The Strength Report: Developing the Explosive Athlete: Defensive Linemen

The job of the defensive lineman is very complex. He must first engage one, sometimes two blockers, gain position, shed the block and pursue the ball. Sometimes the play is coming to his gap and the process is over almost instantly. Other times once he sheds the block he may have to pursue the play to the opposite side of the field perhaps jumping over players on the ground to do it. Our basic philosophy for our defensive linemen at Sam Houston State University is to improve each player’s athleticism through several different training methods. Our approach is to implement a simple and effective, sound program that is not overly complicated, that relies on hard work, focus, and determination as its main ingredient for success. Football is a game played on your feet, from the ground up. In the weight room we use free weight, ground based, multi-joint movements with a major emphasis on