Training details
STANCE
When it comes to your stance, we’re building a foundation for everything you do on the field. Coach Kirby will teach you how to get into a balanced, explosive position so you can fire off the ball with power and control. He will focus on keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed on the balls of your feet—never in your heels or too far forward. Your hips stay low, your chest is up, and your hand placement is key—your down hand should be light but ready to strike, while your other hand is in position to engage fast. This stance isn’t just about getting low; it’s about being in the perfect position to react, shed blocks, and make plays. Master this, and everything else gets easier.
Get OFF
The “get-off” is what separates good defensive linemen from great ones. Your goal is to explode off the ball as fast as possible, and that starts with your eyes and your reaction time. Coach Kirby will train you to key in on the movement of the ball—not the quarterback, not the lineman, just the ball. Your first step should be quick and powerful, with your hips low and your hands ready to strike. We’ll drill reaction time, work on twitch explosiveness, and develop a mindset where you’re not thinking—you’re reacting. The faster you get off the ball, the more pressure you create.
hips
Your hips are the key to being an explosive, dominant defensive lineman. Coach Kirby will focus on the three points of flexion and extension—ankles, knees, and most importantly, hips—to make you quicker, more athletic, and better at bending around blocks. If your hips are tight or stiff, you’re going to struggle with leverage, change of direction, and power. You’ll work on hip mobility, flexibility, and explosion so you can stay low, move fluidly, and generate maximum force. Whether you’re engaging a blocker, bending the edge, or redirecting in pursuit, it all starts with powerful, mobile hips. Master this, and you’ll play faster, stronger, and more controlled.
Hands
When it comes to hand fighting, we’re not just throwing punches—we’re using violent, precise, and calculated strikes to control the line of scrimmage. Your hands are your weapons, and every movement needs to be fast, aggressive, and intentional. Coach Kirby will train you to strike first, keep your hands inside, and never let an offensive lineman get into your frame. The goal is simple: be the aggressor, keep your chest clean, and win the rep. Linemen who master violent and accurate hands don’t just play—they dominate.
VISION
Your vision is just as important as your strength and speed. Coach Kirby will train your eyes to process information faster using the O.O.D.A. Loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. First, you Observe—lock in on the ball, read the offensive line’s stance, and recognize any pre-snap cues. Next, you Orient—position your body and mind to react instantly, whether it’s a pass set, run block, or pull. Then, you Decide—commit to your move, whether it’s shooting a gap, shedding a block, or countering a double team. Finally, you Act—explode with speed, power, and precision. The faster your eyes and brain process the play, the faster you play. Strengthen your vision, and you’ll always be one step ahead of the offense.