with Shaun Nua,
University of Michigan Defensive Line Coach;
former Defensive Line Coach at Arizona State and Navy;
played at BYU; drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 NFL draft
Michigan football has a rich tradition of success on defense and much of that is thanks to a defensive line that stuffs up the run game and consistently gets pressure on opposing passers. In this video, you'll get a look at some of the drills and techniques that Michigan Defensive Line Coach Shaun Nua uses with his own players in order to make sure they are some of the best in college football.
Defensive Line Fundamentals
Coach Nua begins this presentation with a description of his philosophy of coaching in terms of creating the right environment for players to reach their potential. He also emphasizes that 'one-size does not fit all' in coaching. Therefore, coaches need to be flexible and able to adapt to meet the needs of their players and team.
Next, Nua demonstrates, using practice footage, the stance and alignments that he teaches his players at Michigan. Several drills are shown that teach the get-off and hand placement required for elite players. In all, you'll learn:
- Stance and alignments.
- How to coach the get-off in several unique ways that will carry over to games.
- Hand placement, strike, and shed in several competitive drills.
Teaching the Pass Rush
Coach Nua continues by detailing the pass rush techniques and skills used at the University of Michigan. He details how defensive linemen must attack the offensive lineman they are rushing, then adjust their path based on the OL's movement. Nua also shows several drills that teach the finer points of footwork and pass rush moves that both interior and edge rushing defensive linemen can use to defeat blocks and attack the QB. You'll get several examples of "counter" moves that defensive linemen must be able to execute when their initial pass rush move doesn't work.
Overall, this is an excellent video presentation of defensive linemen technique. Coach Nua shares several great drills and many excellent coaching points that will help any defensive line coach become a better teacher of the game!
66 minutes. 2019.
FD-05567G:
with Don Brown,
University of Michigan Defensive Coordinator;
helped Michigan's defense rank among the top four in the NCAA in total defense his first three seasons in Ann Arbor;
3x AFCA Region I Coach of the Year (1994, 2002, 2006);
5x Conference Coach of the Year (1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2006);
35+ years of coaching experience
If you have a great group of linebackers, they can help make your defense look so much better - even if your defensive line or secondary isn't the strongest. In this video, University of Michigan Defensive Coordinator Don Brown dishes on what he looks for in his linebacking corps, as well as some of the drills that Michigan uses to create championship linebackers.
Defensive Philosophy
Coach Brown begins by giving an explanation of the major philosophical beliefs that guide the Michigan defensive unit. He touches on the importance of stopping the run and how to accomplish it. Additionally, Brown gives his general philosophy on defending the pass and provides some specifics on how he accomplishes putting his players in the best positions to defend the pass.
Finally, Coach Brown shares his overall philosophy of coaching athletes and speaks about his beliefs in terms of the coach's role in developing character and being a positive influence in the lives of his players.
Drills for Linebacker Play
Next, you'll be taken through several drills that Brown uses on a daily and weekly basis to teach the finer points of linebacker play. Using practice and game film, Coach Brown demonstrates several drills, including basic footwork, reads and keys, tackling, and block defeat techniques. You'll also see drills that teach pass drop techniques and man to man coverage tactics that will help your linebackers execute in both man to man and zone defensive calls.
Brown also gives an exhaustive overview of the drills that he uses to teach his linebackers to blitz against both the pass and the run. The Michigan defense under Coach Brown is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive units in the country, and he gives you a detailed look at how he teaches his players to operate in his scheme.
This video from one of the most respected defensive coaches in America is sure to be a gold mine for your program. It's a must-have for all defensive coaches and especially linebacker coaches that want to teach their players the best techniques and fundamentals.
75 minutes. 2019.
FD-05567H:
with Anthony Campanile,
Miami Dolphins (NFL) Defensive Assistant Coach;
former University of Michigan Defensive Assistant Coach;
former Assistant Coach at Boston College and Rutgers
Outside linebackers need to be versatile players with a wide-ranging skill set in modern football. Anthony Campanile, the former Linebackers Coach at the University of Michigan, covers all the essentials of his Sam, Viper, and Nickel backer positions in this informative instructional video.
Daily Drills for Linebacker Play
Coach Campanile starts by showing examples of several footwork drills that he uses with his linebackers every day. He presents drills using agility bags and without agility bags and demonstrates teaching linebackers how to move their feet while keeping their body in proper position to react.
Additionally, Campanile demonstrates how block defeat and ball drills can be incorporated with footwork drills. Several tackling drills are demonstrated that teach defenders when to "shimmy" to a ball carrier. Several great coaching points are shared by Coach Campanile during the course of the presentation, and in all, you'll get:
- Several daily footwork drills that teach and reinforce good posture and body control.
- The approach to tackling at Michigan.
- Several drills that teach tackling for linebackers in a number of situations.
