557 skills and drills - ol
TRANSCRIPT
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Offensive Line
Offensive lineman have to work together.Switching the right guard to the left tackle
from week to week is not a positive thing
for the team. By keeping the offensive line
together and practicing together this helps
insure that the unit functions as one.
As the offensive line goes,
so does the team go
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Skills & Drills Offensive Linemen
Stance and Get-Offs
Run Blocking
Drive
Down
Double-Team
Cutoff
Scramble
Reach
Cut
Wedge
Pull & Trap
Combinations
Pass Protection
SAQ
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Line Blocking Basics
The offensive linemen have to be able toexecute the following blocks:
Spring Practice
Drive Block - One on one vs. a defender, eitherdown lineman or LB
Double-Team - Both a post blocker and driveblocker
Reach Block - Sometimes called a scoop block,
especially if its on the backside; Wedge - It is not a pretty block. It is sheer brute
force
Aggressive Pass Blocking
Summer/Fall
Combination Blocks - Combos and Folds between 2adjacent linemen on down defender and LB to theinside
Pulling to trap or lead block
Sprint-out Pass Blocking - Step/hinge technique
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HOGS
Once an offensive lineman has graduated to a HOGS (hand
on ground stud) he will receive a shirt stating that he is part
of the HOGS.
All offensive lineman will also be given a sideline hat stating
that they are part of the PLOW BOYS. This is the only
group on the whole team that has an individual name.
So many kids do not want to be an offensive lineman. Not
on this team. It should be a position sought out for. We
should have tryouts for offensive lineman.
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OL Characteristics
Before Now
Stance 3-point 4-point
Depth As close to LOS as possible As far back from LOS as possibl(Ears on hips of C)
Getting
Set
Come to LOS, get set in 2-point,
then snap into 3-point
(De La Salle)
We will run plays from the 2-
point stance
Come to LOS, get set in 4-point
stance
Splits 3, but shorten on passes and
wedge.
Prefer a 4 split between the G-T
2.5 for G-C-G, 3 for G-T & T-TE
No shortening of splits for
passing or wedge
Style Aggressive Aggressive
Pulling We have a couple of plays where
it will be very beneficial to
pull/trap
Will not trap
/1-Tech
(Nose)
Must be able to handle a 0/1
technique so that our full
playbook is available to us
Must be able to handle a 0/1
technique so that our full
playbook is available to us
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STANCE AND ALIGNMENT
Stance and alignment are the first steps in the process
of a lineman completing his assignment.A bad stance puts him at a huge disadvantage.
Football is hard enough without self-imposed
limitations.
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Stance
Objective: Develop the position that will enable thelinemen to be most effective in starting their blocking
assignment
Key Points: The most important components ofstance and start for the offense are:
Choosing the most appropriate stance
Achieving balance
Feeling comfortable in the stance
Keeping the head and eyes up
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Stance Technique
Feet just wider than shoulders. Inside of feet are even with outside
of shoulders.
Toes always point directly forward. Body will go where the toes point.
We prefer the feet/toes to be even
The individual may stagger his dominant/stronger foot back but no further
than the toes even with the arch of the other foot.
Squat low and prepare to drop hands
Drop the rear and get low enough to place the elbows on the knees.
Drop the shoulders as well. Back should be very nearly level.
This position is viable for starting the play if desired.
Lean forward and place hand(s) on the ground
Thumb and 1st 3 fingers should be on the ground
Pinky finger can be down if desired
Heels should be no more than 1 off the ground
Higher and the player has too much weight on his hands
Less and it might be a tell for pass blocking
Do not adjust the feet once the hands touch
There is a tendency to start inching the feet back and the player ends up in a
sprinter stance
Shoulders are square to the LOS and level not 1 shoulder higher
than the other
Back should be flat, even arched a bit
(for 3-pt: Off-arm should be in front of the knee, not resting on the
knee, not cocked back on the side)
Head and eyes are up, looking for the defender
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Stance Common Errors
Error Error Correction
yer tips off his direction Emphasize using the same balanced stance on all
plays. The player must not lean left or right if he is
going to move laterally on the snap, he must not p
too much weight on his down hand when he is
going to move forward at the snap, and he must notake too much weight off his hand when he is goin
to pass set because any of these errors might give
away his intentions
fense surprises the offense with a line game Emphasize keeping the head up in the stance and o
the start, focusing on the defender, specifically the
landmark for the block on the defender, so that if
the landmark moves at the snap, the blocker can
adjust
yer jumps offside Emphasize not leaning too far forward in the initia
stance because the player might lose his balance
and fall forward if he is overeager to start at the
snap. The offense should practice snapping the ba
on different snap counts (some short, some long)
every day so that the blockers can get used to
remaining poised in their stances for a different
amount of time on each play and therefore will no
jump on long counts.
yer takes false steps Emphasize keeping weight on the balls of the feet
that the pushoff foot does not come of the ground
on the first step. Practice going left more often (fo
right-handed players) to eliminate the tendency to
take the first step with the right foot on every play
which is incorrect on plays going to the left.
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ALIGNMENT
The specific locations in which the offensive linemen will
start the play.
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Hole Numbering
The holes are used to tell the players where the ball isgoing and to provide us with a consistent way of referringto the play.
All holes are based on the outside hip of the player. In thisscheme we will number the holes odd to the left and evento the right.
0, 1 are over the hips of the Center.
9 is the far left, 8 is the far right. These are used identify thesweeps and very wide plays
0 2 4 63579 1
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Line Splits
The line split is the distance between the outside footof a lineman and the inside foot of the next linemento his outside. The split is used to spread the defenseout and make their alignments very clear.
For our run offense, our linemen will follow theserules:
Since we run option, we need the splits to spread thedefense so we have room.
We cannot close the splits down, no herding
T G
33
Y
3
TG
3 3
Y
3
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Line Split Adjustments
We want the hand-off key (HOK) to be as faraway from the FB as possible (DeMeo, I
need to look this up) If the HOK is head up on the OL then move 1 to
the outside
If the HOK is inside the OL then move the 1 tothe inside
If the PST has a 4i technique then If hes in the i the gap must die
The defense will do this to force a quick read
Move down to 1 (foot-to-foot) with the PSG.That makes the 4i a 3-tech which is then double-teamed
Inside the +10-yard line Close splits to 2 across the line
Inside the 3-yard line Close splits to 1 across the line
Move the depth up as close as possible The advantage we gain from being back off the ball
is lost in the goal-line situation
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Line Depth
Linemen Depth
We want the OL to align as deep/off the ball as
possible. We want the top of the helmet even
with the belt of the center.
This will help with the pulling and zone/scoop
blocking
It gives the OL time to read and react to stunts
and slants and other DL games
The closer to the LOS our OL are the better
players they must be
Guards align with their down hand on thetoes of the outside foot of the center
Tackles align with the toes of their inside
foot splitting the arch of the outside foot of
the guard
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RUN BLOCKING
Two Laws of Blocking:Low man wins
Inside hands win
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Play Calls and Run Blocking
Each of the play descriptions in the playbook
has the assignment and name of the
blocking technique for each position
The names used in the descriptions are the same
names used in this skills document
By reviewing the play descriptions, and theput-in schedule, it is possible to determine
the importance of each technique as well as
the sequence that the blocking techniques
need to be taught
The following sections go through each
blocking technique and describe the block
objective, key points, notes, specific
techniques, and error resolution
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Summary of Blocking Techniques
ock Summary
se A drive blocking rule that gives the OL a numbering-rule system.
mbination Blocking adjustments in which the linemen who would normally block the man ovethem exchange assignments
mbo A block between two offensive linemen, or one tackle and one tight-end, thatdoubles a defensive linemen back to a linebacker.
A block used in the open field in which the offensive man takes out the legs of thedefender.
op Tells the down linemen to fire low at the thighs in order to chop the defensivelinemen and to keep their hands down on Quick passes.
off Usually described as a back-side block, meaning it is on the back side of the play.
