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Position Index - Blitzing

July 5, 2006

Ed Reed

Ed Reed

Photo by Jamie Squire
Getty Images

Anytime a defensive back comes on a blitz, he must realize that the other defensive backs are forced into single coverage. So it is imperative that the blitzer gets to the quarterback as quickly as possible.

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For information on Coach Bass' In-Depth Coaching Clinics, please visit Coach Bass' Clinics and Consultations.

Blitzing

Winning Points:

  • When tackling, bend at knees, not waist; keep back straight; head up; eyes focused on ball carrier's numbers. Remember to make contract with shoulder pad and not helmet.
  • Shorten stride and do not cross legs before contact on tackle; explode up and through ball carrier; do not let ball carrier turn up field; never use helmet as contact point.
  • Defensive back with run force responsibility keys on tight end. To force run, charge two yards across line of scrimmage, three yards outside tight end; take on lead blockers with inside arm and shoulder; keep outside arm free.

Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.

For a personalized autographed copy of "Play Football the NFL Way," plus information on Coach Bass Sport Maps--the new Official NFL Licensed Football Guides to watching, enjoying and understanding all the action on the field, for all fans--please visit www.CoachBass.com.

In some defenses, the cornerbacks and safeties occasionally are used to rush the passer. When defensive backs are called upon to blitz, they always must keep four points in mind:

  1. Get off on the snap of the ball.
  2. Come through the proper pre-designated rush lane.
  3. Know and understand which offensive players can block you and be in position to avoid those blockers on your way to the quarterback.
  4. Be prepared to obstruct the pass if the quarterback throws in your direction.

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