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Jeff Phelps, Pass Rush Specialist/DE Coach, Ohio

Watch the full video on Glazier Drive: D-Line Movement & Twist

DRILLS OVERVIEW

This video focuses on D-line movement and twist drills, specifically teaching defensive linemen how to exchange positions and move laterally while maintaining proper technique. The emphasis is on footwork fundamentals and avoiding telegraphing movements to the offense.

STANCE AND FOOTWORK FUNDAMENTALS

The drill starts with two-point stance work to emphasize proper footwork when moving to the outside. Players practice moving their outside foot, which is typically uncomfortable since they don't normally initiate movement with that foot. The key teaching point is maintaining the same stance whether going vertical, inside, or outside - never switching feet or adjusting stagger, as this telegraphs the movement to offensive linemen.

AVOIDING TELLS TO THE OFFENSE

A critical concept covered is that changing stance or foot positioning gives away the defensive movement to offensive line coaches who scout for these tells. If players only use a balanced stance when moving outside, the offense will pick up on this pattern. The goal is to keep the same normal stagger regardless of direction to maintain the element of surprise.

FIRST STEP TECHNIQUE

Heavy emphasis on the first step being quick and short rather than long strides. Players should get their feet hitting the ground quickly to build speed, similar to track running principles. The first step must be precise to reach proper landmarks and hip positions on offensive linemen.

PROGRESSION DRILLS

The video shows progression from basic footwork to using agility bags and hoops for landmark work. Players practice exchanging across formations while maintaining proper spacing and getting vertical through gaps. Drills combine movement with pass rush elements to maximize repetitions in limited time.

BODY POSITIONING AND COLLISION WORK

Players work on proper body positioning when engaging offensive linemen, focusing on getting to the hip of the next defender rather than running straight at them. The redirect after contact is more important than the collision itself, as players need to transition to pursuit if their assigned blocker doesn't show up.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

The drill incorporates towel pickups to work on keeping pads low during exchanges and practicing rip moves. Players must maintain speed while executing the sweeping motion to grab towels, which transitions directly into pass rush rip techniques. The coaching cue is "elbow to ear hole" on the rip move execution.

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