, and the blocker works back to “square”, I want them to work to the opposite edge. By virtue of this strategy, we’re often able to get a blocker to overcompensate (over-set) and allow us to beat him back to the opposite edge. The first skill we need to develop in order to effectively rush an edge is to get a good, fluid flip of the hips. Additionally, we need to be able to quickly flip our hips back to alter our rush.
I work this drill with two pop ups. The pop ups are placed in a line, approximately two yards apart. The ILB will approach the first pop up, and quickly flip/ “close” his hips. Typically (at least initially), I’ll direct them to use a club/rip move on the pop up. After executing the move against the first pop up, the player will get his hips back to square while maintaining progress toward the second pop up. He will then repeat the movement, this time flipping his hips opposite of where he flipped initially. I must see them effectively execute a flip and pass rush move to each side for the the drill to be a success.
*I usually have the LB begin his rush from depth, as that is typically the situation he is in during a game.
**I like to have a “QB” at the end of the drill so that A) the LB has an aiming point and B) the LB is thinking about “finishing” his pass rush.
HEDGE BLITZ PASS RUSH
The next drill I like to use combines elements of timing up our blitzes, as well as our pass rush principles. We frequently do this drill with our RBs.
I’ll line up five cones to simulate the offensive line, and our gaps. For us, there are no rush lanes. There are simply Front Shoulder Rushers, and Back Shoulder Rushers. Once the pass occurs, these are the sole responsibilities. Almost 100% of the time, our ILBs are Front Shoulder Rushers because they are usually blitzing an interior gap.
The LB will align at his usual depth. I’ll issue a cadence, and the LB will approach the line of scrimmage and hit his assignment at the snap. If we do not have the RBs with us, there will be a LB with a shield simulating the blocker. Depending on his gap assignment, the blitzing LB will rush the front shoulder of the QB or the back shoulder. You can also have the QB move in the pocket to make sure the rusher maintains discipline in his rush assignment.
FINISH DRILL
One of the issues I’ve run into over the years is getting guys to finish once they’ve “beaten” their blocker. Too often, guys will get to the hip of the blocker, and rather than accelerate and finish, they put on the brakes and end up letting the offensive player re-establish himself. This drill is meant to do the “dirty work” for the LB, and get him to focus on finishing and getting to the QB.
We set up a blocker, with a hand shield, and have the LB lean into him. They are positioned in a manner where the LB is just about hip to hip with the blocker. I really want the two players leaning into each other heavily. On “go”, the blocker will try to ride the rusher outside to allow the QB to step up. Conversely, on “go”, the LB will accelerate, bend, clear his hands, and beat the block. The emphasis is on FINISHING. More than anything else, I want to see him really accelerate his feet and bend to the QB.
Hopefully, something in this blog – whether it’s a drill, a term, or a piece of something else – can help you and your program.
As always, I love getting feedback. I can be reached at wrussel1@norwich.edu.