OFFENSIVE LINE

STEVEN CIOCCI

STANDARDS / PHILOSOPHY

IF IT’S EASY ITS WRONG!

“ If you are versatile, tough and smart you will be a successful offensive lineman.” -- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)

THE CODE• As an Offensive Line you set the tone for the rest of the

football team• Toughness, Grit, Nastiness, Relentless Effort, Intense Focus,

Selflessness, Accountability, Trust, Great Work Ethic• No Man is an Island, you must draw your strength from

others

EXPECTATIONSRules:1. BE EARLY – 5 Minutes early is late!2. BE PREPARED – Have manual and playbooks ready to go….bring pen or pencil3, BE READY TO WORK – No attitudes just ready to go4. BE RESPECTFUL – Nothing is personal5. HAVE FUN – What is said in meetings stays in meetings, but laugh when we need to

• Be honest with yourself as a player, did I work as hard as I could have that rep, that drill, that practice….and that game?

• If it is easy it is wrong• One Unit – Its about us

POSITION PHILOSOPHY• We will be the hardest working position group on the field. We will be physical, disciplined and play with great pad level and technique• Need to have nasty players all across the board.• Score with your man! • One unit that plays together, bleeds together and works 24/7 together• We will block until the whistle blows• Know your assignment 100% of the time• Trust your steps and technique• Need to be violent and aggressive• We will dominate the line of scrimmage in the run game and pass game• Violent with your hands• Take the fight to them! We will be the aggressors!

POSITION GOALS• Win the day every day!• 100% Assignment Execution• 100% Hustle and Effort-we will never walk on the field!• Play with feet fire and hand violence• No selfish penalties• Protect your quarterback! No excuse to give up a sack• No Tackles for Loss ever! Win with your man downfield• OWN THE 4TH QUARTER

POSITION GOALS• Be accountable and do your

job• Communicate every play!

The more the better!!!• Establish the line of

scrimmage on every play• Make first contact with

defenders (with controlled aggression)

• Aim to finish every block with a pancake or cut

POSITION BREAKDOWNRECRUITING PHILOSOPHY

POSITION BREAKDOWN TACKLE

• The edge of our offensive line. Needs to be excellent pass blocker and run blocker• Has to be athletic to reach blocks on read plays and physical enough to play within our inside zone and power schemes• Responsible for seeing edge blitzes and pressure• Need to communicate to the guards and tight ends• Responsible for making sure tight ends know who to block• Has to be very athletic in pass pro, understand pocket depth and be able to win 1 on 1 situations• Living on an Island, protect quarterback’s blind side

FOOTBALL VIDEO EVALUATIONPOSITION: OFFENSIVE TACKLE

NAME: HIGH SCHOOL: YR:

BENCH:

SQUAT:

CLEAN:

VERT:

OTHER:

SCHOOLS/OFFERS: EVAL BY:

RC:

FILM:

OTHER POSITIONS:

GPA:

SAT:

ACT:

4.90 5

5.10 4

5.30 3

5.50 2

5.70 1

6.00 0

POINTS:

285 5

270 4

255 3

240 2

225 1

210 0

6’6”+ 5

6”5” 4

6’4” 3

6’3” 2

6’2” 1

6’1” 0

SPEED: WEIGHT: HEIGHT:

TOTAL:

POSITION SKILLS:(RATE BY POS COACH)

CRITICAL FACTORS:(RATE BY REC COACH

BALANCE/BODY CONTROL CHARACTER:

QUICKNESS FOOTBALL IQ:

EXPLOSION ACADEMICS:

INSTINCTS ATTITUDE:

TOUGHNESS COMPETITIVENESS:

FINISH DEPENDABILITY:

5 4 3 2 1

EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

GOOD AVERAGE POORCOMMENTS:

PHYSICAL:SKILL:CRITICAL:FINAL:

POSITION BREAKDOWN GUARD

• Most physical players up front• Need to be big and athletic to move 3 techniques as well as assist center with 0 shade• Need to be athletic when facing 3 down defenses and they need to climb to second level• Need to be good at pass pro and have to work twist pickup with center as well as tackle• Have to be able to get movement against head up defensive lineman• Athletic enough to pull and move in space• Assist center and tackle in blitz and front identification and pickup

POSITION BREAKDOWN CENTER

• The focus point of our offensive line, he is the general• Runs the show, needs to make all front and box identification calls• Makes combo calls with guards• Needs to be able to identify blitzes and work twist pickup with guards• 100% PERFECT SNAPS! NO EXCUSES• Athletic enough to pull into space and get to second level• Needs to be able to block a 0 Technique in 3 down defense• Shotgun and Under Center snapping