This block is used to cut off a defender from getting to the play.
uble Team Two offensive linemen combine to block one defender.
wn Used when an OL that is supposed to pull is covered and the OL in that direction isnot covered.
ve The running game starts with the basic drive block where the lineman is in a one-oone situation with a defender on the line directly across from him.
okThe offensive linemen shuffle steps with his playside foot and puts his head on theoutside shoulder of the defender, and then turns his butt to the side of the hole.
l and Trap Taking a player from over here and having him move to a block over there
ach The blocker has to block a defender that is either in the gap or lined up on theblocker next to him toward where the play is going
l Tells a pulling guard to seal a defender that has come hard inside.
amble Scramble block is a variation of the drive block where the OL drives low at the hip
thigh of the defender. A drive block with hands on the ground
lk Tells the receiver to mirror the defender and stay between him and the runner.
dge A mass of blockers charging down the field like a herd of elephants
ne Tells the OL to take a lateral step at 90-degrees and then turn upfield to block thedefender.
On Big B-O-B is the blocking scheme for Quick, Stop, and Fan pass protection schemes.
n A Big on Big pass protection scheme.
ick Tells the linement to aggressively pass protect.
p A Big on Big pass protection scheme.
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Blocking Inventory
Based on the assignments and techniques
for the (current) plays, it is logical to look as
the following blocks as being necessary skills
for the OL to have:
Drive Block
On DL
On LB Cutoff
Double-Team
With the current playlist, expending
time/resources on teaching other blockingtechniques does not contribute to the OL
developing the proper skill set.
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DRIVE BLOCK
The running game starts with the basic drive block
where the lineman is in a one-on-one situation with a
defender on the line directly across from him.
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Drive Block (DW Forum)
I watched Murphy's talk on DVD, I believe it was at the second DW
forum on how his offensive linemen take two short steps, I mean
six inches long, and get into their block.
Then, I recently read the book on De La Salle football, and read a
brief article written by Coach Ladoceaur on how his line gets off
the ball in those first two, short steps.
But neither the video nor the article explained exactly why taking
two SHORT steps is so important. Maybe I'm just a dim bulb, but it
made sense to me that if you take two longer steps and did it faster
than the other guy, that would be an advantage . . . but, of course,that is almost impossible because the two players are so close to
each other.
So, I lined up my kids and watched them very, very closely. And
now it all makes sense. Just as Murphy said, you have to teach
those kids to take two quick short steps and plant them on the
ground, seven cleats on the turf. The key is that they must beSHORT steps, because your linemen are going to catch those
defensive linemen with their second, longer step before they get
that foot planted. That is the key to it all. Maybe this is obvious to
most of you, but to me it was huge to understand this. Even if your
guys are slower than the defense, momentum is destroyed when
that offensive lineman catches that defender with his foot in the air
taking his second step. Will the defender get that foot down? Sure.
But it is too late. The OL has already started going forward on his
third step. The defender has been stopped and is now trying to
recover, but the battle is lost.
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Drive Block (DW Forum) II
And let me tell you the results. Two kids, whom I've
coached for three years now and have always been
minimum play kids, are now kicking the living crap out ofmy bigger, faster, stronger linemen. Those two kids have
the absolute best form of anyone else. They get those two
short steps down bang, bang, and then start driving. We
did the Sumo drill the other night, and these two guys
finished first and second, and I would have said prior to
that drill that the odds of that happening were about a
gizzillion to one. All the other linemen took notice, and now
most of them are concentrating, and I mean really
concentrating, on taking those two steps. Two of them
came over the other night and asked me to help them work
on their steps, they were so impressed with the results
shown by those two others who are doing it right.
Just to add a little bit coach ... that first step is a directional
step ... it gets us headed WHERE we want to go ... then that
second step is the power step ... we are getting it down as
quickly as we possibly can because contact will come
during this step no matter what you do ... you can get your
step down and have power or you can get caught in
midstep and have no power ...
That is the reason we use LEG and spend so much time
repping our LEG progression ... to stay low on our
directional step and to explode with maximum force on ourpower step
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Drive Block (1-1)
Objective:
This is a one-on-one block and is the foundation
for all calls and formations
Job is to drive the defender off the LOS and keep
him occupied so the back can pick a hole to run
through
Key Points: The most important components of the drive
block are:
Creating a base of power
Proper footwork
Contacting the defender at the landmark
Follow-trough
Notes:
First step ties, second step wins
Remember: Influence the defender by making
him react to his gap control. Shaded defenders
are normally gap defenders
If you get a head-up defender helmet placement
is the play side ear
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Drive Block Technique
Start in good stance
First Step (Tie step) On snap drive down hand back (may want to load both
arms) while taking a 6 step with dominant/back foot.
Eyes lock on the landmark the top of the numbers on the
chest of the defender. Head must stay low.
If ball is coming over the OL then the head should go to the
middle of the numbers
If ball is going to the gap on each side then the head should go to
the numbers on that side
Back stays flat, parallel to the ground
Step 2 is the power step (the win step)
Step to where the defender had his hand on the ground
Bring both hands up and into the chest of the defender, lifting
him up
Hands should be as close together as possible
Keep the thumbs up, pointing toward the sky
Keep the elbows down
Arch the back which will drop the hips. This will provide
leverage
Continue to drive with short (6 or less) choppy steps
Keep feet 6 wider than the shoulders
Step on the toes of the defender
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Drive Block Linebacker
Similar to base drive block Get off low,
take steps to get to the LB
Just before contact dip down low again to
gain leverage
Put forehead on the number to the hole side
Hit leading with top of shoulder pad, getting
under his shoulder pads, and get hands on
inside of his chest
The LB will usually try to take on this block
with a shoulder, trying to get under the
blocker, and then use shoulder and forearmas a flipper to shed the block
Getting hands on inside will allow the OL to
control him and stay on the block longer
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Drive Block Common Errors
Error Error Correction
yer makes very hard initial hit but stops feet This usually results in a good hit but then the feet
stop after 2 steps. Against a good player he will use
their balance to defeat the OL. The OL must block
through the defender and be aware that he is not
likely to drive him 5 yards downfield.
ocker stops moving feet on contact Blockers must keep their feet going even after the
initial hit. Have them practice driving a sled or
teammate holding a bag, keeping the feet driving a
all times.
ocker grabs the defenders shoulders with his
nds
The urge is to grab the defender to stop him, but
doing can become a bad habit and result in holding
calls. Require the OL to maintain inside hand
position and keep their feet moving to sustain ever
block.
fender gets past the blocker Usually the blocker is playing with his pads too hig
if the defender eludes him. If the pads are high, th
blocker is standing too tall, limiting his ability to
mover laterally and causing him to lose his balance
or lunge at the defender. Have the players work on
starts with a low pad level. Stress to blockers the
need to play with their pads below the defenders
padsocker crosses over with second step The second step was too big. Linemen must work o
getting the second step back on the ground quickly
In practice have the OL take 10 steps in blocking
position without crossing over
ocker falls forward The blocker has too much weight forward on his
toes. When a defender moves, the lineman who ha
too much weight forward will have difficulty keepi
his balance.
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DOWN BLOCK
Used when an OL that is supposed to pull is covered
and the OL in that direction is not covered.
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Down Block
Objective:
Block the defender away from the hole, usually to the inside gap.
Key Points:
First step is down the line forcing the defender to react to his gap
30-to-45 degree angle step toward the defender
Depending on the speed of the DL, this may need to be a 12 step laterally
toward the sideline to stop penetration
Stay low - keep stomach on the thigh
Aim head for defenders far hip or shoulder
Get the head between the defender and the LOS
Deliver blow to the near side of the defender, driving the shoulder into the
defenders ribcage
Keep outside hand up and aimed for the defenders hip
Second step
Helmet placement is to the near ear, dont allow the helmet to drift across
the nose of the defender.
