D line always trigger off the ball. I never have my line directly looking at the ball, they use peripherals. Eyes on what's in front of you. Also, a lot depends on the type of def3nse you run

i usually just watch the o lineman in front of me. I move whenever he moves

Take it from an old player coach; I played middle guard, 4 point stance, low profile, legs push/arms pull, watch and go off on the ball (even watch the center as he moves the ball - you move). My mind set was I was busting out of the blocks of a 100 yd dash. Come in low, hit the on-line as hard as you can, rip with both arms underneath his arms into the body, grab him, look for the ball and throw him out of the way - make the tackle. I never jumped off side and played in the backfield all game. I played 2 yrs. JC, 1 D1 with no highschool experience . I hope this helps.

@@dannyred8668 GREAT response. thank you for your help. im coaching hs as DC and our dline coach quit and been teaching react to knee/leg? but this is great. thank you

Another technique, if you have small D-linemen is to hit your man as hard as you can, my coach used to say unload on him, keep your feet moving and bounce off the o-line and then shoot by him into the backfield. Also on goal line D, practice crab technique on a 2 man sled, rotate so players use both shoulders to hit the sled. When the ball is snapped the linemen put their helmet through the legs of the o-lineman and crab as far as they can go into the backfield. This should pile up the line and your linebackers can make the tackle, if the back can get out of the backfield. Good luck, play snap to whistle all players every play.

Work hard n listen to coaches, get experience that first year then you’ll be fine

@@blankblank5433 Thanks so much. I should've started playing a lot earlier, but now I'm 14 Nd starting in a freshman team.

@@Docc_WithAcogin the off-season make the weight room your best friend. And agility and speed drills. You can go far putting on lots of muscle and developing your strength

@@nosir1440 Thanks so much. It means a lot.

You being here says a lot young man. Be a sponge. Engage in drills and use your brain. Work harder than everyone else. Including in your team. Coaches picks starters in drills and if you show 100% effort you’ll do great.