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Chuka Ndulue, Asst D-Line Coach, Los Angeles Chargers

Full video in Glazier Drive:  D-Line Block Destruction Fundamentals & Drills

DEFENSIVE LINE HAND TECHNIQUE DRILLS

This coaching video breaks down three fundamental defensive line drills focused on developing proper hand technique, extension, and hip explosion.

HAND SPEED DRILL

This drill trains quick-twitch muscles to get hands from the ground to the offensive lineman as fast as possible. Players start in a six-point stance (toes, knees, and fingertips touching the ground) and repeatedly strike from ground to target. The focus is purely on speed, not full extension. Key coaching points include:

• Keep elbows tight to your body framework
• Avoid letting hands drift wide, which exposes your chest
• Target hand placement at "10 and 2" - right in the armpits (pit to pit)
• Maintain thumbs up position throughout the movement

SIX-POINT LOCKOUT DRILL

This drill emphasizes achieving full extension and maximum separation from the offensive lineman. Players work on fully locking out their elbows while maintaining proper form. The coach stresses that length is critical - longer arms make it easier to keep offensive linemen at bay and shed blocks to make plays. Key points:

• Achieve full elbow extension
• Keep thumbs up and elbows tight (not flaring out)
• After striking, grab and control the opponent - don't just strike with open hands
• Proper hand placement in the pit area provides more "meat" to push on compared to grabbing jersey at the shoulders

SIX-POINT EXPLOSION DRILL

This drill incorporates hip explosion with hand placement, teaching players to come out of their hips while maintaining extension. The coach recommends using a ball and stick to train players to react to movement rather than sound. This drill addresses a common problem: high pad level. The solution is proper hand placement:

• Hands must be in the armpits AND above your eyes = low pad level
• Hands in armpits but below your eyes = standing too upright
• For players struggling with hip explosion, use the cue "pinch a penny with your butt cheeks" when striking

The coach emphasizes that hand placement is the key to fixing high pad level issues, not just running through shoots or other pad level drills.

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