How To React To The Offensive Guard (iM Defensive Tackle)?

Question

im on junior varsity, this is my first year and

im assigned to play left defensive tackle. I have ALOT OF questions. please no insults at how i should join something eles. just please answer my questions. i will respect you very much because you took the time to read my questions and answer them.

i understand if its a trap then once i get through the line, i turn and face right and be ready to take on the right offensive guard coming for me am i right? if not please tell me what im suppose to do.

and if i get double teamed, all i basically have to do is to stay low and try my best to get through. am i right? please tell me if im wrong and tell me what im suppose to do. and if you have any techniques that will take care of double team please tell me.

i understand that if the play is a pass, all i have to do is to get through the offensive line and get to the quarterback am i right? and by doing that i can do the swim or rip right?

and i need to know what a guard pull, cut off, and a reach block is please tell me one by one what i am suppose to do.

i understand my responsibilty is to get the offensive guard to go backwards and fill in the gaps to make sure the running backs dont get through am i right?

also there are times when coach have me line up againts the center, what play and when would i do that? and is 4-3 is when there are 4 linemen and 3 linebacker and 3-4 would be the oppisite?

and am i suppose to know if the guard or the center is going to take me on or am i suppose to be prepared for whatever happens? and are there any hints that can help me tell whose going to get me? if it was strongside left (my left) and the tight end is on the left, who is more likely to get me the offensive guard or the center? or can they do a double team if they wanted to? and what if its strongside right (my right)? tight end was on the other side, is the offensive tackle going to get me?

Answer 1

calm down this is all answerable.  I played both DT and OT which is helpful because you have to think in both mindsets.  first talk to your coaches most of these issues are dependant on the scheme you play.  even if coach rides you for asking its much better to know and get it right.

recognition and penetration are the keys to your position.  you are there to take on blocks not make plays but make them when you can!  if they are running a trap or pull most schemes would have you taking on the guy pulling.  they will let you through so u get killed by the trap blocker so yes know he's coming and take him on.  if hes pulling towards you the run is coming your way to so you want to absorb the block and if possible make a play on the back or his lead blocker this making it easier for your LB.  take on the block then go for the ball!

double teams are tricky and get used to them! again it depends on your scheme but you should be eating up blockers, making htem bput bodies on you so others are free to make tackles.  if you get double teamed simply fight it.... stay low and continue to drive.  if they are passing continue to penatrate and break down the pocket.  if they are running and your drawing the double just dont let them get you moving backwards "put on skates"... hold hte point of attack and make both blockers stya on you if you get into the hole their play is sunk and they are putting two on you so you dont get to that hole.  my coaches told me that if i was getting beaten on a double team stay low and worst case you fall down and two of their linemen fall on top and block up their own hole (the full back if your lucky and that 3 guys you took out...your mike will buy u steak dinners if you take out 3) as far as technique drive the legs and dont go backwards down is better

on pass plays get to the qb and collapse the pocket.... you need to know if your d is blitzing sometimes you will simply be blocking for a linebacker as if you were blocking for him and he was the rb.  mostly you collapse that pocket and good things will happen the qb will step into you even.  careful not to get too far upfield he may scramble.....watch out for draw plays and screens usually a straight shot  at the qb means the ball is designed to go somewhere else!  you can swim or rip also bull rush which is simply out muscleing him get your hands free seperation is key (thats what the swim does frees your hands)

if they are reach blocking usually that means your are getting blocked by a guy not directly across from you  ie the tackle or center will come and their oline will push your d line in one direction and force you out of certain gaps.  they will basically let you go into one gap draw you in so they can go to another with the ball. stop their sideways movement and dont go where they want you. it you can bull them bac they will stack up and stop their own hole.  a guard pull is when there guard moves away to block (like a trap sometimes he goes outside for a sweep sometimes to any other hole) dont worry about the guard unles syou have calls to tell yours mates hes pulling.  the way he pulls is where the ball is going 90% of the times find the football and get there.  i dont know what you mean by cut off.... a cut block is when they dive at your legs cuting you down (they dive their head at your nuts and cut out your feet) this one is easy push off...jump over but mostly get your hands up its likely a quick pass and they want your hands down

4-3 is 4 line 3 backers and 3-4 is four linebackers and 3 lineman.  if your playing over the center in a 3-4 and your the inside lineman you are the NT or nose tackle (though some 4-3 have a NT)  your jump is even simplier in theory.  As NT you eat up the middle.  same as DT only your expected to make fewer plays. just penatrate and recognize get in those holes.  since there are more linebackers those guys will be able to make the tackles just dont let them get blocked

your responsibility is to push that guard back and keep the linebackers free first. if that runnerback or qb is in sight get them.  hustle help your De and be on every play. in the nfl DL makes lots of pass play tackles because htey hustle as far as your responsibility it will vary.  in its simpliest yes you want to "out block" the OL and fill holes.  but this can lead to trouble some DT are 1 gap responsible for one whole while others are 2 gap or 3 technique.... there are many schemes.  in most highschool your job is to stay straight up penatrate move him back and SEPERATE you want to drive him back initailly but then you want to get you hands free to tackle.