If the defender tries to go upfield then drive him to the sideline
If the defender tries to go to the sideline then swing the hips and shoulder toface the sideline and create a big surface for the defender to get around
Punch placement is the near number. By making the defender react to
his gap responsibility, this will help the push and finish the defender.
Control the defender with the punch, this is the advantage the rule
change of blocking with extended arms and hands gives you
Notes:
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DOUBLE TEAM
The double-team block involves two offensive linemen
blocking one down defender and moving him out of
the area.
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Double-Team Block
Objective:
Use 2 of our OL to move a defender from his position.
Basically this is two OL drive blocking a DL out of theway
Key Points:
The most important components of the double-team
block are: Identifying the defender
Proper footwork
Creating movement
Preventing the split
Finishing the block
Notes:
The double-team will attempt to drive the defender
back off the ball and into the path of the backside LB,
who should be scraping to the play
The double-team, also a one-shoulder block, where our
two men work to stay stuck together at the hips
The double-team block has an inside and an outside
blocker.
This block will normally occur in the B/Bravo/G-T gap,
or in the C/Cat/T-TE gap
Ex: Double team on DT in 3-tech on Triple
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Double-Team Technique
Inside Blocker Outside Blocker
rst Very short (3") & flat lateral gap step
with inside foot keeping shoulders
square.
A flat lateral gap step with inside foot
keeping the shoulders square.
cond Outside foot is up field thru the crotch
of the DL, getting hip to hip with
outside teammate
Outside foot is up field, getting hip to
hip with inside teammate. Place insid
foot in the crotch of the DL.
ext Strike the inside breastplate of the DL
with outside hand or both hands
(get a little bite to help outside
teammate try to stand the DL up).
Eyes must go immediately to the
inside as you work up field to build
the wall to the first LBer offside (be
alert for play side LBer running thru
the inside gap as you go for first LBer
offside).
If the DL comes inside, lock onto him,
and outside teammate will build the
wall at the second level.
Strike the outside breastplate of the
DL with the hands. Aim for the
shoulder and ribcage of the defender
nish Both OL continue to drive the DL while maintaining lower pad level
otes Both teammates are working together both are blocking gap upstream
(from the DL to the first LBer offside).
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Double-Team Variations
Post and Pivot
Same as the base double-team, but the outside
OL drives into the DL hip (scramble block)
Drive the DL laterally down the LOS
Aim for the hips, not the knees which is chop block
and is illegal
Scramble
Both OL drive low at the defender, hip or thigh
level, with their heads pinning the defender
between them
Seal with their shoulders and hips
Usually the quickest way to get movement on the
DL
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3 Possible Defensive Responses
Split the block
The DL will probably try to turn his shoulders,
making himself thin and try to drive between
the blockers
This is prevented by working very hard on the
seal between the two OL
Hips and shoulders together
Attack one of the blockers
Usually the DL will try to spin out of the double-
team
This is prevented by the OL maintaining outside
pressure with their helmets and outside arms
Drop and create a pile
The defender may just drop and grab grass to
prevent being moved out of the area Blockers must stay on their feet, avoid falling
down, and continue to try and push the DL
backward out of the hole.
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Double-Team Block Common Errors
Error Error Correction
own defender splits the double-team The blockers did not get shoulder-to-
shoulder as they started the double-team.
two-on-one drills emphasize control of the
down defender with each blockers inside
shoulder
ouble-team does not create movement The blockers pad level is too high, or one o
the blockers bumped the other off the
double-team, losing the two-to-one
advantage
ne of the blockers loses his footing Although the blockers are pushing forward
aggressively they must always keep their
feet under them, not getting too much
weight on their toes, so that if the defende
moves they dont fall down. If one of theblockers falls down then the double-team
loses its two-to-one advantage.
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CUTOFF BLOCK
Usually described as a back-side block, meaning it is
on the back side of the play. This block is used to cut
off a defender from getting to the play.
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Cutoff (Reach/Scoop)
Objective:
The OL is to cutoff the defender from pursuing the
play. Usually on a sweep or the backside
A variation can also be used to get the PSG under a 3-
technique DL and get to the LB (Midline)
OL is going to reduce his shoulder to get under the DL/DE
tech and attack the linebacker
We teach this technique as pickin grass
Key Points:
Dip and Rip, Going to the right
6 inch step with right foot, flat along the LOS,
Throw (forcefully) right elbow back
Take left elbow to inside of right knee
Left foot steps directly in front of the first step, twist the
shoulders to "Get Small
Left hand should be in position to pick grass
Rip with the left hand through to the 2nd level (never up)
He picks grass with his outside arm and gets his eyes to
the LB
Note:
See: SCOOP/SLIP DRILL
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SCRAMBLE BLOCK
Scramble block is a variation of the drive block where
the OL drives low at the hip or thigh of the defender.
A drive block with hands on the ground
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Scramble Block
Objective:
Used by quick-hitting teams (plays) to control a
defender by staying in his legs
Key Points:
OL uses his shoulder and upper and lower arms to
create a triangular blocking surface This is the older style of blocking
OL drives off as in the regular drive block, but the
landmark is the hip or thigh of the defender
Use the off hand on the ground to add more
stability to the blocking position. Head is to the playside of the defender
Pinch with the ear
Look to the sky
Arch back and lift the defender off the ground
Decreases his stability/balance Increases OL balance by adding weight
Notes:
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REACH BLOCK
The blocker has to block a defender that is either in
the gap or lined up on the blocker next to him toward
where the play is going
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Reach Block
Objective:
Block a defender in the playside gap and prevent him
from being part of the play.
Key Points:
This is almost a pull-block
Drop step toward the playside gap, throw back the
playside elbow, turn and run Aim for the outside number of the defender
Wider the defender, the more lateral the step must be
By the third step the OL must have contact, turning
into the defender and getting his hands on the
defender
Then try to square up with the defender andstop/hinder his progress
Notes:
Not usually called near the point of attack
OL has some distance/time to work with Usually with the OT/TE trying to reach the DE on a
sweep or outside play
Get hands on the defender and deter him from running
freely to the play
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Reach Block Common Errors
Error Error Correction
ockers first step is too far downfield The first step on the reach block must point to the
outside number of the defender. The wider the
defender is aligned, the deeper the step must be.
Blockers frequently take a first step that is not
lateral enough to point them toward their target.Have them watch videotape of themselves doing
this technique in practice and concentrate on
placement of the first step.
ocker stops moving feet on contact Blockers must keep the feet going, even after
striking the initial blow. Have them practice driving
sled or teammate holding a bag, keeping the feet
driving at all times.
ocker grabs the defenders shoulders The urge is to grab an opponent to stop him. The
blocker must work the hands to the proper positio
and use the legs to drive the defender.
ocker wheels in the hole Some blockers turn their shoulders to far toward th
sideline in attempting a reach block. Although they
are still trying to work the defender toward the
outside they are no longer in position to reach the
defender because they have turned their back into
the hole and are in essence working on the
defenders inside half instead of the outside half.Although they want to stretch the defender toward
the sideline, they cannot turn and face the sideline
on this block; they attack the defenders outside
arm and try to gain leverage outside the defender.
ocker crosses over with second step The second step was too big. Linemen must work o
getting the second step back on the ground quickly
In practice, have linemen take 10 steps in blocking
position without crossing over.
ocker falls forward The blocker has too much weight forward on histoes. When a defender move, the lineman who ha
too much weight forward will have difficulty keepi
his balance
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CUT BLOCK
The OL will take out the legs of the DL and create a
pile of bodies at the LOS
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Chop Block
Objective:
Used by quick-hitting teams (plays) to control a
defender by taking out the his legs and putting
him on the ground
Key Points:
Offensive linemen fire out low at the thighs inorder to take out the legs (chop) of the defensive
linemen
Notes:
This has to be a 1-1 block because if it is usedwith another OL it may be judged to be an illegal
chop block and is a penalty
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WEDGE BLOCK
A mass of blockers charging down the field like a herd
of elephants
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Wedge Block
Objective: Form a wall of blockers that are shoulder-
to-shoulder protecting the running back
Notes:
This is not an elegant block. It is not a pretty block. It is
sheer brute force.
