Driving a player back in football, also known as shedding blocks, is a technique used by defensive players to clear a path to the ball carrier or quarterback. By using proper technique and leverage, defensive players can effectively move offensive players backward, creating an advantage for their team.
Driving a player back is an essential skill for defensive linemen and linebackers, as it allows them to disrupt the offense’s blocking schemes and put pressure on the ball carrier or passer. It is also important for defensive backs to be able to drive receivers off the line of scrimmage, preventing them from getting open for passes.
There are several key techniques that defensive players can use to drive a player back. These include:
- Getting a low pad level and driving with the legs
- Using proper leverage to gain an advantage over the offensive player
- Keeping the feet moving and driving through the block
- Using the arms to control the offensive player and prevent them from getting a clean block
Driving a player back is not an easy task, but it is an essential skill for defensive players at all levels. By mastering this technique, defenders can become more effective at stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.
1. Power
Power is an essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players need to be strong enough to generate the force necessary to move an offensive player backward. This can be achieved through weight training and proper nutrition.
There are several ways that power can be used to drive a player back. One way is to use a bull rush. This involves the defensive player charging directly at the offensive player and using their strength to push them backward. Another way to use power is to use a swim move. This involves the defensive player using their arms to swim under the offensive player’s pads and then using their legs to drive them backward.
Power is also important for defensive players to be able to shed blocks. When an offensive player tries to block a defensive player, the defensive player needs to be able to use their power to push the offensive player out of the way. This can be done by using a power move, which involves the defensive player using their arms and legs to push the offensive player backward.
Overall, power is an essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players need to be strong enough to generate the force necessary to move an offensive player backward. This can be achieved through weight training and proper nutrition.
2. Technique
Technique is another essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players need to use the correct techniques to drive a player back. This includes getting a low pad level, using proper leverage, and keeping the feet moving.
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Getting a low pad level
Getting a low pad level is important for driving a player back because it allows the defensive player to get under the offensive player’s pads and use their legs to drive them backward. Defensive players can get a low pad level by bending their knees and hips and keeping their back straight.
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Using proper leverage
Leverage is the ability to use the body’s position to gain an advantage over an opponent. Defensive players can use leverage to drive a player back by getting their body under the offensive player’s pads and using their legs to drive them backward. Defensive players can also use leverage to their advantage by getting their arms around the offensive player’s waist and pulling them backward.
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Keeping the feet moving
Keeping the feet moving is important for driving a player back because it allows the defensive player to maintain their balance and continue to generate force. Defensive players can keep their feet moving by shuffling their feet and driving their legs backward.
Overall, technique is an essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players need to use the correct techniques to get a low pad level, use proper leverage, and keep their feet moving. By using the correct techniques, defensive players can be more effective at driving players back and creating an advantage for their team.
3. Leverage
Leverage is the ability to use the body’s position to gain an advantage over an opponent. It is an essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players can use leverage to get under the offensive player’s pads and use their legs to drive them backward. They can also use leverage to their advantage by getting their arms around the offensive player’s waist and pulling them backward.
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Mechanical advantage
Mechanical advantage is the ability to use a lever to multiply force. In the context of driving a player back in football, defensive players can use their arms and legs as levers to gain a mechanical advantage over the offensive player. This allows them to move the offensive player backward with less effort.
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Body position
Body position is also important for leverage. Defensive players need to get their body in a position where they can use their strength and leverage to their advantage. This means getting a low pad level and keeping their back straight.
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Timing
Timing is also important for leverage. Defensive players need to time their movements so that they can use their leverage to maximum effect. This means driving their legs and arms at the same time and keeping their body in a good position.
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Practice
Practice is essential for developing good leverage. Defensive players need to practice driving players back in order to develop the strength, body position, and timing necessary to be effective.
Overall, leverage is an essential component of driving a player back in football. Defensive players can use leverage to gain an advantage over the offensive player and move them backward with less effort. By developing good leverage, defensive players can be more effective at stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Drive a Player Back in Football
Below are answers to some common questions and misconceptions about driving a player back in football.
Question 1: What is the most important factor in driving a player back in football?
