How to Become a Better Defensive End
Defensive end is an important position on the football field that requires a unique mix of speed, strength and agility. Defensive ends must have the strength necessary to battle bigger offensive linemen on running plays, the agility to keep running backs from getting to the outside of the defense and the speed to pressure the quarterback when the offense attempts a pass play. With the proper technique improvements and training, it's possible to become a better defensive end.
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Instructions
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Improve quickness and agility.This can be done by playing sports such as basketball that require athletes to move forward, backward, side to side and change directions quickly. Defensive ends must be quick, and playing other sports that stress lateral movement will help improve fitness. Playing basketball could also help improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time.
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Practice being quick. A quick reaction to the snap can be enough of an advantage to get a defensive end past an offense lineman for a quarterback sack. To practice explosiveness, try five-yard sprints. From your stance, sprint five yards, then repeat while focusing on being quick.
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Lift weights to build strength. Offensive linemen are often bigger than defensive ends and being quick and strong will give you an advantage. Often, working on lower-body strength with squats will yield the best results for becoming a better defensive lineman.
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Get some moves. Blow past an offensive lineman with a swim move or bull rush to get to the quarterback. A swim move can be effective to get past an offensive lineman when rushing to the outside. On a bull rush, keep your pads low and drive to the quarterback.
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Tips & Warnings
Defensive ends should keep their pad level low.
Before beginning a weight lifting routine, particularly for younger players, consult a doctor or trainer.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Flickr User: 37188199@N08
