Defensive linemen must learn how to counter a jump-through block (i.e., scoop block) early on in their skill development.

The term jump-through identifies the action of the offensive lineman whose assignment is to scoop inside on a J-shaped path to the next level. The primary objective of the jump-through blocker is to intercept the linebacker and cut him off from pursuit.

The blocker normally takes a J-shaped path to the inside, facilitated – and thus identified – by the blocker’s initial lateral step to the inside. This allows the blocker to avoid interference by the defensive lineman – particularly if the defensive lineman is playing according to the “big first step” philosophy.

The “big first step” initial move puts the defensive lineman on an upfield path, allowing the offensive lineman to escape unmolested to cut off the linebacker.

Experienced defensive line coaches agree that effective use of the hands is the key to successful defensive line play. To stop a jump-through, the outside-shaded defensive lineman should shoot his hands to a point between the blocker’s numbers and belt. By throwing the hands low on the blocker, the defender assures himself that he will make solid contact on the blocker’s torso.

Once he shoots his inside hand to the proper position on the blocker’s torso, the defensive lineman should grab cloth and pull the blocker toward him, accomplishing two things:

It detours the blocker from his intended path to intercept the linebacker. His path is disrupted as his shoulders are twisted toward the defensive lineman.

Deliver a transfer of force to catapult the defender through the “B” gap and into the perfect angle of pursuit.

A jump-through by a guard is always accompanied by a tackle also scooping to the inside. The primary goal of the scooping offensive tackle is to prevent penetration by the 3 technique defender. While the tackle is not a primary worry of the 3 technique, he counters the scoop block of the offensive tackle in the following manner.

As the defensive lineman uses his inside hand to pull the blocker’s jersey, he dips his outside shoulder while ripping his outside arm upward in the manner of an uppercut punch. Dipping and ripping decreases the available blocking surface for the offensive tackle and increases the likelihood of clearance past the scooping tackle.

The aforementioned catapult reaction resulting from the 3 technique defensive lineman using his inside hand to pull on the guard’s jersey is enhanced by the 3 technique snapping his outside leg across in a crossover type move as he dips and rips the outside shoulder. If the outside hip lags, the outside leg drags. The outside leg drags when the 3 technique fails to snap his outside hip over – snapping the hip over results in a type of crossover stride.

Keep in mind that a well-coached offensive tackle is trained to get around on the defender and cut his inside leg. And while the defensive tackle’s primary objective versus the jump-through is to divert the guard and not allow him through to the next level. It is also extremely important for the defensive lineman to avoid being cut off by the offensive tackle.

Conclusion

If the 3 technique is cut off by the offensive tackle, he cannot get into a pursuit angle. And by not getting into the pursuit angle down the line of scrimmage, the defensive tackle forces the linebacker to compensate.

Granted, the linebacker can replace the defensive lineman in the cutback pursuit lane. The unfortunate tradeoff occurs when a linebacker is asked to fly to the football consistently.

A linebacker can rarely be a big first-hitter if he is also given the added duty of compensating and assuming cutback responsibility. Whenever a linebacker has to cover a breakdown along the defensive line, the defensive front is much more susceptible to the big play, something any defensive scheme must prevent.

This article speaks specifically to the 46 defense, but the technique is the same no matter what system you use. Take this and apply it to your scheme and your players.

Rex Ryan is the head coach of the Buffalo Bills and son of Buddy Ryan, the creator of the 46 defense. Rex Ryan also was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2009-14 after serving as a defensive line coach, then defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. He also was a defensive coordinator at Morehead State, Cincinnati and Oklahoma on the college level.