See the Installing the Wedge for additional insights
on the Wedge
Technique:
The C is the apex of the wedge
Other linemen get into formation on the apex
C does not drive block, he stands up the N and the other
OL drive him forward
Inside shoulder is in the armpit of the OL to their
inside.
Outside arm is free to ward off defenders
Inside arm/elbow is in small of the back of the player
to the inside Cannot grasp the jersey or otherwise link with another
player
All players charge down the field in formation
The back will be tucked into the wedge formation
The OL are low and charge ahead like a wall of elephants
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PULL AND TRAP
Taking a player from over here and having him move
to a block over there
BB
TT EE N
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Pull or Trap Block
Objective:
Move an OL from one position to another location to
block a defender
Key Points:
Pull blocker takes drop step and takes track to inside
hip of defender
Throw the pull-side elbow back, hard, to get the body toturn in the direction of the pull
The elbow will end up behind the pull-side hip
Opposite arm is thrown toward pull-side to help the body
turn
Drop the pull-side foot back 6-12 and point the toes in
the direction of the pull
Lay the chest and stomach on the thigh to keep low
Run down the LOS, staying low, until the blow is
delivered
On contact allow base to explode
Pull to the left, hit with left shoulder
Pull to the right, hit with the right shoulder
Notes:
Takes advantage of penetrating defenders
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Pull or Trap Log Block
The log block is used when the defender
does not have outside contain or is slanting
to the inside against the pull
In that situation the OL will not be able to
block the defender to the outside and will
have to block the defender to the inside
If the puller reads that the trap is not
possible then the following changes are
required: Change the aiming point to the point of the
shoulder of the defender
Make contact with the inside/upfield shoulder
When contact made then swing hips around to
the outside and pin the defender to the inside Inside hand goes just below his shoulder
Upfield hand then comes around to control him
to the outside
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Pull/Trap Block Common Errors
Error Error Correction
ocker collides with adjacent
emen
The blocker took a poor first step. The first step must be
drop step, not a step straight down the LOS> Although
the linemen is excited about the opportunity to pull and
trap or kick out a defender, he cannot be in such a hurrythat he fails to execute the proper drop step. Remind him
that he will get their slower if he collides with a
teammate.
ocker fails to move the
fender
The blocker is playing too high. Some linemen stand too
tall when they pull, so when they get to the defender,
they have no base of power in the lower body and
cannot move the defender even though they have some
momentum. Work the linemen in a chute where theystay low when they pull.
efender spills the block On this play, the defender who gets his helmet downfiel
best will win. Defenders are often taught to spill a trap
block or kick out block by getting the helmet inside and
taking on the block with the outside shoulder.
Conversely, the pulling linemen is taught to get his
helmet downfield and execute the block with his playsid
shoulder. To trap a defender who is going to try to spill
the block, the offensive linemen must attack the
defender on a downhill course, getting far enough inside
the defender that he cannot get underneath the blocker
and spill the play.
ocker stops moving feet on
ntact
Blockers must keep the feet going, even after striking th
initial blow. Have them practice driving the sled or a
teammate or holding a bag, keeping the feet driving at atimes.
ocker falls forward The blocker has too much weight forward on his toes.
When a defender moves, the linemen who has too much
weight forward will have difficulty keeping his balance
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Types of Pulling
G
Alerts play side G/T that he is pulling
Will kickout or log EMLOS
Puller does not cross the rear of the Center
Power
Call tells G/T that he is targeting the 2nd level,
not trapping
May be from backside or play side
Trap
Alerts backside G/T that he will be pulling to play
side
Will kickout or log EMLOS
Will cross the rear of the Center
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Pulling G & Trap
G Play side on EMLOS/ Target
Trap Backside pulls to play side
BB
TT EE N
B
TT EE N
B
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B
TT EE N
B
Pulling Power
Pull from backside and look for 2nd level
Pull around the DE and look outside (DB)
B
TT EE N
B
Pull around the DE and look inside (LB)
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COMBINATION BLOCKS
Combination blocks are blocking adjustments in which
the linemen who would normally block the man over
them exchange assignments
B
T T
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Combo Block
Used to work first and second level defenders
Gets better angle on the down defender
Blocker on down defender takes track to near ear and hip
Fold blocker takes drop step and works off hip of down block
Two offensive lineman track a defensive lineman and a linebacker
We have four eyes on the backer
We secure the down guy first
Players will step hippo (hip to hip)
Linemen must not get split
Drive d-lineman into backer, come off at backer level, dont chase
Cross Block Both defenders are on the LOS
Fold Block One defender is on the LOS, one is off as a linebacker
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Combo/Fold Blocking Calls
Call Action
Which Side?
(Usually a call by the
Center)
Lima Left
Romeo Right
Target Gap?
Alpha A-Gap (C-G)
Bravo B-Gap (G-T)
Charlie C-Gap 9 (T-E)
Who Goes First?
Charlie Center (C) goes first
Golf Guard (G) goes first
Tango Tackle (T) goes first
Echo End (E) goes first
OR
India Inside (I) player goes first
Oscar Outside (O) player goes first
hese calls are based on the military phonetic alphabet. Any naming conventio
for the calls may be used as long as they are understood by the coaches and
players
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Gap Naming Alpha, Bravo, Charlie
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie refer to the gap between
the players that will combo.
Alpha Combo (A Gap)
Bravo Combo (B Gap)
Charlie Combo (C Gap)
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Fold: Alpha India Center & Guard
Alpha Center & Guard
Lima LeftIndia Inside blocker goes firstCharlie Center goes first
Alpha Center & GuardRomeo RightIndia Inside blocker goes firstCharlie Center goes first
B
T T
B
TT
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Fold: Alpha Oscar Center & Guard
Alpha Center & Guard
Lima LeftOscar Outside blocker goes firstGolf Guard goes first
Alpha Center & GuardRomeo - RightOscar Outside blocker goes firstGolf Guard goes first
B
T
B
B
T
B
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Fold: Bravo Guard & Tackle
Bravo Guard and TackleIndia Inside blocker goes firstGolf Guard goes first
Bravo Guard and TackleOscar Outside blocker goes firstTango Tackle goes first
B
T
B
TT
B
B B
TT
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Fold: Charlie Tackle & TE
CharlieTackle and EndIndia Inside blocker goes firstTango Tackle goes first
CharlieTackle and EndOscar Outside blocker goes firstEcho End goes first
B
TT EE N
B
W
T
M
ET
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RUN BLOCKING DRILLS
Drills and techniques specific to the offensive line.
Some good, some not so good. But a decent place to
start from.
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Blocking Squares
Purpose:
To teach blockingtechniques
Equipment:
4 cones,
3 blocking dummies
Field marking
Execution:
Create a 6-ft. square on the
field and mark the spotwhere the diagonals meet
Put a defender/dummyinside the perimeter of thesquare and an offensivelinemen on the outside thesquare
On snap have the OL blockthe DL out of the square.Start in position 1 and moveto 2, and then 3
Coaching points
Start with dummies andgradually add resistance
Pair up players by size forfull resistance
Players maintain contactand drive until the DL is outof the square
X
OL 1 OL 2 OL 3
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East-West
Purpose:
To determine who is better blocker
To teach blocking techniques Equipment:
12 cones,
Execution:
Create 3 2x3 yard blocking zones
Put two OL in each blocking zone
On the cadence each tries to force his partner out of theblocking zone with drive block
Blocking must be legal
Winners move 1 zone to the right (East), losers to the left(West)
Winners and losers rotate back in
Coaching points
Players maintain contact and drive until the opponent is out ofthe blocking zone
Winners (better OL) will end on the East side, lesser blockerswill end in the West.
