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Alex Means, Air Force, D-Line Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: D-Line Block Destruction

DEFENSIVE LINE STRIKE TECHNIQUE AND COACHING PROGRESSION

This transcript covers a comprehensive coaching system for teaching defensive linemen proper striking technique, emphasizing the fundamental principle of "elbows in, thumbs up, knuckles out" to create an unbreakable lever against offensive linemen.

FUNDAMENTAL STRIKE MECHANICS

The core technique focuses on maintaining elbows tight to the body, thumbs pointing up, and knuckles facing outward. This positioning creates a locked lever that prevents offensive linemen from breaking the defender's arm structure. When knuckles are up instead of out, it gives the offensive player a leverage point to exploit, similar to trying to one-arm bench press 350 pounds.

TARGETING AND HAND PLACEMENT

Proper targeting involves the inside hand striking the V of the neck area while the outside hand targets the tip of the shoulder pad. This positioning controls half the offensive player's body and creates knockback. The coaching emphasizes punching through the chest toward the spine rather than simply hitting the chest surface, creating what's called a "bobblehead" effect where the offensive lineman loses body control.

DRILL PROGRESSION SYSTEM

The training begins with rapid-fire drills from a six-point stance (on knees) using sleds, pop-ups, or wall pads. Players perform three rapid strikes as quickly as possible, emphasizing speed before power. The progression then moves to six-point layout drills for power development, followed by three-point stance work that better simulates game conditions.

ADVANCED TRAINING METHODS

A newer drill incorporates medicine balls (14-20 pounds) thrown to players from six-point stances, providing a smaller, moving target that improves accuracy and hand placement. The trajectory of the ball after contact reveals whether hands were properly positioned above the eyes. Adding angle footwork to these drills creates game-like movement patterns.

CORRECTIVE TECHNIQUES

For players struggling with proper elbow positioning, the system uses resistance bands around the wrists and elbows, forcing players to maintain tight hand placement during all drills. This method quickly corrects the common problem of wide, ineffective strikes.

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