[Sven Draconian]

Step One

So we've talked about the stance, triple extension and leverage. Now we need to talk about movement. And, of course, all movement starts with 1 step.

One of the biggest differences between our theoretical Rockets and Packers is that first step. The cliche of football being a game of inches still holds true, and one of the best ways to gain or lose an inch is taking a false step.

What is a false step? It's taking a step to gain balance/traction before you get moving in the direction you want to go. Usually this manifest itself in stepping backwards before stepping forward. Or taking a step in place (maybe turning your foot) before taking off.

Consider the MLB on a stretch play to his right. He sits in his nice stance. There's the snap, he reads the block and knows he has to get to his gap. That LG and LT know they have to get to the MLB (Combo on the DT, one needs to come off and get that LB). The MLB knows that block is coming. In the end, it's essentially a race.

If the MLB takes a nice 6 inch shuffle step with his right foot and gets into a nice "scrape" (be it a cross-over run or a true shuffle, it's a matter of preference) he will be in good shape.

If the MLB takes his left foot, drops it back 2 inches to gain his balance and then breaks into his shuffle, he's lost valuable time. That 2 inch gap (which, in time, is closer to 5 inches "lost") is a big deal. That could be the difference between the tackle getting his head across the LB (and his 330 pound frame between the LB and his gap) or that tackle only getting a body on him (letting the LB shed and stay in pursuit). 5 inches is the difference between the left number on the jersey and the right number, but in terms of force the tackle can use on block. It's the difference between the tackle getting his 800 pound squat into the LB, or just his 500 pound bench press.

This same effect occurs all over the field. A DE who can take a great first step can "gain" 6 inches on his pass rush, letting him get into the upfield shoulder of the pass blocker. A false-stepper is going to run right into Michael Ohers chest.

The inverse is also true, a pass blocker who gets his feet crossed at the line is going to struggle to gain his depth against that pass rusher who is running the arc.

For a DB, this can be even more damaging. A false step during the press can mean a 2 yard separation, which is a TD again Desean Jackson. Against the WR, who already has the advantage of knowing the pattern, giving up an additional half-yard because of a false step can be insurmountable.