Learn from the Leaders in Causing Fumbles, TFL and Sacks
Oct 17, 2022 2:12 pm
Coach ,
This week we focused on big plays for the defense - causing and recovering fumbles, tackles for loss, and sacks.
We have had coaches of the teams who lead the country in these categories in the CoachesClinic.com clinics, and we share their keys to success in these defense aspects.
Duke #1 Fumble Recovered with 10 fumbles recovered
Mike Elko had the Texas A&M defense producing before he took the reins of the Duke program this season, and he brought his style of building a defense with him.
When it comes to causing and recovering fumbles, the Duke defensive staff puts a focus on the details and works those constantly in practice. These efforts have brought the Blue Devils to the top of this category.
In this next video, Coach Elko shares the philosophy of “Ball Disruption.” It’s the way they approach this. They do not talk about creating turnovers, they emphasize ball disruption and they do it in practice every day as well as coach it on film. He feels this is much more important than the focus on the scheme because ball disruptions and turnovers lead to wins. He explains it here (click on image):
Here is an example of a drill for recovering the fumble which they work in their circuits (click on image for video):
If you do it right, it plays a huge outcome in the game, and it’s definitely helping Duke in 2022.
Old Dominion #1 Sacks with 25 (4.17 per game)
Sacking the QB starts with having a dominant edge rush and that’s what Old Dominion has produced in 2022. OLB Coach Kevin Smith uses the term “Pass Rush Cage” to define the aiming points that move as the QB moves. He explains how this sets the foundation for the Monarchs’ pass rush (click on image for video):
Coach Smith uses several techniques within their pass rush toolbox. He explains “side scissors” here including how they should use “praying hands” to defeat the outside arm of the blocker (click on image for video):
Cincinnati #1 Tackles for Loss with 58 TFL (9.8 per game)
It’s no surprise to see Cincinnati at the top. Head Coach Luke Fickell has built a strong culture and style of play which begins with the guys up front, and he brought back former Bearcat Walt Stewart to coach the defensive line.
Creating TFL all starts with great takeoff. Coach Stewart uses his “pad takeoff” drill which he utilizes every day (click on image for video):
Here is an everyday drill that Coach Stewart uses to teach power moves. He teaches from the ground up allowing his defensive linemen to feel the technique (click on image for video):
The common thread among these coaches is the detail that they put into coaching the technique. It’s what has allowed them to bring their defenses to the top of national rankings. Hopefully, you picked up an idea that can help your team as you head into the next phase of the season.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski