O Line

Question
I'm a 6'5, 225 Pound Defensive End/Offensive Tackle for my high school and im haveing trouble stoping the bullrush's and when im double teamed i want to know how i can be a better Offensive Tackle  

Answer
Travis -

Thanks for writing.  Well my friend, it is hard to tell exactly what is wrong without seeing you play against the bullrush, but I do have a few ideas you might find to be accurate.  Read the below and see if I hit the mark.  IF not, please follow up and let me know some specifics so I can help you further.

Stopping the bullrush is not an easy thing to do.  There are several reasons lineman have problems with it.  Here are some typical problems. First is raw strength and power.  I see you are 6'5" 225.  Not bad size for a high school lineman.  What is the size of the players rushing you? Are they that much bigger and stronger than you?  That is the first problem I would check.  Bullrushing is a 100% power move. "I will run at him, and physically push him backwards into the pocket."  SO, how to stop that.  Get bigger, stronger, and quicker.  Gain the ability to physically manhandle a rushing D end, and stand him up in place, ending his momentum.

The second is to learn your options of HOW to block the bullrush / techniques to use against the bullrush.  When a player fires off, and is going to bullrush you, you have a few different options and techniques.  The first is to make sure you use your arms properly. A big mistake is to let the defender get up on you chest to chest.  IF he is full speed, and you sit back and "catch" him, he will move you with little problem.  No matter how big and strong you are, you have to slow his momentum before full contact.  When he rushes you, extend your arms so that both of your palms end up right in his chest. I am sure you have done this on the blocking sleds, right? Well, this is what you have been practicing for.  AS he comes in, FIRE those arms out and jack the defender in the chest.  Once contact is made, it turns into a footwork game, a dance.  Dont give ground backwards!  Keep him at arms length, and slide side to side not allowing him to push you backwards.  Another option, depending on your scheme and team / coaches, is to cut block a bullrusher.  When a defender bullrushes, they usually arent paying as much attention to what you will be doing.  They have already decided that they are coming straight ahead 100%.  SO cutting this defender is very helpful.  As he gets in front of you, fire your helmet down into the thigh area, while turning your body partly sideways.  The idea is to knock him off his feet, most of the time falling over you, giving enough time to complete the pass. Remember you cant just lower your head and stand still on a cut block.. Thats a good way to break you neck. Keep your head / facemask up and fire out at the target once you make contact, continue to push and upend the defender.  DO NOT GO FOR A PLAYERS KNEES AN ANY TIME.

AS a Defensive end, when double teamed, its all about that extra effort.  You have to be better than 2 players.  This takes the will to fight through, and the knowledge of the moves that will help you fight through.  Swim moves, spin moves, bullrushes, push and pulls, forearm shivers under and between.  All good techniques.  But do remember something.  Depending on the defensive scheme, when double teamed, it might be your job NOT to get through.  IF you have 2 off linemen on you, that means one of your teammates is probably unaccounted for, open to make the tackle.  That is a positive for a lot of schemes.  Most def linemen are not there to make the tackles. They are there to occupy the o linemen so the LBs can flow freely.

Just keep working hard, learn the numerous techniques you can use, and practice like you play.  I think you will find that things will come to you as you go on.

Best wishes

Coach Perl