How to Rush the Quarterback

Every successful defense is able to put pressure on the quarterback. Sacks can end drives and end seasons. There are four basic techniques that a defender can use to rush the quarterback. If a defender can master these techniques, he will be successful at getting to the quarterback.

Instructions

1. Force your way in. The bull rush is the easiest technique to learn, but it requires a great deal of strength and leverage. To use the bull rush to rush the quarterback you simply put your hands right under the shoulder pads of the blocker, lift him up and push him backwards. For this technique to be successful you will have to either be more powerful than the blocker or get lower and maintain better leverage.

2. Rip your way past your blocker. The rip move is an effective way to slide past a blocker. Step across the blocker's body, your left foot across to his left foot or right foot to right foot, and swing the arm that corresponds with the foot you stepped with up violently underneath the blocker's armpit. This move will allow you to get leverage and slide by the blocker.

3. Swim into the backfield. The swim move is a dangerous way to rush the quarterback because it forces you to rise up higher than the blocker. However, it is probably the easiest way to get past a blocker if done correctly. To swim past a blocker grab his shoulder with one arm and pull his body down. Next, swim overtop of him with your other arm so that your body crosses over past him on the side where you grabbed his shoulder.

4. Spin your way to the quarterback. The spin move is a great way for quicker defenders to get around a blocker. Use a rip move to drive the blocker in one direction. Once his momentum is carrying him plant your outside foot and spin back the other direction using the back of your arm to shield him off from you. If done too slowly the blocker will be able to push you wherever he wants to when your back is turned to him, but when executed properly nothing makes a blocker look worse as you rush the quarterback.

5. Swat at the ball. If you are near the quarterback, but cannot grab on to him take a swing at the ball. A fumble is better than a sack, especially if you recover the ball.

6. Get your hands up. No matter how good you are at rushing the passer, you will not get to him every time. If you are being blocked watch the quarterback and get your arms up when you see him preparing to pass. A batted ball can be even better than a sack if it results in an interception.

Tips & Warnings

• These techniques can be very effective when used in tandem with each other. Using the same technique over and over will only help the blocker know what he has to do to stop you. By mixing these techniques you can keep the blocker off balance and get a great rush on the quarterback.