Coach Johnson's explosion progression

or young defensive linemen, it can be difficult to coordinate complex movements. That's where progressions are extremely helpful!

Progressions break down complex skills (like defeating a base block) into small, simple pieces that are each drilled separately. One that I think is especially helpful is Coach Dennis Johnson's explosion progression.

With it your D-Line can learn how to use their hips/core to explode into their man, lock out and throw off to make that play. That's why for this week's D-Line Examples I'll be breaking down his progression so your D-Line too can benefit!

6-point explosion

The first drill in Coach Johnson's progression is the 6-point explosion. With it your D-Line can learn how to shoot out not up by using their hips to drive out now up.

Here's a few coaching points to make sure you execute this drill flawlessly...

1. Start with finger tips & knees on the group with feet cocked under the heels
2. Eyes should be keyed on the shoulder of the bag if shaded and the screws of the helmet if head up
3. Engage the glutes to shoot out (not up) into the bag
4. Shoot hands into the sternum and bicep if shaded or the armpits if head up
5. Lockout out and peek into your gap (to locate the RB)

3-point layout

Now that your D-Line is comfortable shooting out (not up) from a 6-point, execute the same exact movement from a 3-point. This gets your D-Line one step closer to the full movement without having to incorporate steps.

Note: All coaching points from 6-point explosion (except #1) apply to this drill as well

3-point explosion

This last piece of the puzzle is to tie the entire movement together in with a 3-point explosion. To execute it, explode with the hips & hands first and then follow with choppy 6 inch steps. Remember shoot out not up from this position, lock out, peak & shed.

Well that's it for today.

Hope you enjoyed it!

See you again next week.

And whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Learn how to develop top tier pass rushers and a lethal pass rush attack here (1,000+ students)
2. Learn how to turn your D-Line into a block destruction machine here (1,100+ students)