With offensive philosophies working to spread the field and so much emphasis put on run-pass options, defenses have had to find creative ways to pressure the passers.

As offenses move to multiple formations in order to gain leverage on defenses, it makes it that much more important for defensive coordinators to rely on the ability to rush the passer with three or four designated rushers.

Being an effective pass rusher takes more than just physical attributes. A pass rush is not something done in isolation. It is a total defensive effort that relies on coverage, disguise and the other pass rushers to delay the quarterback’s decision-making, forcing the quarterback to hold on to the ball for those critical extra seconds.

One of the best sayings that I routinely hear defensive line coach say when it comes to pass rush is “Have a plan.”

Great pass rushers are aware of their role within the scheme and take advantage of what they are presented with.

Here are four areas pass rushers should be aware of:

Pass rush lanes

As all players on the field should understand leverage, pass rushers should be aware of the pass rush lanes. It is important to know where the other rushers are and where the quarterback may try to escape to.

Routinely, there are four to five pass rush lanes – rushers outside each tackle and guard and down the midline of the center. Quarterbacks practice stepping up into the pocket, so pass rushers need to disrupt that rhythm and force the quarterback to step toward the outside by pushing the pocket from the inside.

Maintaining lane integrity helps to eliminate throwing windows as well as areas for the quarterback to escape, thus prolonging to routes that are being run. Many programs practice this by tracing the lanes on the ground to constantly preach the relationship between rushers.

Tackle set line

An edge rusher’s primary objective is get off the ball quickly and beat the blocker to a spot while bending his body toward the quarterback.

The determined spot on the field is commonly known as the tackle set line. This imaginary point on the ground is where we expect the tackle to set his feet in the protection.

The depth of the pass blocker varies from protection to scheme but is used as a reference point to gain an advantage on the rush by getting hips past hips. This also helps the pass rusher cage the quarterback in the pocket and helps the rusher if the tackle sets beyond that line, opening an inside window under the blocker.

In the event that takes place, it is important to practice working back on top of the blocker in order to maintain leverage.

Many programs drill this with simple get off drills but also enhance it by introducing hoop drills to teach players how to bend and flip their hips.

Working half a man by attack points in wrist and elbow

A great teaching point used in the movie “The Patriot” is: “Aim small, miss small.”

One advantage that pass rushers use is to work half to the blocker. In doing, so they can successfully create imbalance on the blocker while eliminating half the body weight to control.

Two aiming points that help to control the blocker are the wrists and elbows. By attacking and restricting the blocker’s ability to get his hands on the pass rusher, it puts the defender at the advantage and makes it harder for the blocker to recover with any power.

Retreat, screen and draw

As you develop great rushers, it is important to know the strengths and weakness of their skill sets.

Offenses that identify strong rushers often attempt to neutralize them with screens and draws in order to slow them down. Great pass rushers learn how to effectively retrace their steps in to gain the best pursue the angle to the play. Establishing a comfort level with identifying the retrace areas helps to maintain the speed and integrity of the rush.

A great pass rusher not only owns the box that he plays in but can be an instrumental part of his team’s success. Pass rushers add stress to an offense’s timing, extend routes and shorten the game for the opponent.

A great pass rusher takes on the mentality of a great closer in baseball. When the passing downs take place, it is their time to shine, but that happens when you plan your work and work your plan.

Vince DiGaetano is the football program analyst at Wagner College. A USA Football Master Trainer, he was a finalist for the 2014 American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year award. Before Wagner, he was the linebacker coach at Nassau Community College, the defensive coordinator at SUNY-Maritime and the defensive coordinator at DeWitt Clinton (N.Y.) High School. DiGaetano also is a recruiting coordinator for the Long Island and New York Public School Athletic League.