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Pulling and Trapping
Purpose: To teach trapping techniques
Equipment: 4 blocking dummies
Execution: Line up the 4 dummies on the LOS
Use 3 OL in various combinations of blocking and trapping
Coaching Points: The pulling OL blocks with the outside shoulder, keeping his
head toward the LOS
Vary the angle and drive techniques to help the puller
recognize a free defender Switch the pulling drill from right to left after each OL has
gone through the drill
OL maintain contact until the whistle blows
OL 1 OL 3OL 2OL 1 OL 3OL 2
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Pulling and Trapping - Technique
Technique: Trap Pull Step
1 STEP: From 3 Point stance Lineman picks up foot andturns it 90 degrees and steps while pivoting other foot also.Lineman needs to throw elbow on first step while keepingback flat.
2nd STEP: Step with other foot keeping good base andpump arms when running and keep a flat black.
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Pull and Lead
Purpose: To teach OL Perimeter pulling techniques
Equipment: 4 blocking dummies, cone
Execution: Line up the 4 dummies on the LOS
Use 3 OL in various combinations of blocking andtrapping
Coaching Points: OL should pull with depth to avoid congestion at the
LOS
Keep head up field
Switch drill from side to side
Maintain contact until whistle blows
OL OL
OL OL
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Wax On Wax Off - Hand Combatives
Face both the blocker off together with the pass blocker ina pass protection stance
Hands should be attached in a snatched position
Defender will try and remove the hands of the blocker byclubbing down or from underneath
The blocker will replace his hands by rotating his armsaccordingly (wax on, wax off)
Once blockers are comfortable then add the kick slide whilemaintaining proper base
This is one of the most important drills for the blockers tomaster because it teaches the proper leverage and punch
This is also an excellent drill for the DL/DEs to work on
breaking the grip of the OL
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Goal Post Combo Scrape and Pick-Up
Combo scrape and pick-up is great for punch and fit with aplayer simulating a LB scraping off the backside of the goalpost
Depending on which side the LB scrapes will dictate whichlineman will pick up the flowing LB
Both OL start from their stance. Upon firing out and fittingup with the bag they will not come off the combo with eachother until the scraping LB gets to the same level as the
blockers
LB sits at a depth of 3-5 yards and then begins his scrapeonce both OL have fit up on the bag
Coaching Point: This is a great drill for practicing zonefootwork, both inside or outside zone
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Base Check - Push and Pull
Have the OL get into a good pass protection stance
Have their partner push from different sides, trying tomake the OL lose his wide base set
Partner can either push or pull
Make the blocker maintain his base by sliding to recover,
never crossing the feet, never losing shoulder width base
Blocker should start out with arms behind him and then
work base with arms fully extended
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Backside Cutoff/Cut
Purpose:
Teach lineman how to cut off an inside technique and
use the cut block as a change up.
Technique:
Line up one of the bean bags and have 1 lineman holdit. Offensive lineman should line up 1 man away frombag.
On cadence lineman takes drop step footwork and runson 45 degree angle, pointing head to inside of beanbag. When lineman approaches bag, he rips backsidearm through front side of lineman and leans body onbag as he adjusts body to parallel to line of scrimmage.
As an alternate, lineman will lean body into bag androll into the bag simulating a cut block
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Sled Drive Block
Purpose:
Teach lineman to get off the ball as one unit, hip
explosion on contact and develop leg strength andconditioning
Technique:
Line up 5 lineman across the Sled. On cadence lineman
take steps and explode hands into sled and drive hips
through, locking out elbows.
All lineman must hit the bag at the same time and must
lock out elbows and not rest head on bags.
After linemen have driven the sled about 10 yards.
start the next group.
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Sled Rapid Get-Off
Purpose:
Teach lineman to get off ball as one unit, hip explosion
on get off, and conditioning lineman
Technique:
Line up 5 lineman on sled. On cadence all lineman take
steps and explode with hands and hips into sled. As
soon as lineman lock out arms, begin cadence againand have lineman repeat 4-5 times for each group of
lineman.
Make sure lineman all hit sled at the same time each
time and stress the importance of this.
As they get tired they will tend to go on their own
timing but we must train them to all go as one group.
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Sled Hip Extension
Purpose:
Teach lineman hip explosion
Technique:
Line up lineman on the sled on both knees with hands
at hip pockets. On cadence lineman explode hands
through bag with elbows tight to body.
Lineman also throw hips through on contact and endup with their hips on the ground and elbows locked
out. Lineman should all hit the sled at the same time.
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1-Step 2-Step Drill
Purpose:
Teach lineman footwork of reach, drop and trap pull
steps
Technique:
Reach Step
1 STEP: From 3 point stance lineman picks up foot and
steps 6 inches right or left and points foot at 45 degree
angle.
Drive both hands back tight to hip pockets, drive other
knee to the ground and keep flat back.
2nd STEP: Step with opposite foot 6 inches on 45 Degree
angle keeping a good wide base and throw arms tightly
through sides of body with thumbs pointed up.
Drop Step
1 STEP: From 3 point stance lineman picks up foot and
steps backwards 6 inches right or left and points foot at
45 degree angle.
Drive both hands back tight to hip pockets, drive other
knee to the ground and keep flat back.
2nd STEP: Step with opposite foot 6 inches on 45 Degreeangle keeping a good wide base and throw arms tightly
through sides of body with thumbs pointed up.
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Front Side Reach
Purpose: Teach lineman technique of reach blocks
Technique: Have 1 lineman hold bean bag, Offensive lineman will
line up 1/2 man to one side of bag and 1/2 yard awayfrom bag.
On cadence lineman takes reach step footwork (45degree angle on first two steps) aiming head for play
side shoulder of bag holder and striking hands on bagon second step.
On third and fourth step lineman then works feet tostraight up field while keeping shoulders and buttparallel to line of scrimmage and finally on 5th steplineman will slam the bag one side or the other andland on it
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Chutes Chop Feet
Purpose:
Teach lineman to take small choppy steps and keep
base on run blocking
Technique:
From 3 point stance line up lineman just outside chute.
On cadence lineman take short quick choppy steps
Lineman try to take as many steps as possible beforegetting through the chute while pumping their arms
and keeping their back flat
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Chutes Drive Block
Purpose:
Teach lineman to come off the ball with flat back and
low pad level
Technique:
Put 2-3 flat bags on the ground under the chutes.
These teach lineman to keep base during drive block.
Have 3 lineman line up on one side of the chute withanother person opposite each lineman holding a bag.
On cadence, lineman come off the ball with low pad
level and explode into the bags keeping a good base
and locking out elbows on contact.
Progress to using no bags.
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One-on-One Drive Block vs. Linebackers
Purpose:
Teach lineman how to drive block on linebackers
Technique:
Line up 1 offensive lineman in 3 point stance and a
linebacker opposite him 3-5 yards away and shaded
1/2 man to a side.
On Cadence lineman will attack the play side armpit ofthe linebacker with his helmet and hands and keeping
shoulders parallel to line of scrimmage drive the
linebacker backwards.
Use two groups at a time and get as many reps as
possible.
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Slam Drill
Purpose:
Teach lineman how to double team a down lineman
while blocking a linebacker also.
Technique:
This is similar to Slip and Scoop but we dont wantdefensive linemans shoulders turned.
Guard:
Take reach step work for 1st 2 steps except point toesvertical instead of at 45 degree angle.
Punch defensive lineman on closest number and getmovement on him while having your eyes on thelinebacker, If linebacker blitzes, pick him up. If linebackerflows over top stay on defensive lineman and drive himbackwards.
