REF · 193025002202
5/5 VT
Defensive line
The defensive line, made up of defensive tackles and defensive ends, lines up opposite the offensive line. Its role is to stop the run, pressure the quarterback and disrupt blocking schemes from the snap. As on the offensive line, contact is constant, but a defensive lineman attacks rather than holds his ground: he has to win the first second through explosiveness, hand work and lateral movement. His kit therefore combines sturdy lineman shoulder pads, a closed facemask, protective gloves that keep some grip for grabbing the ball carrier, and cleats that bite off the line and support the ankle through changes of direction. Hard-wearing materials are a plus, given the punishment the kit takes.
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REF · 19302E5006306
5/5 VT
REF · JQ1409
REF · AF1756
REF · 060920082301
REF · 060420100001
REF · 060330070802
REF · 14GL000001*S
REF · CG10860
REF · GBFBBS2L-BBG
Gloves
REF · AH4000
REF · 23302506
Schutt
F7 EGOP II-DW-NB-VC facemask
DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR Out of stock
from€89.95
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REF · 23302106
REF · 23303206
Schutt
F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask
DB · DL · LB · RB · TE · WR
European price to come
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REF · 23303806
REF · 23303906
REF · 23304006
REF · 233011
REF · 23302206
REF · 23315006
REF · 23315206
REF · 23315606
REF · 23315706
Defensive line equipment
A defensive lineman fires off the snap against a blocker and tries to get round him or drive him back. He strings together bull rushes, hand fighting and lateral moves, so his kit must protect like an offensive lineman's while leaving a little more freedom for the hands and for chasing the play.
Shoulder pads
Lineman football shoulder pads are the standard: a wide shell, thick padding and protection for the upper chest. Some more mobile defensive ends prefer a slightly less bulky model for extra range of motion. The VICIS ARC_V1 Varsity Trench is listed for the defensive line in our catalogue.
Helmet and facemask
A closed facemask with several bars protects the face in close-range battles. It must still leave enough of an opening to locate the ball and the ball carrier.
Gloves
There are two approaches: highly protective lineman gloves such as the Cutters Force 6.0, or all-purpose football gloves that keep more grip for grabbing the ball carrier, such as the Grip Boost Raptor 2.0. Both are listed for this position.
Cleats
An explosive start needs strong traction under the forefoot, while bull rushes and lateral steps call for stability and ankle support. The adidas Adizero Chaos II and the Nike Force Savage Pro 2 are among the football cleats listed for linemen.
Protective gear
- Elbow pads and forearm guards for arm-on-arm contact.
- Girdle with hip, thigh and tailbone pads.
- Mouthguard.
Buying tips
- Think about the stance: in a three-point or four-point stance, the fingers are on the ground. Gloves that protect the fingertips and the back of the hand are useful.
- Test arm mobility in the shoulder pads by miming the hand fighting used to shed a blocker.
- Check cleat traction on the surface you usually play on, artificial turf or natural grass.
A defensive tackle, lined up in the middle of the line, puts protection first; a defensive end, more often rushing the quarterback, may give up a little coverage in exchange for speed.
Frequently asked questions
Do offensive and defensive linemen wear the same shoulder pads?
In both cases lineman pads are the norm. Some defensive ends, who are more mobile and often rushing the quarterback, choose a slightly lighter model for extra range of motion.
Lineman gloves or all-purpose gloves on the defensive line?
Lineman gloves offer more protection for the fingers and back of the hand. All-purpose gloves keep more grip for grabbing the ball carrier. The choice depends on the player's role and preferences.
Which cleats suit a defensive lineman?
Cleats with strong forefoot traction for the start, plus a stable base and ankle support for bull rushes and lateral movement. The stud type is then chosen according to the playing surface.