REF · 23315806
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 · 23316106
REF · 75301506
Schutt
Vengeance ROPO-DW-TRAD-NB facemask
DB · DL · LB · OL · RB · TE
European price to come
See the product
REF · 80170105
REF · 9950207
Shoulder pads
VICIS
ARC_V1 Varsity Trench shoulder pads
DL · OL · TE
from€359.90
sold out at this price
See the product
REF · 1909506
REF · 1909706
REF · 1911506
Shoulder pads
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.