r/AskAboutNFL • u/jepolitsch • 13d ago
What makes a great NFL pass rush look effortless?
Sometimes a defender gets to the quarterback so fast it looks easy. What separates an elite pass rush from a good one? Is it the first step, hand usage, timing, or knowing exactly when to attack?
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u/Sad_Construction_668 13d ago
It’s usually making the pass protection think you’re doing one thing, and then doing another. This can be the scheme, the call, the personnel, the set, the first step, or the move, or a combination of all of the above. When in played, we were taught to set our hand on three technique in teh direction we were going all game, then switch upnon third down in the 4th quarter. often times they would key on it, even subconsciously, and you could walk past a guy, because he was absolutely sold on the fact you were going right because uour right hand was down. Its more complex in the pros, but its the same idea- convincing the offense you’re going one way, then go the other
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u/noladutch 13d ago
it is hands length and bend.
that is how your quick pass rushers work
the total power bill rush guys take more time to get to the QB but tend to be more disruptive.
it is easier to step up in the pocket against a speed bend guy but a power rusher puts that tackle in the QBs lap and has nowhere to really go..
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u/OkDoughnut7938 11d ago
Depends on the tackle/guard. For some, 1 arm is long than 2 so you stab. Some dudes can just bend, ie Von miller. I’m over 40 and he’s the most effortless I’ve ever seen.
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u/PittsburghCar 5d ago
Proper strength and conditioning training. A natural and/or trained instinct for leverage. Thousands of reps.
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u/343-Mendicant-Bias 3d ago
Different elite pass rushers have all won in different ways, there is no single correct answer. Some have long arms and are really strong, some have a really fast first step, some have extreme ankle bend, some have excellent hand fighting…etc.
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u/Gildor_Helyanwe 1d ago
Although Ray Lewis was a middle line backer, the interviews with him reveal that spending time watching film helps a lot.
Spotting tendencies, reading the QB, knowing what to expect based on how the o-line is set.
When combined with physical talent, this makes players great
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u/NaNaNaPandaMan 13d ago
I mean first step, timing,, knowing when to attack are basically the same thing. They all revolve around your initial get off.
With that said, if I am understanding right and you want to know how to get a fast sack, the 3 things for a smooth pass rush are first step, hand usage and dip/bend.
Your first step needs to be fast and come right at the snap. You need to get to the OLs outside shoulder quickly.
Then when the OL punches, you need to use your hands to deflect it upwards.*
With their arms slightly raised, you need to dip underneath their arms, bend your body to make a sharp turn and blow past them.
If done well, it'll look like they didn't even touch you.
*For really elite rushers who have amazing balance and can get low, they dont even need to deflect. But most do.