Football Dip And Rip Technique

What is the Dip and Rip Technique in Football?

The dip and rip technique in football is a movement used by linebackers to escape blocking by the offensive line and get into a gap. By doing so, linebackers can break the protection on the ball carrier and either sack the quarterback or stop a run. Knowing how to correctly and efficiently execute a dip and rip move is very important for a good linebacker.

How to do a Dip and Rip Move in Football

The objective when doing a dip and rip move is to escape a block by an offensive lineman. Linebackers are often faster and more agile than offensive linemen, and that must be taken advantage of when performing the move. When the play starts, the linebacker must take a quick and strong first step in the direction of the gap they are trying to attack.

The lineman will already be at a disadvantage if the first step is done correctly and will, therefore, rely on their strength to block a player, trying to grab and hold the linebacker. That is where the next step of the dip and rip happens; the linebacker must lower (dip) their shoulder and escape the contact, followed by an uppercut forward motion (rip) to completely free themself from the block, leaving the blocker behind and unbalanced, making it hard to properly recover. After getting rid of the block, the linebacker must locate the ball carrier and attack them.