The Art of the Rush: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage
Pick your best flag puller (not fastest runner) as your Rusher. Teach them 3 techniques: the 7-Yard Creep to time the snap, the Lane to force the QB inside, and the Breakdown to finish the sack. Rotate 2-3 rushers to keep fresh legs on the field.
The Most Disruptive Player on the Field
In 5v5 and 7v7 leagues, the Quarterback usually has 7 seconds to throw the ball. If you give them all 7 seconds, they will find an open receiver.
The only way to stop a good offense is to make the Quarterback uncomfortable. That is the job of The Rusher.
Many coaches treat this position as an afterthought. They just pick the kid who has extra energy. But "The Rush" is a skill position, just like Quarterback.
Who Should Be Your Rusher?
A common debate among coaches is: "Do I send my fastest kid, or my best flag puller?"
Speed helps, but it isn't everything. A fast kid who runs 100mph past the Quarterback is useless. You need a disciplined player who can:
- Time the snap perfectly.
- Control their body speed.
- Actually grab the flag when they get there.
3 Techniques for a Perfect Sack
Teach your rushers these three rules, and they will live in the backfield.
1. The "7-Yard Creep" (The Start)
Technique #1In most leagues, the rusher must start 7 yards back from the line of scrimmage.
- The Mistake: Standing flat-footed at the 7-yard marker.
- The Fix: Teach them to rock back and forth. As the QB begins the cadence ("Down... Set..."), they should be leaning forward, ready to explode like a sprinter.
2. The "Lane" (The Path)
Technique #2Where you run matters as much as how fast you run.
- The Mistake: Running straight at the QB's face. This allows the QB to easily step to the side and run for a touchdown.
- The Fix: Rush to the upfield shoulder. Your goal is to force the QB inside toward your other defenders, not let them escape to the sideline. Keep them in the "pocket."
3. The "Breakdown" (The Finish)
Technique #3Getting to the QB is only half the battle. You have to finish.
- The Mistake: Running full speed past the QB because they can't stop.
- The Fix: When the rusher gets within 2 yards of the QB, they must "Break Down" (shorten their steps, chop their feet, widen their arms). This allows them to react if the QB dodges left or right.
Visualizing the Blitz
Where you line up matters.
- Middle Rush: Good for stopping runs, but harder to get sacks (the center is in the way).
- Side Rush: The best angle for sacks. Come from the QB's "blind side" (their back) if possible.
The Rush isn't just about getting sacks; it's about forcing bad throws. If your Rusher can make the QB throw off their back foot, your defense has already won the play.