Tackle: Take drop step but aim head and punch for near side
number of down lineman while keeping eyes onlinebacker.
If linebacker blitzes then tackle gets down lineman, if notstay on down lineman and get movement until you seelinebacker flow over top of lineman.
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Counter Pull
Purpose:
Teach lineman footwork of pulling and to explode on
contact of defender
Technique:
Line up 1 bag holder holding the bean bag, simulating a
front side defensive lineman. Have guards line up
about 5 yards away from bag. On cadence, Guard takespull step, throwing play side elbow horizontally and
keeping back flat.
The lineman then runs keeping a good base and flat
back towards up field position of bean bag.
On contact with bean bag, lineman throws arms
through and launches body on top of bean bag.
Variation:
Line two lineman up about 5 yards from two man sled
and on cadence have lineman take pull steps and drive
sled. Focus on hips through on contact.
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Scoop-Slip Drill
Purpose: Teach lineman footwork and technique of slip and scoop blocks
Technique: Line up two offensive lineman and two bag holders opposite, one on
the LOS between the two lineman and one behind him as a linebacker.
Play side lineman: Step with reach step (6 inch) to play side.
Second step is again at 45 degree angle and punch the bag holder withbackside arm through play side number.
Third step works to vertical (perpendicular with the line of scrimmage) andlock out punch arm, turning the shoulder of the defensive lineman but
keeping shoulders square to LOS. Fourth step again is vertical and lineman should be knocked off the block by2nd offensive lineman and progress to the linebacker.
Play side lineman should at all time keep eyes on linebacker and be ready toadjust to him.
Backside lineman: Step with Drop step (6 inch) to play side.
Second step is again at 45 degree angle aiming head and hands for play sidearmpit of defensive lineman.
Third step is again at 45 degree angle look to knock play side offensive
lineman off and take control of defender from the play side. Fourth step continues 45 degrees, head should be on play side.
Fifth step is either vertical (if play side is sealed) or stays on 45 degree angleif play side is not sealed.
Progression: Start at half speed and focus on footwork and hand placement and
technique. Progress from 1.) linebacker sitting, to 2.) both defendersmoving, to 3.) Linebacker run through (backer call). Progress with 3situations to 3/4 speed tempo and finally full speed. We will start withbag holders, but progress to no bags and do this drill at full speedagainst defensive personal.
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Bird Dog
Purpose: This drill is used to get each player used to stepping with the
correct foot. Since each offensive lineman is going to have to
step either left or right on any particular play we practice thefirst step.
Technique: Each lineman will get into a stance toes even and shoulder
width apart. Hands in fist and elbows resting on knees.
On the coaches cadence of down each player will place hisdown hand on the ground slightly in front of the same foot.
There should be little to no pressure on this hand at all.
Note all the players on the left of the center will have their lefthand down all the players on the right will have their righthand down.
Now each player will step on the word GO to the right/left predetermined by the coach and fire that same hand up to thenumbers, there is no defense in front of them so they willhave to imagine a defender. ONLY ONE STEP AT A TIME.
The line will not be able to take two steps until the entiregroup has achieved the first step correctly.
Now the second step is made but not to pass the length of thefirst step and never at any time should the shoulders everturn.
Later in the drill place short peaces of rope with tape on theshoulder pads of the offensive lineman and have them do thedrill taking three steps at a time.
A good reward is if the lineman can do it 5 times in a row theywill be excused from that days conditioning.
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Inside Reach
Purpose: Teach lineman technique of reach blocks
Technique: Now by doing the same thing in the bird dog have two lines. Have each
offensive lineman step with their inside foot and shoot their insidehand up and into what they would imagine would be the numbers.Both lineman should be at the same spot with their hands only inchesapart.
Once each lineman can do this now place a blocking dummy and havetandem push the blocking dummy down field 5 yards. NEVER SHOULDTHE FREE HAND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE DUMMY.
Once this is done by all lineman add another defender and place ahand shield as they are pushing the blocking dummy down the fieldhave the hand shield step to one side on the other.
***Key*** Once the 2nd defender gets nose bar to nose bar, straight in front of
the one offensive lineman he will release and attack the linebacker. Hemust communicate that he is leaving by giving a GONE call, once theother offensive lineman hears GONE he must communicate back by
saying LEAVE. Communication is the importance of this offense lineblocking scheme. There is no room for Minnie Mousses.
This drill should be practiced over and over and over. Do the same drillwith pass blocking and have the defenders with shields run any werethey want once them have been struck they must back up and takeanother approach. Start with 1 defender then as the drill keeps goingrush 2, 3, 4, up to 7 defenders at anyone time. The offensive line willbe able to keep many more than that out in this drill since the defensecant maintain contact but they dont know that and will get a sense of
accomplishment by blocking more people than they have to block.
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O-Line Agility Drills
LINE DRILL Have lineman all line up on one line facing the same sideline
and standing on one side of the line.
On coaches command linemen will jump with both feettogether on either side of the line for 30 seconds.
Repeat after a short rest and then do same drill but facing endReach and jumping forward and backwards
REACTION DRILL (BEAR CRAWL) Have lineman line up in groups of 5 and face coach on all
fours. On cadence linemen will chop feet in place. Coach then points
a direction and linemen shuffle from all fours that direction.
Coach switches direction and then signals them to crawlthrough 5 yards
REACTION DRILL (PASS PRO)
Have lineman line up in groups of 5 and face coach in 3 pointstance.
On cadence linemen will pop up in pass protection stance andchop feet.
Coach then points a direction and linemen shuffle thatdirection.
Coach switches direction and then signals them to sprintthrough 5 yards
BAG DRILLS (OVER STEPS) From two point stance facing bags linemen steps over first
bag, then steps with other foot before progressing to the nextbag.
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O-Line Agility Drills
BAG DRILLS (SHUFFLE DRILL) From 3 point stance, lineman shuffles parallel to first bag then
shuffles forward and then parallel to second bag and so on.
BAG DRILL (SPRINT/BACKPEDAL) From 3 point stance lineman sprints down one bag then back
pedals back down the other bag and so on.
Lineman should pump their arms and keep base.
BAG DRILLS (OVER SIDE STEPS) From pass protection position lineman shuffles over first bag
shuffles both feet in between bag and then progresses overthe next bag.
Do both sides and make sure linemen do not cross over feet.
T-TEST (PRO AGILITY) Pair up lineman and have them face each other but facing the
sidelines on the five yard line. On cadence lineman sprints to the ten yard line and touches
hand then sprints to the goal line and touches hand and thenfinally finishes through the five yard line.
Repeat 2-4 times
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PASS PROTECTION
The pass protector's objective is to keep hisbody between the rusher and the passing
point for a maximum period of time whilegiving up the minimum amount of yardage.The quarterback must have a minimum of 4-5 seconds to get the ball off.
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Drop-Back Pass Protection
Notes:
Basics of pass protection are the same for all OL positions, but eachposition has slight differences based on where the QB will setup
Best pass protectors remain calm and think
Start from good stance
Keep the head back which will help keep balance
Shoulders back and back arched
Knees bent, about 30 degrees from horizontal
Feet just wider than shoulder width
Use short choppy steps
Arms fully extended, keeping the defender as far away as possible If the defender gets to the OL body then the advantage goes to the
defender
Thumbs turned up
This forces the arms to be straight and the shoulders to stay back
Weight balanced on foot between the heel and the toe, not too farforward nor too far back
Can punch the defender but cannot overextend and get off balance
Hands are 12 from the body, and the punch is about 6 through thechest of the defender
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Drop-Back Pass Protection
The Doane College football program has an historically successful tradition. Over
the past 20 years Doane College has competed in the national playoffs during the
1980s and 1990s (last appearance in 1999), and has proven the test of time with
consistency by accumulating a .603 winning percentage. We run the West CoastOffense at Doane College. Our offensive philosophy is a balanced attack that
utilizes the short passing game, zone-based run blocking schemes, and a multiple
screen package. Our 560 combination route series was responsible for 64% of our
pass attempts in 2003.
