How to Defend Against the Swim Move in Football

The swim move is a strategy used by defensive linemen when they're trying to rush the passer and get to the football. It is a moderately effective tool, but can be a real threat when performed by someone who has mastered the swim move. There are, however, certain methods to help you defend against the swim effectively.

Things You'll Need

• Quick Feet
• Upper Body Strength
• Fast Reflexes

Instructions

Defending Against the Swim Move

1. Use proper pass-blocking form. Whether a defensive lineman attempts the swim move, a bull rush, the spin move, or any other pass rush technique, proper pass-blocking form will be your first line of defense. Use short, quick steps and short pushes to give you time to determine what move they're trying to use.

2. Attack the ribs. Once you realize that your opponent is attempting a swim move, your first reaction should be to give them a solid blow to the ribs that are exposed when they reach their arm up to "swim" by you. This will slow them down, tempt them to engage you instead of continuing their pass rush, and make them hesitant to try the swim move against you again.

3. Use quick feet to get in front of them. The entire goal of the swim move is to slide by you without really ever engaging you at all. Use your feet to get in front of the pass rusher and the swim move will do them no good.

4. Get lower than the other player. This is the key to defending against the swim move. When the defensive lineman goes for the swim move they'll be forced to stand up, leaving their center of gravity high and making them off-balance. If you can get under them then you'll be able to easily generate the leverage necessary to block them without any trouble.

5. Finish by pushing them to the outside and developing the pocket for your quarterback to step up and deliver their pass.

Tips & Warnings

• If a player keeps using the swim move against you on passing downs, consider chop blocking them instead of using traditional pass blocking. As they stand up for the swim move they'll be extremely vulnerable to the chop block.

• Resist the temptation to hold a player who's getting by you with the swim move. Instead, use your agility and quick feet to put yourself into a better position to block them.