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THE RIP MOVE.
The RIP is 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.
**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.
RIP 1:3 (RIP 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.
RIP 3:1 (RIP 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.
WHY THE RIP IS EFFECTIVE.
The RIP is effective for several reasons:
- It’s a hard-hitting physical move capable of mentally and physically breaking your opponent. Consequently, as you continuously pound on your opponent, they will demonstrate less and less desire to put their hands on you.
- When executed correctly, it is the fastest way to “open the door” and shed a block, jam, and or press against higher skill-level opponents.
- It works just as effectively for receivers fighting off the line or through the break, moving into the arm of their route.
- Depending on the situation, you can RIP 1:3 or 3:1 interchangeably.
- It can be combined with “misdirection” to create an even more effective means of shedding a block, jam, and or press.
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.