The development of the passing game last year was based upon the ability of our
offensive line to protect our three-step drop timing combination routes. Our goal
in pass protection is to help our offensive linemen develop their motor skills,specifically the reflexes and balance. We believe we become more efficient in our
protection through our sound three-step scheme. This enables us to drill
consistently on technique. This article will first detail the coaching points we use
to teach our three-step pass protection fundamentals. I will then discuss and
illustrate specific drills and techniques we use on a daily basis in our drill and
individual periods in practice.
Stance: Our linemen use a two-point stance for our three-step pass protection.We do not cut our opponents. We teach our linemen to fit / jam / and control the
defender. The reason we use this technique is because at our level of
competition, the defenders we face are athletic enough to recoil after getting cut
to the ground and still affect the pass attempt.
The first biomechanical phase of pass protection is the stance. A proper stance
allows the offensive lineman the ability to move and react with agility, strength,
and quick reaction time. There is no allowance for a poor stance.
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Setting Up for Pass Blocking
The first technique offensive linemen need to learn is how to quickly get out
of the stance and set up as smoothly as possible. In this drill we will not use
any men on defense. Our only concern is to get the offensive player out of
his three-point stance and into a body position to pass protect. In thebeginning, it is important for the coach to have only one player set up at a
time. As the offensive linemen become more and more skilled in setting up,
the coach can have the entire line set at one time.
In addition to telling the offensive lineman the snap count prior to each play,
the coach also should tell the blocker where the defender is lined up, in a
one, two, or three position.
The offensive lineman should line up in a balanced stance. The more weight
he has on his down hand and the farther out in front of the shoulder pads
the hand is, the harder it will be for him to set up. There should be just
enough weight on the down hand that the offensive blocker can push off the
ground with the fingers of the down hand, thus allowing him to get into a
two-point stance for pass protection. There should not be a big stagger in
the feet; a heel-toe or heel-instep relationship between the two feet is thebest.
Starting with the imaginary defensive player in a one position, the offensive
player must push up and back with the down hand on the snap count. As his
shoulders come up, he should take a slight step toward the center with his
inside foot. This power step to the inside is necessary so he can be in
position to stop the defensive player's inside charge.
The set-up technique is the same for a defender in the two position, except
that now the first step of the offensive blocker - the power step - is taken
with the outside rather than the inside foot.
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Setting Up for Pass Blocking
At the same time he takes his power step, the blocker must lower his hips by
flexing his knees (not by bending at the waist). He must keep his back
straight and his head up, with his eyes focused straight ahead. The elbows of
both arms should be in close to his body and bent so that the hands are fourto five inches in front of his jersey. Both hands should be close together,
thumbs almost touching, fingers up, palms facing toward the defense and
even with the center of the offensive lineman's chest.
In the initial set-up with the defensive man aligned in a one or two location,
it is very important that the offensive blocker always stay square to the line
of scrimmage and not turn his body to the right or left.
When first teaching pass protection to the center, the coach must tell the
center if he will set to his right or left with a defender in the one location.
The footwork for an offensive lineman in pass protection must change if he
sees that the defender has lined up in a three location. With the defender in
this wide alignment, the blocker must kick his outside foot back with a 45-
degree angle step and slide his inside foot to the outside so that his bodyremains in a squared, balanced position in the path of the pass rusher
toward the quarterback.
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part I
Once the offensive line has mastered the technique for setting up on pass
protection, it is time to introduce a defensive pass rusher to the drill. As with
the run blocking drills, use offensive linemen to play on both offense and
defense. Initially the men on defense should try only to run by the offensiveblocker to the target area, which can be a dummy, a towel, or a chalk mark
seven yards directly behind the offensive center. As the offensive linemen
feel more comfortable in their footwork, the pass rushers can be given the
flexibility of rushing to one side and then coming back to the other side of
the offensive blocker.
The coach only will have one blocker and one defensive man work on each
snap. In the beginning, when trying to build the blockers' confidence and
footwork, the coach should instruct the defenders to rush only to the
outside from a one location.
On the snap, the blocker must power-step with his inside foot and assume a
pass-protection position, keeping his shoulders parallel with the line of
scrimmage. As the defensive man starts his pass rush, the blocker must
gather himself, lower his hips, straighten his back, position his hands andarms, raise his head, focus on the numbers of the defensive man, and
prepare to strike the defensive player.
The force for stopping the momentum of the defender must start at the
ground, come up through the big muscle groups of the blocker's legs and be
transferred out through the palms of the offensive lineman's hands.
It is important that the offensive blocker not bend at the waist and lunge
forward toward the defensive pass rusher. In this extended position he
quickly will lose his balance and find that he will be unable to stay between
the pass rusher and the target area.
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part I
The offensive lineman should deliver as hard a blow as possible with his
hands. Once the palms have made contact with the defensive man, the
blocker must press out with his arms and maintain separation from the pass
rusher.
When the defensive man's momentum has been stopped, the blocker must
reset his hands and arms and shuffle his feet so that he keeps his body
between the pass rusher and the target area. By shuffling his feet, taking
short, quick steps and keeping his feet close to the ground, the blocker can
maintain a good, wide base. He cannot take long steps or cross his feet while
he is pass-protecting. He always must stay in relative position, maintaining
his stance between the pass rusher and the target area and not going out to
meet the defensive man, should the defender rush wide to the outside of
the target area.
When the blocker sees that the defensive man once again starts his charge
toward the target, he should gather himself and prepare to strike again,
stopping the defensive man's momentum and causing him to restart his
drive to the target area.
The blocker should continue this action until the whistle blows or the coach
calls a stop to the drill. Without a quarterback in the drill, the coach can
allow the men to make contact three or four times before stopping the drill
and going to the next two players.
Remember, in this drill, there should be a quick setup on the snap, a good
hard blow by the blocker, balanced body position, quick shuffling foot
movement, and a well maintained relative position by the offensive blocker
on the defensive man
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part II
After the offensive linemen have demonstrated the ability to pass protect
against an outside rusher who is starting in a one location, the coach should
align the defensive man on the shoulder of the offensive blocker in a two
position. At the start, the defensive man should rush in the same manner asin the previous drill. The big difference in blocking technique for the
offensive lineman is that, with the defender rushing from this position, the
blocker may be able to make contact only with his outside hand as he
delivers the blow.
All offensive linemen will have a tendency to attack the defender and turn to
the outside to face the pass rusher. The coach must emphasize to the
blocker that he must continue to shuffle back off the line, stay in relative
position, and make certain that the defender must come through him to
reach the target area.
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part 3
Next, the defensive man should take an inside charge from a one location.
Because the defensive man is charging toward the inside, it is best to have
the other players back and away from the drill area. This alignment will
decrease the possibility of injury. When the defensive player rushes to theinside, the blocker must stop his momentum to the target at all cost. He
must strike the pass rusher at the line of scrimmage. Because the pass
rusher is now moving directly at the target area and not wide to the outside,
it is important for the blocker to maintain constant contact and not try to
disengage from the defensive man as he did when the defender rushed
wide, away from the target area.
The blocker must now drive the, pass rusher down the line of scrimmage and
keep him from penetrating the target area.
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part IV
The following covers the technique needed to block a pass rusher
who attacks the target area from a wide, or three, location.
Remember that in this type of defensive location the blocker sets
up by kicking back with his outside foot at a 45-degree angle. This
should be reviewed prior to starting the drill.
As with the other drills, there are two men work at a time. The key
to pass protecting against a wide rush is that the offensive man
must, on the snap of the ball, turn slightly toward the defensive
pass rusher.