you arent guarding any offensive players you are helping your LB make plays.  usually the guy across from you will take you if not it will be the tackle (mostly on the strongside since the tight end can block the end)  the center will sometime usually only on double teams otherwise the center wants to block a LB.  most inexperience lineman will be l

Answer 2

If your getting doubled teamed try your best to occupy the two offensive lineman.  If you do so there willl be at least one linebacker open to make the tackle, especially if hes blitzing.  A pulling guard is where he runs down the line to lead block for the tailback.  Dont worry as ,uch about what the offensive lineman is doing as what your doing.  If your in a 4-3 your responsible for a gap.  if your nose in a 3-4 then your responsible for both A gaps. Thats all you have to worry about.  If your taller than most i would suggest a swim and if your shorter or just really strong i would suggest a rip.

Answer 3

Too many questions. Ask your Coach, that is part of his job.

I'm not being mean. You obviously want to learn, it's HIS job to teach you.

I was a Left Guard on Offense, and a Right Tackle on Defense. In other words, I learned how to play against myself. Our Coaches were not very sophisticated, they kept things very basic.

As an Offensive Guard, I'd learn my blocking assignments. I'd open holes for our backs, or keep pass-rushers off our QB. I took pride in doing my "job".

As a Defensive Tackle, I was taught different techniques to disrupt my opponent's blocking scheme. My specialty was getting through, or past the line, find the ball, stop the RB, or sack the QB. This was usually more fun. Sometimes, I'd just keep beating on the Guard, play after play, rips, gut shots, anything to make him mad. That would get him thinking of ME instead of his responsibility. Then, once he was "set-up", I'd use my speed & quickness, shoot the gap between he & the Center(on an obvious passing play), sack the QB, laughing all the way to the ground. Then, I'd tell the QB his Guard was an idiot.

Enjoy playing the game. Ask the Coach & LISTEN to the answer. Find a player with more experience than you, get him to help teach you too.

Answer 4

if there is a trap do NOT turn ur shoulders to the guy about to hit you, that puts a bullseye right on you and it gives the pulling lineman a bigger space to hit, when they are coming at you, you can stay low and try to fight them off or hit them back, or you can try to shuck them aside by taking a quick step back and using ur hands to push him aside.

If you get double teamed, the thing you want to do is to make a pile, the defnesive linemans job isnt to make tackles, its to make the linebackers look good and give them the ability to make the tackle, since they are the best tacklers on the team usually, create a pile and cause havoc at the line of scimmage as soon as you feel 2 people pushing on you.

On pass rush you are correct, pin your ears back and rush to the quarterback.

If the guard pulls try to hit him but stay at home to make sure nothing bounces back your way.

And yes you want to control the gaps depending on what your defense runs, make sure to use your hands and fight through the persons head, go through the offensive linemans head and fight to where he is trying to block you.

You have the 4-3, 3-4 correct.

You never know what the lineman are gonna do unless you pick up on their stances sometimes lineman lineup different depending on what they are doing, the might tilt a little to a side, or if they are going to pass the o-lineman might be a little more relaxed. And you never know which lineman will pick you up on the play, if a man crosses your face hit him, and slow him up to the linebackers and look to where other blockers may be approaching. if no one blocks you expect a trap.

Answer 5

Everybody is telling you good stuff. The only thing I would suggest slightly different is, if you realize you are getting double teamed, head for the ground with one hand down making your shoulders turn between the blockers like a fighter jet in a barrel roll. As soon you can get your shoulders through, put down the other hand and try to run or crab forward. This will make it easier for you to get between them, easier to take out their legs and make a pile and easier for you to land in the backfield.

And if no body blocks you, hunker down with your shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage. If you turn inward to take on the trap, you will do this one time. Either you will learn never to do it again, or you will wear your head on backwards forever.

You asked about the cut off and reach block. That may be important for you to realize as you get older. But the most simple thing for now is, if somebody is blocking you, they should be trying to get between you and the ball. If they block you on your right shoulder, the ball is likely going to your right, and vice versa. Try to get where they don't want you to go. But you have to know, that will not always be the case. Sometimes your blocker will make a mistake, and sometimes they will try to influence you to react a certain way.

But if you and your DT partners want to help each other and the team, get good penetration on your first step quickly. No matter what's going on, if you can be quicker off the ball than the O-line, you will have a better chance to stop the offense.

Answer 6

You basically have the right ideas and understanding of whats going on. But, maybe I can add to whats been said here -

first, let me just say you must have a ton of stamina to wade thru everything that has been offered so far.

I will do my best not to be repetitive -

1) Trap situation:

The coach has taught you to face in and take on the crack block from the guard. This is a safe thing to do.

