Head Coaches, Defensive Coordinators, and Defensive Line Coaches all have different opinions on this matter so let’s review the possibilities that include the Inside or ball hand down, the Shade or edge hand down, the Dominate hand down, and Both hands down.
As a football coach of five decades, I understand the importance of performance and safety. Each coach has the ultimate responsibility to decide which football techniques should be taught for the best performance, well-being and safety of his players and there is not one specific technique or safety device that can completely eliminate the risk of injury from impacts related to football. Coach B, the DLine Mentor
Inside or ball hand down, the thinking may be to better protect inside and force ball outside. Could be most effective for an edge defender to keep outside arm & leg free. The challenge is a player must be efficient when filliping to the opposite side of the defensive line
Shade or edge hand down keeps your gap arm & leg free. Again, the challenge is a player must be efficient when filliping to the opposite side of the defensive line and moving from inside to outside shades.
Dominate hand down, players most likely use this in drills unless a ball or center is involved. Might be very effective for a young player or a “If” coach needs a player on the field then the rule applies “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” as long as the job gets done. Also consider a left-handed edge player on the outside right edge when possible.
Both hands down, whenever necessary for the situation or to make a player function for the defense or goal line and short yardage.
Ultimately there is a lot to consider when a coach must take into account the experience, learning ability, and skill level of the individual player. Success comes from the players on the field and the coach’s ability to prepare them.
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