Coach Tom Bass brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to USA Football. Along with answering youth coaching questions, he also receives emails from young players. You can email the coach at NFLAskTheCoach@aol.com.
Kyle sent the following question:
I'm a 12th grade defensive end/defensive tackle. What is the best pass rush move when trying to get to the quarterback very quickly and efficiently? My favorite moves so far are the rip when charging inside and the spin move is also my other favorite. Are these quality pass rushing moves to use? Also, how do I alter my three-point stance for better jump off the snap?
Hi Kyle,
I like the rip move and the spin is good as long as you do it while making ground to the quarterback and do not lose ground on your spin. I always wanted my defensive ends to work on a speed rush, where they practiced running up the field to the outside as fast as they can to get to the target area - the QB.
We wanted to do this as a no-move rush and asked our DEs to see if they could run past the OT to the QB. Practicing this type of rush also forces you to emphasize getting off the ball, coming off low and hard and sprinting to the QB.
This speed rush will often force the OT to cross his legs, something you should try to make him do, as he drops to stop your rush and you can use an inside club (your forearm to his inside shoulder) and go back to the inside to the QB in a game.
On passing downs, our DEs would adjust their stance by narrowing their stance, placing their inside foot up in front of their hips and reaching out in front of their shoulder pads with their down hand. This puts your weight on the front foot and down hand and forces you to attack across the line on the snap and not come up into the air.
Try adjusting your stance and see if you do not find that you are getting across the line of scrimmage much quicker when the ball is snapped.
On any passing down or alignment by the offense, try to picture in your mind, prior to the snap, the exact pass rush technique you are going to use to pressure the quarterback. This gives you real focus on what you are attempting to do during the play.
Coach Tom Bass
Gardy sent the following question:
Is it a good idea for me to think that I should try to take someone else's spot at wide receiver instead of only playing at my usual corner spot?
Hi Gardy,
If you are happy and are getting to play as a corner then you may not want to give up the position to move to the other side of the ball. Of course there is nothing to stop you from playing on both offense and defense, but you want to pick the spot that gives you the greatest opportunity to start.
Your coach will give you the best advice and he will know better than anyone else what is best for the team. One thing to remember, if you want to go on and play in college, it is harder for college coaches to find good corner prospects than it is to find wide receivers. So corners are often a priority for college recruiters.
You should realize that since I coached on defense as a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, it is hard for me to imagine that anyone who can play corner would want to move over to offense.
Coach Tom Bass
Matt sent the following question:
I will be signing up for football in my second year of high school. Will it be harder for me because the other guys have been there for a year? Will they even give me a shot?
Hi Matt,
In the beginning it may be a greater challenge for you because the other players will have experience, will understand the terminology, know the drills and have a basis of understanding of the offense and defense.
With hard work you should quickly catch up and become comfortable with what is being taught. As you develop and the other players see that you can contribute to the team's success, you will be welcomed.
During the first part of practice, try to make it a habit to listen to everything your coach says even when the coach is talking to another player. By doing this, you can benefit from the other players' mistakes and not repeat them when you get your opportunity to perform in the drill.
Try to stay positive and recognize that it will take time for you to learn and be accepted onto the team.
Coach Tom Bass
Darren sent the following question:
I'm a 6-foot-2, 160-pound freshman with a 4.5 40 time and great hands. My coach says I have a lot of potential at WR, but I won't start on varsity unless I know how to block. It seems that whenever I try to block a cornerback, he jukes me out and sometimes he will just keep moving his shoulders until I commit to one side and then go the other way. Do you have some tips on how I can be a better run blocker at the WR position?
Hi Darren,
One of the first things you need to understand is where the ball carrier is going to run the ball and then position yourself directly in between the defensive man and the ball carrier.
You may find that that you will need to get into a good hitting position, shorten your stride, widen your feet, keep your hips over your feet and have your back straight and head up as you near the defensive player.
Bring both of your elbows into your side and have your hands open with the palms facing forward and located in front of and even with your chest.
Your goal should be to make the defensive player go through you to make the tackle. Let him declare and do not lunge out so that he can fake you out of position. Always step with the foot on the side of the direction of his movement and never cross your feet.
Aim for his numbers and punch out with the hand on the side of his movement. Once you make contact and stop his movement, shuffle your feet and get back into a hitting position ready to react to his next move.
Try to think about screening the defensive player away from the ball carrier and stay with him until you hear the whistle. Blocking is about 50 percent desire and 50 percent technique, so make certain you work on both areas.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found on http://www.coachbass.com/.
