4-Point Defensive Line Stance

In a good defensive 4-point stance, your head is up, the back is flat and your weight is evenly balanced between your feet and hands. You must stay low and scramble forward (bear crawl) for at least 2 yards before rising to your feet to avoid being blocked out of the play. The number one way to get blocked, is to stand up – always stay low!

With your butt too low, your shoulders are raised and the tendency is to stand up. This gives the defensive man too much leverage – he will push you into the backfield. Also, with your neck hyper-extended, you risk a neck injury. With your butt too high and head down, you are out of balance and will tend to submarine into the turf, allowing your defender a free shot at the ball carrier. Never lock your down hand at the elbow, keeping it bent prevents injury.