Block Destruction: Rip Across Face

An important part of the Toolbox

I say it all the time:

There are many different ways to defeat a block.

Today’s article is all about the “Rip Across Face” technique.

Let’s get right into it.

When and Why?

This technique falls under the “Win with Speed” category.

This means that, instead of attacking and controlling the blocker, the Linebacker will go across the face of the blocker.

A Linebacker can “Win with Speed” when:

• The ball carrier is far away

• The blocker is out of position

How to Rip Across Face

As Linebackers, we have one huge advantage over the blocker:

We can see the ball carrier. The blocker cannot.

Sometimes a jab step can help freeze the blocker in their tracks before you use the Rip Across Face technique.

Next you want to:

• Gain ground with the far foot

• Dip the near shoulder

• Step with near foot to clear the blocker

• Fight Pressure

• Finish the Rip high to clean the blocker’s hands

Things can play out a few different ways with this technique:

Win Clean

Linebackers have at least one other advantage over most blockers they face:

Speed.

Sometimes the Linebacker is able to win clean across the face and make the play.

Fight Pressure

If the Linebacker doesn’t win clean — or if the ball carrier starts to push vertical — the Linebacker might need to fight the pressure of the blocker.

Lean hard on the blocker, keep the feet moving, and don’t get washed.

Finish the Rip

When using a “Win with Speed” move, the key is to defeat the blocker’s hands.

If the blocker gets their hands on you, finish the Rip high to clean yourself off.

Final Thoughts

This type of block destruction is a great technique for any Linebacker to develop.

Once a Linebacker masters the “Rip Across Face” technique, then it’s all about knowing when to use it.

All the best,

Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx

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