Pass Coverage
Coach Campanile continues by explaining how pass coverage techniques are taught in both man and zone coverage. Drill footage is shown in which the linebackers are taught how to drop to a zone then react to the quarterback's motion. Also, Campanile shows several examples of drills that teach man coverage for the outside linebackers on a slot receiver using a "scooch" technique. Coach Campanile goes into detail describing the footwork and eye progression of a defensive player playing man coverage against a receiver. Finally, several pass rush drills are shown that teach a blitzing linebacker to defeat blocks and rush the quarterback.
This video not only shows several drills that teach the finer points of linebacker play, but gives tons of great teaching and coaching points too. With this video from Coach Campanile, you will have your linebackers ready to dominate the opposition on game day!
71 minutes. 2019.
FD-05567I:
with Michael Zordich,
University of Michigan Secondary/Special Teams Coach;
helped Michigan rank 1st in the nation in pass defense in 2016 and 2017, as well as 2nd in the nation in 2018;
All-American as a player (defensive back) at Penn State University (1982 National champions) ;
12-year career in the NFL as a cornerback and safety (drafted by San Diego & played for NY Jets, Phoenix Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles)
Michigan uses an off man "Scooch" technique and man press coverage to disrupt their opponents' timing in the passing game from the cornerback position. This combination of coverage has kept the Michigan pass defense at or near the top of the country for three years running.
In this video, you'll learn how the "Scooch" off ball man coverage can slow down even the best offensive passing attacks from Michigan Secondary Coach Michael Zordich. Coach Zordich breaks down drills that are simple and effective for teaching the "Scooch" technique, and also gives you information on how to use the "divider" rule to put defenders in the best possible alignment on receivers.
Coverage Options
Zordich shows three options that corners have available depending on their ability to play press coverage. You'll discover a motor step technique for corners that are able to buzz their feet and keep leverage on the receiver. Additionally, see the "1 Step 2" method, which mirrors the release of the receiver and sets up a stun on the receiver. Coach Zordich also details a glide back, which allows for vertical route adjustment and buys time for the corner to diagnose the route.
Practice Drills
Both practice and game footage are utilized to demonstrate press man coverage as Zordich covers 18 drills used in perfecting the press man coverage as well as tackling. You will witness:
- Set, reset and scrape.
- How to play the ball when "out of phase" with the receiver.
- The power foot tackle as well as the cut tackle.
- Press man crack and replace.
- Press man "Tailpipe" and low crosser help.
As a bonus, Coach Zordich shows three calls and concepts for manning up versus bunch or stacked sets.
This video is one of the most complete breakdowns for playing man coverage on the market to date. A great option for anyone looking to boost the play of their cornerbacks!
46 minutes. 2019.
FD-05567J:
with Chris Partridge,
Ole Miss Co-Defensive Coordinator;
former University of Michigan Safeties Coach/Special Teams Coordinator;
Scout.com 2016 National Recruiter of the Year, 247Sports 2017 National Recruiter of the Year;
former Paramus Catholic High School (NJ) Head Coach; while there, the Partridge-coached program went from a football high school program rank of 4,250th nationally to #4 nationally (USA Today)
This video featuring the former Michigan Safeties Coach Chris Partridge will help you learn the Michigan philosophy for playing safety and all the drill work that contributes to athletes developing into top-tier college players. In addition to safety-specific drills, Coach Partridge also includes a breakdown of Michigan's tackling manual, which is their go-to set of rules for tackling.
Safety Drills
Partridge covers four dynamic agility drills that teach defenders how to move and flip their hips in every conceivable direction. Two break drills that teach safeties how to break downhill and adjust to different angles by the ball carrier are included, as well as 13 pass break drill that allow defensive backs to gain confidence on any route they need to defend. You'll also get six drills that work on ball hawking skills and eight block destruction concepts.
Tackling Manual
Next, Coach Partridge covers the Michigan tackling manual. He wants his players to "learn to play on the very edge of being out of control." He believes each player should understand who they are athletically in order to put themselves into proper strike position.
You'll learn about:
- The Approach Phase - Aggressively tracking the ball and understanding the relationship between your momentum and the ball carrier's path.
- The Contact Phase - Using "quartering" and the "power foot" in every tackle by maintaining leverage and compressing to the ball carrier's near hip as you stay square.
- The Finish Phase - Includes contact with near foot, near shoulder with a body-to-body collision in which you wrap, squeeze and "drive for 5".
Partridge uses both practice and game film to demonstrate each type of tackle that is discussed, including:
- Hawk Tackle
- Roll Tackle
- Body to Body
- Sweep Tackle
Players must understand the proper tackle technique and angle in every single drill, every single day.
If you're seeking a no-filler, drills-heavy video that hits on safeties and tackling, this presentation from Coach Partridge will be a great asset to your football team!
57 minutes. 2019.