Defensive Line Play in the 3-5

With the creation and popularization of the 3-5 Defense and all of its blitzing packages, it is important to understand that the game is still won up front.  Throughout this post, I will be discussing the fundamentals to positive defensive line play out of the 3-5 Defense.  There are three consistent essentials that all 3-5 defensive coaches emphasize.  They are:

1.  Get off the block-  Defensive linemen must be able to use their athleticism and aggressiveness to get off the O-Line's block.  

2.  Pursue the ball-  Defensive linemen in the 3-5 must be RELENTLESS.  They must have a great motor, always running to the football.

3.  Perfect Tackling-  Defensive linemen in the 3-5 must have perfect tackling technique.  When they do come through gaps and/or down the line on a pursuit, the linemen must be able to tackle that RB/QB.  

With these three essentials in place, 3-5-3 defensive line coaches stress perfect fundamentals.  The fundamentals of a 3-5 DL are the following:

1.  Proper Alignment-  DL must know where to line up in each call

2.  Proper Stance-  DL must know slant stance and run/pass rush stances

3.  Proper Steps-  While slanting and moving, it is important for the DL to take the proper steps to get themselves in the perfect place.  

With all 6 of these teachings in place, Defensive Lineman work themselves into the proper position to be successful.

Here are a couple of drills to continue to improve defensive line play in the 3-5.

Slanting Drill
This drill is designed to work with the defensive linemen through repetition and focusing on proper footwork.  The coach stands in front of the three linemen, and calls out the defense/blitz/line stunt.  He then proceeds to call out a cadence and moving the ball when he is ready.  This helps teach the D-linemen to move when the ball is snapped.

Coaching points:
     -  Watch footwork and make sure DL is stepping with proper foot.
     -  Check for flat back and explosiveness out of stance

     -  Use get off techniques (club/rip) on snap of the ball

Pursuit Drill

The pursuit drill goes hand in hand with the 3 essentials of the d-line, and allows players to drill pursuit over and over.  On the snap of the ball, the player will slant to their gap and get their eyes up on the coach.  The coach points in a direction and the player redirects themselves, pursuing after the ball carrier down the LOS.  This is a hustle drill, so make sure the use a lot of excitement in the drill!

Coaching points:  

     -  Watch footwork and make sure DL is stepping with proper foot.

     -  Make sure players eyes are up, looking for the ball carrier

     -  Play aggressive and transition to the ball carrier 

These are the basics of 3-5-5 defensive linemen.  The most important thing is to get these linemen to play fast and aggressive, so that the 6 key essentials comes shining through their play!

Happy belated 235th birthday America!  Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!

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