Quiz the Coach - I'm Always Hitting the QB!

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or soccer? Got a gripe about P.E. class, teammates or coaches, or anything? Why not Quiz the Coach? The Kidzworld Coach can help ya work out team problems or give ya tips and advice to improve your game - all ya gotta do is ask!

Hey Coach,
I'm a defensive end and I always get back to the QB but he gets rid of the ball and I end up hitting him because I either don't see him throw the ball or I can't control my speed. The refs always call a personal foul. How can I stop myself from hitting the QB?
Football_D.End

Hey Football_D.End,

A defensive end's main responsibilities are to contain the quarterback and running back, and get his hands in front of the short passing lanes. Many defensive ends are so focused on hammering the quarterback, and making the "big sack", that they forget to follow the play and watch what the quarterback is doing. It's a great feeling to throw the QB to the ground, so players sometimes have trouble holding back after the QB has thrown the ball. This lack of discipline often results in the defensive end being penalized for roughing the passer and costs his team valuable yardage.

A defensive end is allowed one step to hit the passer after the quarterback has thrown the ball. If a player takes more than one step to hit the QB, after the ball has been thrown, then a penalty will usually be called. You need to work on following the play more closely and becoming more disciplined. As you approach the QB during a play, keep your eyes on the ball and the open passing lanes. If the ball is still in the QB's hand when you're within one step, go ahead and hammer him. If he's already started his throwing motion, you're better off trying to tip the pass, rather than hitting him. It's important for a defensive end to be aggressive, but your position involves much more than hitting the QB on every play.

Do you have a question on sports, P.E. class, fitness or health? Send it to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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