Boise State's Defensive Line - Teaching Progression

At Boise State, we break down our teaching progression for the defensive line into three distinct areas: knowledge, fundamentals and effort. Knowledge consists of stance, alignment and assignment. Knowledge is a mental emphasis that will be covered in meetings and players will process it pre-snap. Fundamentals include keys, get off, block protection, footwork, block releases, escape and pass rush. In this article I will concentrate on general knowledge, get offs and block protection and effort. There are two keys: 1. MAN KEY 2. BALL KEY Keys are a critical fundamental for D-linemen. We have to train our eyes to be disciplined so we can react and explode decisively. • We cannot react to what we don’t see. • We cannot hit what we don’t see. • Do not let your eyes wander. 1. MAN KEY: The eyes should be focused on the collarbone of the offensive lineman. Make sure you see the