Answer: The most important factor in driving a player back in football is leverage. Leverage allows defensive players to use their body position to gain an advantage over the offensive player and move them backward with less effort.
Question 2: What are some tips for getting good leverage when driving a player back?
Answer: Some tips for getting good leverage when driving a player back include getting a low pad level, keeping your back straight, and timing your movements so that you can use your leverage to maximum effect.
Question 3: What are some common mistakes that defensive players make when trying to drive a player back?
Answer: Some common mistakes that defensive players make when trying to drive a player back include not getting a low enough pad level, not using their legs effectively, and not keeping their feet moving.
Question 4: How can defensive players practice driving players back?
Answer: Defensive players can practice driving players back by doing drills that involve driving a blocking sled or a tackling dummy backward. They can also practice by going against offensive players in live game situations.
Question 5: What are the benefits of being able to drive a player back in football?
Answer: Being able to drive a player back in football can benefit defensive players by allowing them to stop the run, put pressure on the quarterback, and create turnovers.
Question 6: Is it possible to drive a player back who is bigger and stronger than you?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to drive a player back who is bigger and stronger than you by using proper technique and leverage. However, it is important to remember that driving a player back is a team effort, and it is often more effective to work together with other defensive players to move the offensive player backward.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Leverage is the most important factor in driving a player back in football.
- Defensive players can get good leverage by getting a low pad level, keeping their back straight, and timing their movements.
- Common mistakes that defensive players make when trying to drive a player back include not getting a low enough pad level, not using their legs effectively, and not keeping their feet moving.
- Defensive players can practice driving players back by doing drills that involve driving a blocking sled or a tackling dummy backward.
- Being able to drive a player back in football can benefit defensive players by allowing them to stop the run, put pressure on the quarterback, and create turnovers.
- It is possible to drive a player back who is bigger and stronger than you by using proper technique and leverage.
Driving a player back in football is an essential skill for defensive players. By understanding the key factors involved in driving a player back, defensive players can improve their ability to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.
Transition to the next article section:
In the next section, we will discuss the different techniques that defensive players can use to drive a player back.
Tips on How to Drive a Player Back In Football
Driving a player back in football is an essential skill for defensive players. By following these tips, defensive players can improve their ability to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.
Tip 1: Get a low pad level
Getting a low pad level is important for driving a player back because it allows the defensive player to get under the offensive player’s pads and use their legs to drive them backward. Defensive players can get a low pad level by bending their knees and hips and keeping their back straight.
Tip 2: Use proper leverage
Leverage is the ability to use the body’s position to gain an advantage over an opponent. Defensive players can use leverage to drive a player back by getting their body under the offensive player’s pads and using their legs to drive them backward. Defensive players can also use leverage to their advantage by getting their arms around the offensive player’s waist and pulling them backward.
Tip 3: Keep your feet moving
Keeping your feet moving is important for driving a player back because it allows the defensive player to maintain their balance and continue to generate force. Defensive players can keep their feet moving by shuffling their feet and driving their legs backward.
Tip 4: Use your arms
Your arms are powerful tools that can be used to drive a player back. Use your arms to control the offensive player’s body and prevent them from getting a clean block. You can also use your arms to push or pull the offensive player backward.
Tip 5: Practice
Practice is essential for developing the skills necessary to drive a player back. Defensive players should practice driving players back in drills and in live game situations. By practicing, defensive players can improve their technique and become more effective at driving players back.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Get a low pad level.
- Use proper leverage.
- Keep your feet moving.
- Use your arms.
- Practice.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following these tips, defensive players can improve their ability to drive players back and create an advantage for their team.
Conclusion
Driving a player back in football is an essential skill for defensive players. By understanding the key factors involved and practicing the proper techniques, defensive players can improve their ability to stop the run, put pressure on the quarterback, and create turnovers.
In this article, we have explored the different aspects of driving a player back in football, including the importance of power, technique, and leverage. We have also provided tips on how to improve your ability to drive players back. By following these tips, defensive players can become more effective at stopping the run and creating an advantage for their team.
Driving a player back in football is a challenging but rewarding skill. By mastering this technique, defensive players can make a significant impact on the game and help their team win.
