How to Play Defensive End in Football

Pressuring the passer may be the single biggest factor in determining the winner of most pro football games. It is also critical at the college and high school levels. The defensive end has the primary responsibility for rushing the passer and also must do a solid job against the run. Playing the position well requires athletic talent and technical know-how.

Instructions

1. Understand your responsibilities before you take the field. You need to be able to break down the offensive tackle who is attempting to block you on both running and passing plays. You can do this with your strength, athleticism, speed and intelligence. Overpowering the tackle is probably the least of these options, but there are times you will have to do just that, particularly against the run. If he is bigger and stronger than you are, you must get extremely low in your stance and then hit him under his shoulder pads. This will drive him backwards and up and will allow you be effective when playing the run.

2. Use your speed as a pass rusher. In primary passing situations--2nd down and 7 or more, 3rd down and 5 or more--take your stance one step further to the outside of the field than in non-passing situations. You are trying to get to the quarterback, and in 99 percent of the cases you are quicker and more athletic than the offensive tackle trying to block you. You are trying to make the race just a little bit longer so you can use that speed in your favor. As the ball is snapped, race toward his outside shoulder and try to get your inside shoulder past him. Once you have done that, he will have to turn his feet to try to stop you. At this point, you have won the battle and it's on to the quarterback.

3. Assess the situation as you approach the passer. Is he about to let the ball go? Can you sack him? Can you dislodge the ball from his grip? Do you have a chance to bat down the pass? All these factors must be considered as you approach the quarterback. Ideally, you can sack him or force a fumble. However, if you know that is not possible, and he is an instant away from releasing the ball--and you are still two steps away from hitting him--you must avoid contact or a 15-yard roughing the quarterback call will be made. If you are a step or less away, continue to go through with the play and don't worry about the penalty call.

4. Develop at least two other moves besides the speed rush as described in step 2. Once of those is a spin move. Perhaps the offensive tackle is familiar with your speed rush and he is preparing to stop it by shifting his weight to the outside. At the snap of the ball, run towards his inside shoulder, and as you are about to make contact, do a full 180-degree spin. This will likely confuse him and leave you within two or three steps of an unprotected quarterback. Use a bull rush against a tackle who believes you are a "finesse" player who only uses speed and quickness to get the job done. Blast into the tackle, get both hands under his shoulder pads and attempt to toss him aside. You may not be successful, but you have shown you have an array of moves that you will use throughout the game to pressure the quarterback.

5. Watch as much videotape as possible of your opponent. Not only do you want to know the strengths and weaknesses of the offensive tackle that will be blocking you, but you also want to study the quarterback to see what he does in the moments before releasing the ball. Does he hold it up high or does he keep it at shoulder length? If the answer is the latter, you should have an excellent opportunity to dislodge the ball from his grasp.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop all your moves as a defensive end and do not forget about your responsibilities against the run. Many top pass rushers become one-dimensional players on the field and are only looking to pressure the quarterback. This will weaken their game and their team.