As the blocker moves off the line of scrimmage, he must drop in a
straight line, staying perpendicular to his original alignment and
fighting the tendency to move to the outside, away from the ball
and into the defender.
Another tendency is to give ground too quickly. When the blocker
retreats off the line of scrimmage, he gives the defensive man an
opportunity to rush straight to the target area by coming to the
inside. The blocker must constantly maintain a position directly
between the pass rusher and the target area.
As he moves off the line of scrimmage, the lineman must slide hisfeet, never crossing over, and shuffle back in quick, short steps. It is
important that the feet stay low to the ground so the blocker is
always in position to gather himself and strike the pass rusher as
he attacks the target area.
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Pass Protection Drills: Pass Blocking, Part IV
When the defender moves toward the target area, the
blocker must gather himself and prepare to strike with his
outside arm. If the defender continues to rush upfield, theblocker should maintain contact, riding him up the field and
past the target area.
The blocker also must be prepared for the defender to rush
over him or to the inside. If the defender attacks straight
into the blocker, the pass protector should gather himselfand strike out, stopping the defensive man's momentum.
He must then extend his arms and, if possible, disengage
from the defensive player's body.
It is important for the blocker to realize that the defender
generates more force and momentum rushing from thethree position than he does from a one or a two location.
Because of this, the blocker must be sure he is in good
hitting position, physically striking out at the defender. He
must not get caught merely absorbing the rush of the
defensive player.
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Pass Protection Common Errors
Error Error Correction
ocker grabs or reaches instead of punching The lineman mush learn that he cant stop
the defender by grabbing him. He must
develop a firm punch that he can use
repeatedly to stop the defender. He must bsure that the hands dont stay in contact
with the defender longer than for the brief
moment of contact; he then retracts the
hands and prepares to punch again.
ocker gets beat to the inside The lineman must stay square to the LOS,
being sure to set up inside the defender, no
too far from the outside.
ocker gets pushed to one side or the other To avoid losing his balance, the lineman
must keep his head back, keep his feet apar
in a wide base and continuously take short
lateral steps
ocker gets run over or pushed backwards The lineman is too passive. His weight is too
far back, he is too conscious for the set and
does not place enough emphasis on the
punch
ocker lunges The lineman must not overextend or
overemphasize the punch. He must be
patient, keeping the body weight back and
the head up throughout the block
ocker gets beat off the ball The offensive lineman knows the snap coun
and must use it to his advantage. He must
have confidence in his pass set and beat thedefender to the spot where they will meet.
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DEFEATING PASS RUSHTECHNIQUES
The pass rusher is not going to give up his chest and
make it easy to block him. He is going to use a numberof techniques to get the sack. This section describes
some offensive techniques to offset the defensive
moves.
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Defeating Rush Types
Bull Rush
The rusher tries to run over the OL
Work to retain inside position with the hands
Widen base, drop hips to lower center of gravity
Weight on toes so OL can move forward
Keep the head high! The defender wants the OL to lower the
head and fight him power on power
If the head goes down/forward then the OL is off-balance and can
be pulled forward and out of the way Use hands inside to lift the base of the shoulder pads,
directing his energy/momentum up
Slap or Club
The rusher slaps/clubs the shoulder sideways, getting the OL
off-balance To do this the defender will have to drop his arm to gain force
When the defender winds up, punch him in the chest or
armpit on the side that is winding up
His chest area will be unprotected during the wind up
DL counter may be a double-slap
Good balance will prevent this. We are satisfied with a slap fight
as long as the QB is safe, well stand and fight like this all day
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Defeating Rush Types
Swim Move The rusher uses his arm to go over the OL. The defender slaps
the shoulder with his outside arm and then brings his insidearm over the top of the OL
The problem with this move is that it exposes his chest area whenthe arm is up
The OL takes the his arm on the side of the swim move andstabs it into the side/armpit of the defender
Put hand on his hip and drive him to the sideline as he will be off-balance
Keep the head back and maintain balance and this will be aneasy move to defeat
Rip Move The rusher uses his arm to rip up from underneath the arms of
the OL. The defender slaps the shoulder with his outside armand brings his arm underneath/between his body and the OL
The DL will continue to rip with his arm until he is under the armof the OL
The OL must keep the head back and maintain balance, usearms to keep the defender away from the body
If the defender gets into the body and starts this move thenpin the arm underneath
Clamp down with arm that he is trying to get under, pinning his
arm Swing hips around and use other arm on his hip to drive him to
the sideline
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Defeating Rush Types
Hand Slap
The defender slaps the hands/arms of the OL down, hoping to
get the OL off-balance Defender is counting on the OL to be moving forward and off-
balance so he can pull the OL forward and out of the way
Keep the head back and maintain balance and this will be an
easy move to defeat
If the OL can read it then pull hands back out of the way
Then reset and extend arms
Spin Move
Used when the defender thinks the OL is overplaying or off-
balance to one side. The defender will get the OL going in one
direction and then spin back the other way when the OL is
going the other direction
To be effective the DL must be close to the OL
As long as the OL can keep the DL away (arms extended, butt
low, etc.) then this should not be a problem
Key is to not let the situation develop where the defender is in
position to execute this move
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PASS PROTECTION DRILLS
Drills and techniques specific to the offensive line.
Some good, some not so good. But a decent place to
start from.
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Stance and Starts
This drill is used as a pre-practice
warm-up. Work on Stance every
day. The coach stands five yards in
front of five offensive linemen.Linemen will demonstrate the
proper stance. The coach will give
a verbal command (usually the
cadence) and the lineman will
snap into their Pop-Set, and then
Sit position.
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Shuffle Drill
This drill is used to develop theproper footwork and balance inthe shuffle. There will be two
stations set up. The first station isthe Center/Guard station. Thisstation works on closed contactdrills and lateral movement.
Set three cones 5 yards apartdown a straight line. The coachstands on the LOS. He gives anauditory command for the interior
lineman to Pop-Set out of hisstance and Slide in the Sitposition.
The second station is for OffensiveTackles. Set a cone five yardsbehind the LOS at a 45-degreeangle. The coach stands at the
LOS. When he gives an auditorycommand the OT will Pop-Set andSlide to the cone at the 45-degreeangle. The proper posture shouldbe coached with short slide stepsfor balance. The outside foot isdropped back in a toe to heelrelationship with the inside foot.Weight should be distributed on
the insteps. Short punch stepstoward the cone will improvebalance and the reaction time forresetting on the defender.
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Reset Drill
Designed to work on reaction on
the defender's counter move.
Use the shuffle drill station. Have
a pass rusher imitate moves and
counter moves in front of the
offensive lineman. The offensive
lineman will mirror the defender.
The next phase is to have the OL
engage the defender and handfight the counter move, all the
while mirroring the actions of the
defender.
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Two Man Twist Drill
This drill is designed to work on
the ability of passing off the
defenders in a zone protection
scheme.
The goal is for the offensive
linemen to keep their shoulders
square while using their vision and
verbal commands to communicate
the direction of the twist.
The technique we teach is Attack
the Flash in all loop stunts. This
technique teaches the eyes of the
offensive lineman to follow the
loop defender and protect that
vacated gap as well as wait for the
second slanting defender.
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DL & LB Twist Drill
The same concept as the twist drillexcept this drill is designed tocontrol the first and second leveldefender stunt.
Same zone gap rules apply.Attack the Flash technique is stillused. The vision elevates to thesecond level.
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Three Man Twist Drill
Drill used to pick up three mendown defender twist drill. Slanttwo adjacent defenders and loopthe third around the other two.
Offensive Lineman need to keeptheir shoulders square and keeptheir vision wide for the loopdefender.
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Scheme-560 Protection
Linking the techniques areillustrated by using our three stepprotection as an example. 560Protection is a weak side slide by
the offensive line.
All techniques discussed are usedin this simple three-stepprotection. This is a six-manprotection.
The slide starts at th