Independent hands

Independent hands is the idea that you don't punch with two hands at once — each hand has its own job and works on its own time. In Coach Jay's pass-pro system (rooted in the Mudd/McNally/Paul Alexander coaching tree) the inside hand has one function: it lifts on an inside move. The outside hand controls the rusher's frame — a long-arm lock-out on a tight rusher or a club to the outside shoulder on a wide one. He calls them Mixed Hands: the Long Hand is the shield and feeler, the Strong Hand is the weapon — the Hay Hook. The reason it beats the old two-hand punch is leverage and balance: punch with both hands and your body gets catawampus and a good rusher swats your hands and runs by. Independent hands keep you square, keep your feet under you, and give the rusher nothing to grab.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 32 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

FrameBoth sides

The space between the defender’s shoulders. You want your hands inside the frame.

Strike distanceBoth sides

Don't throw your hands and don't reach. Wait until the rusher is close enough — strike distance — then strike.

Play Long / Play CondensedBoth sides

Play with your hands out in front and long (a long strike radius means your feet move less); keep your body condensed and knees bent (little steps, never straighten up).

45° setO-Line

Coach Jay's default pass set — kick on a 45° angle to close the rusher's path and meet him square at your spot, instead of dropping straight back (the vertical set).

Feet before handsO-Line

Move your feet to cover the man first, then strike. Hands without feet underneath them get beat.

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
• Back to the full Trench Dictionary →
• Get the free 6-week trench training program →