Defensive Line - Field Position
Playing with Numbers
There are two ways the defense usually lines up - a three-man or a four-man defensive line. A three-man defense is made up of a nose tackle in the center with a defensive end on either side of him. A four-man defense is made up of two tackles and two defensive ends, without a nose tackle in the center. Teams will pick their defensive set based on whether they have more good linebackers than defensive linemen, or on what the offense is trying to do.
Smart Stunts
The defensive lineman wants to get to the quarterback, and in most cases, he'll do whatever it takes. But like any other player on the field, the defensive lineman usually has a few tricks up his sleeve called stunts used to rush the passer. Here are two tricks the defensive lineman might try:
TT - the two defensive tackles switch positions before the
ball is snapped.
ET - the defensive end and the defensive tackle switch positions
before the ball is snapped.
Can you think of any special stunts you might use during a game? Have you ever used the TT or ET stunts?
The defensive linemen have to be as strong and powerful as the offensive linemen, because that's who they meet up against. But if they begin to feel dizzy, faint or very hot, it could be a sign that they are dehydrated and need to get more water in their bodies as soon as they can. With all the running and tackling these guys do, they sweat a lot on the field, and when you sweat, your body is actually losing water. So when there isn't enough water left, your body will tell you. That's why even the big guys need to drink plenty of fluids before, during and even after a game.
Even when you're playing football, you need to make sure to stay hydrated. Drink at least two glasses of water before your start playing, and then make sure you take some time out of the game to rest.
Quick Tip
When the defense is worried about a big play at the end of a game or the end of half, they may use a prevent defense. This technique is used to prevent a big pass play, and uses fewer men to rush the quarterback and more men back deep in coverage. The idea is to always keep the football in front of them.
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