The mechanics work like this - most guards LOVE this play because they get to pile drive someone. BUT, they get too excited and they will raise up to move - so you'll get hit high. Which is why most DTs get bowled over. IF you insist on facing inward, hold your inside arm in a V - as tho you're holding a shield...brace for impact by planting your left foot and stay low.

ORRR instead of worrying about whether you're going to get blindsided - because DRAW plays and screens can "seem" similar when you're on the line - try this:

IF the man in front of you "pulls", meaning he backs off of you and goes somewhere else, try to grab his belt and follow him. Following him will help you avoid the crack block and MAY lead you to the ball carrier. The worst thing it does is it will propell you into the trap blocker and if you stay low (like you're grabbing his belt) you'll punish him.

IF he shows you he's pass blocking, drive through him and towards the quarterback.

2) Double teamed. This is your function in life - to draw the double team. NO.

You don't just stay low and do your best to do anything!!!!!

Thats a win for the Offense.

If you cannot break the double team from a 3-point stance...

you WILL assume a 4 point stance.

Chest down low, banana arch your back, head up. You will fire out at the leg of your opponent that is furthest back (usually his left leg) and you will attempt to make contact with his thigh pad.

HIT Low and fight up.

HIP PRESS technique is what you want to use when this strategy grows wearisome.

Take on the primary blocker - shoulders over your knees - knees bent,

drop a shoulder and squeeze it between the two men.

(I prefer my DTs to face inward)

as you grip the jersy of the primary blocker at the base of his breast plate, push him away while flexing your knees and using your a@@ to push away the secondary blocker. Side step into your gap looking for the ball carrier.

3) Pass. Watch for "keys": lineman flat footed or leaning backwards, running backs further back to set up pass protection, 3rd and very long, or the quarterback holding his right foot up a little higher so he can get into his 5 step drop quicker...

these are signs that it'll be a pass...

drive thru your opponent with a swim, slap/swim, a rip/drag, push/pull technique, or an open door/controlled press...

take two steps into the back field looking for the QB and attack his outside shoulder, keeping your head upfield...

do NOT leave your feet until you control him.

4) guard pull, cut off, and a reach block

these are simply techniques the lineman uses to block you or another opponent (like the linebacker).

You don't need to know "what" these are as much as you need to know how to defeat them.

Rule 1) fight against the direction the lineman pushes you: if he pushes you left, you need to fight right.

Rule 2) if the lineman moves away, you need to follow...if he tries to blow past you, he's going for your lineback so you had better take him out first.

Rule 3) if it's a pass block, stay low and fight to the inside.

5) Responsibility.

Your job in a gap control defense is to control your gap.

That means you fight to the *** of the blocker and look for the ball carrier - you give persuit until the whistle.

If the guard goes backwards on his own and you hold the gap - it's a pass or a trap, stay low and hunt QB.

6) Alignment and play call.

You HAVE to know your play book and when you are expected to bump over into the A gap. No one here knows this answer because plays aren't standardized around the US. I can infer that you are running a 3-4 if you have the nose guard....but it could also be the Multiple 4-3 and a linebacker has stepped onto the line...

You have to know what gap you control based on the strength call

For us ( I run a 4-4 and 4-3), Left Defensive tackle has the B gap (Outside shoulder of the guard) strong left, the A gap (head up on the guard) strong right. BUT, I've simplified my playbook on purpose.

7) Who's taking you on.

Thats irrelevant.

You are NOT there to dance with someone, you are there to control a gap. No matter what pathetic creature stands in your way.

Typically you'll be focused on the guard.

Yes Guard and center can double team you.

Guard and tackle can double team you.

If the linebacker isn't doing his job, Center guard and tackle can triple team you.

Strong right leaves you with the strength call to the opposite side of the field...thats the Offenses "point of attack".

The tackle has to take the Outside linebacker, the center has to post the middle linebacker

HINT - that leaves the centers place open so the guard will reach block you...firing at the thigh pad of the leg set furthest back (he's using this leg to fire out and block you) will knock him down...if you keep your feet and charge inside...you'll make the tackle.

By the way; strong side calls are always the Defensive perspective. ALWAYS. Typically, your linebacker announces the strength call every play so you know where to line up.

So if you hear "Strong Left" or if you tell the coach it happened strong left...it's YOUR left...you are Defense.

My tips for you:

Stay lower than your opponent.

Never leave your feet until you've wrapped the ball carrier

Read your play book, knowing your gap and alignment on each and every play.

Work as a team with your linebackers.

Answer 7

You already have a good idea, if you're a defensive tackle, you pretty much are just gonna do gruntwork, unless you get a sack which is always a woo hoo! For a double-team, since I play d-end, d-tackle, and tight-end, I know what you go through, but when I get double-team'ed, I immediately try to fall to the ground, do a mini down-up and try to sneak through the gaps. Swim, rip, push and pull through the gaps. If you play as the center on a 3-4, then you're a noseguard, and your job is to protect both the A and the B gaps.  Remember, gruntwork is what we do 90 percent of the time, so just go with whatever the offense throws at you.