How to defeat cut
Step by step instruction on how to defeat cut in the run and pass game
Hello and welcome to another edition of the D-Line Examples newsletter. My name is Craig, and each week I humbly tackle reader questions about how to coach and play defensive line. If you have any questions DM me on my Twitter and in return, I’ll offer actionable real-world advice.
Q: Any advice on defeating cut blocks? It’s been the block of choice on my son this year. He’s pretty solid defeating head up blocks, but the cut block has been a problem.
When your opponent can’t defeat you man to man, they will resort to any means necessary. That’s where the cut block comes in.
The cut is one of the most deceptive and hard to defeat blocks a D-Lineman will face in the pass and run game. In one moment you think your opponent is charging at you and the next they go low and take out your legs.
There are many variations of the cut and it’s no easy task to defeat it which is while I’ll be writing about how to defeat cut block in both the run and pass game.
Run game
The cut block is an extremely versatile block that can be used on the frontside or backside of just about any blocking scheme. Thankfully the formula to defeat cut is the same for all these different blocks.
In order to defeat cut all you need to do is…
Identify the cut (blocker below the waist)
Stay square
Press the blocker into the ground
Keep your feet active
I’ve included a few visuals of these steps below vs. 3 different blocks (backside cut, RB cut and slip cut).
Backside cut (#98)
RB Cut (#94)
Slip and cut (#95)
Pass game
On the other hand, the cut block is used in the pass game to keep your hands down so you don’t disrupt the quick pass.
To combat this all you need to do is…
Identify the cut (blocker below the waist)
Press the blocker into the ground
Sprawl your legs back
Get your hands up
Here are a few examples…
Bat down (#98)
Interception (#97)
How to practice defeating the cut
To defeat cut you need to improve two skills: recognition and reaction.
Best practice is to develop reaction first. This can be done by giving your players a cut key and having them practice pressing their opponent into the ground and keeping their feet active.
Here’s a drill from Coach Tep that utilizes a foam bag (cut key) to help his guys practice defeating the cut.
When your D-Line gets the hang of coordinating their hands and feet to defeat the cut, then move onto developing their recognition. Now, because it’s easy to “play the drill” when you know cut is coming you want to use a drill that utilizes multiple blocks.
The best drill to use for this is UW’s DSPC drill. This drill mixes in multiple looks like pass block, base and screen block along with cut so your players can develop the ability to quickly recognize the cut.
And whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
Learn how to develop top tier pass rushers and a lethal pass rush attack here (1,000+ students)
Learn how to turn your D-Line into a block destruction machine here (1,100+ students)
-Craig