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MISDIRECT RIP.
The MISDIRECT RIP is also a powerful and explosive skill move that can be used by not only defensive linemen and linebackers to shed blocks, but, by receivers to get off the line and through the press/ jam. The difference between the RIP and MISDIRECT RIP is that the MISDIRECT RIP requires a READ.
**ATTENTION** The most important thing to remember when utilizing skill moves is that skill moves are designed to assist you in “opening the door” and beating your opponent utilizing angles (see Shoulder Mechanics 1:3, 3:1). As such, when executing skill moves, do not allow your opponent to keep you 2:2 or chest to chest. The longer your opponent can keep you in front of them (2:2) the more effective their block is.
MISDIRECT RIP 1:3 (RIGHT).
- STEP forward and to the left (break left), making your opponent think you are going left.
- IF: your opponent follows you, RIP back to your right.
- HIT. Throw a Right Hook with a closed fist and hit your opponent’s arm, as hard as possible, between the elbow and bicep (below shoulder pads). The purpose of the hit is to knock your opponent’s hands to the inside, off and away from wherever they are trying to get their hands on you.
- RIP. Throw an Upper Cut with your left arm (closed fist), up and under your opponent’s right armpit. Make sure you RIP and force your opponent’s arms all the way up and over their head.
- DROP. As you move past your opponent, to the right, drop your elbow into your opponent’s back to help increase separation.
IF: your opponent doesn’t follow you when you Misdirect to the left, do not RIP back to your right. Instead, continue left and or RIP left. Why? Because, if your opponent doesn’t follow the Misdirection, ripping back to the right would run you back into the defender. And, the idea is to get to and through your opponent, not put them back in front of you when they’re already beaten.
MISDIRECT RIP 3:1 (LEFT).
- STEP forward and to the right (break right), making your opponent think you are going right.
- IF: your opponent follows you, RIP back to your left.
- HIT. Throw a Left Hook with a closed fist and hit your opponent’s arm, as hard as possible, between the elbow and bicep (below shoulder pads). The purpose of the hit is to knock your opponent’s hands to the inside, off and away from wherever they are trying to get their hands on you.
- RIP. Throw an Upper Cut with your right arm (closed fist), up and under your opponent’s right armpit. Make sure you RIP and force your opponent’s arms all the way up and over their head.
- DROP. As you move past your opponent, to the left, drop your elbow into your opponent’s back to help increase separation.
IF: your opponent doesn’t follow you when you Misdirect to the right, do not RIP back to your left. Instead, continue right and or RIP right. Why? Because, if your opponent doesn’t follow the Misdirection, ripping back to the left would run you back into the defender. And, the idea is to get to and through your opponent, not put them back in front of you when they’re already beaten.
WHY IT’S EFFECTIVE.
The MISDIRECT RIP is effective for the same reasons as the normal RIP, plus:
- It adds two (2) more skill moves to your toolbox that can all be used interchangeably to keep your opponents guessing.
- It provides you a READ, which against more skilled opponents, allows you to real-time visually process their reaction to your initial step, then, determine the most effective course of action (continue or RIP back).
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK?
If the skill move being executed does not shed the block, jam, and or press, you should:
- Immediately implement Hand Games + Counterstrikes to continue fighting through and off of the block, jam, and or press.
- That or, depending on how the play develops; spin, execute skill move to the opposite side, or, otherwise change direction to pursue the ball (only after clearing your side first).
STACKING SKILL MOVES.
Having one (1) skill move is not enough. An athlete must be able to execute as many skill moves as possible. Then, use that variety, throughout the game, to keep their opponents guessing play after play. In doing so, you become more unpredictable, and ultimately more effective.