How to Play Defensive Line Positions in Football

A football team is only as good as its defense. Some of the biggest and toughest on the team, defensive linemen stop the opposing team from scoring and from moving the ball on the field. The defense, made up of 11 players, plays when the opposing team has the ball. The players on the line of scrimmage are the defensive line. Positions on the defensive line include tackles and ends.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pressure the quarterback into incomplete passes when playing an end position. Run past the offensive tackles to intimidate the quarterback. Prevent any opposing players from running around your football teams’ defense. Play at the end of the defensive line as either a right or left end linesman. Consider playing an end position if you are tall, strong and fast.

2. Defend your turf when playing a tackle position. Block the hole in the line and stop the running back from moving the ball. Push your way to the quarterback when he gets the ball. If you cannot simply push the offensive tackles out of the way, do your best to keep them busy. Work out and be aggressive to be a tackle because size matters.

3. Specialize as a nose tackle in the defensive line. Go nose-to-nose with the opposing team’s center. Fight off attacks by the opposing team’s center and guards under traditional football offense. Focus solely on the opposing team’s center if your linemen have the opposing guards covered. Develop your nose guard skills if you have size and agility.

4. Learn traditional defensive line formations to understand a defensive linebacker's job in each football game. Generally, a linebacker is there to back up the line and stop the opposing team from moving the ball and scoring a touchdown. If three linemen play on the line of scrimmage, four linebackers play behind them. If four linemen play on the line of scrimmage, three linebackers play behind them. In a 3-4 formation, the two ends and a nose tackle protect the line. In a 4-3 formation, both tackles and both ends stop any attempt at running the ball by the opposing team.

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[Texczich]

on 3/31/2008 Step 1 should include: "In passing situation, pressure QB or sack him for a loss."
Step 2: Add to "Push your way to the QB when he gets the ball": "And pursue QB in passing situation." Add to "...do your best to keep them busy...": "...or spin off of block and pursue."
Step 3: "Specialize as a nose tackle" is better written "Specialize as a nose guard." Add to "Fight off attacks by the opposing team's center and guards...": "when double- or triple-teamed."