FOOTBALL VIDEO EVALUATIONPOSITION: CENTER / GUARD

NAME: HIGH SCHOOL: YR:

BENCH:

SQUAT:

CLEAN:

VERT:

OTHER:

SCHOOLS/OFFERS: EVAL BY:

RC:

FILM:

OTHER POSITIONS:

GPA:

SAT:

ACT:

4.90 5

5.10 4

5.30 3

5.50 2

5.70 1

6.00 0

POINTS:

300 5

290 4

280 3

270 2

260 1

250 0

6’5” 5

6’2”-6’4” 4

6’1” 3

6’0” 2

5’11” 1

5’10” 0

SPEED: WEIGHT: HEIGHT:

TOTAL:

POSITION SKILLS:(RATE BY POS COACH)

CRITICAL FACTORS:(RATE BY REC COACH

BALANCE/BODY CONTROL CHARACTER:

QUICKNESS FOOTBALL IQ:

EXPLOSION ACADEMICS:

INSTINCTS ATTITUDE:

TOUGHNESS COMPETITIVENESS:

FINISH DEPENDABILITY:

5 4 3 2 1

EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

GOOD AVERAGE POORCOMMENTS:

PHYSICAL:SKILL:CRITICAL:FINAL:

DEFENSIVE IDENTIFICATION

GAP IDENTIFICATION

C B A A B C D

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS

• It is important for our offensive line to identify the difference between the defensive alignments• Something as simple as a 2i vs a 2 technique could signal a defensive stunt or blitz• Defensive alignment identification is critical in the run and pass game blocking schemes

FRONT IDENTIFICATION

WS MN SR EW T NR EW T

M

T

S

R E W

N

MS

W

T EN

SS

TQTQ

TQTQ

Bear

Okie StackOkie 20

M

S

M

N

S

R EW

T

M

N

S

R E

W

T

Over 10TQ T QMAN ZONEF

Even 10

Bear

NR ET

M

T

S

R E

W

N

M

N SR E

W

T

N S R ET

Over Heavy 10

W

TQTQ

TQ TQ

M MWS

Over 20

Under 10 Under 20

FRONT IDENTIFICATION

OFFENSIVE LINE FUNDAMENTALS

OL FUNDAMENTALS• EFFORT

• They need to buy in right away• Must play for each other• Special group of guys• Preparation, they must know how to handle everything• Knowledge allows them to use Great Effort = Confidence• ONE UNIT

• BALANCE • Run game and pass game• Base / Full Foot in the ground / repeated deliberate movements• Cannot have your head down and your ass up

• FINISH• Send a message every play• Nothing better for an offense than physical, violent offensive

linemen• Score with your man

• SPLITS• Wider for inside plays• Tighter for outside plays

• STANCE • 50/50 Stance• Comfortable – not interested in robots that look good • Be able to run block and pass block out of the same stance • Everything is tight and compact • 3 point vs. 2 point

STANCE AND SPLITS

TIGHT SPLIT

WIDE SPLIT

GOOD STANCE

BAD STANCE

3 POINT STANCE• Feet shoulder width apart. Toes pointed

forward or slightly out. Center feet stay parallel. Guards toe to in-step stagger and Tackles toe to heel stagger.

• Squat down placing your forearms on your thigh, bow your neck, Keep all 7 cleats in the ground

• Extend your outside hand in front of you and sit back in your hamstrings. Keeping all your cleats in the ground

• Place your hand down on the ground just inside of the knee. Have a flat back with eyes up ready to scan the defense. Have weight 50-50 on the inside balls of your feet. From this position you should be able to run block, pass block and step in any direction

• Off hand should be in an attack position ready to strike

2 POINT STANCE

• Take the same stagger that you use in a 3 point stance

• Squat down with knees inside your ankles

• RAM ROD you back• Place hands on your

thighs• Weight 50-50 on in-steps

HANDS INSIDE

EYES UNDERNEATH DEFENDER

ZONE RUN GAME

• Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN

• You have to end up blocking someone

• Box Drill • Feet Drive Finish• Combos • Chaos

RUN GAME ZONE PROGRESSION

• Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN• Work back only when the numbers allow it

• Drive Block – Landmark - Execution • Tight Reach Block – Landmark – Execution • Reach Block - Landmark – Execution

(POSITION STEP / POWER STEP )

A / B / M / JET / SWEEP

RUN GAME – ZONE PROGRESSION

INSIDE / OUTSIDE ZONE

• Take proper splits. It can be determined by which adjacent lineman you are working with or if you are on the backside or front side of the play.

• Communicate: In all zone schemes the uncovered lineman is responsible to make the call

• Take proper landmarks. Be mindful of the alignment of the defender

• Hit your target and work to get vertical push.• FINISH!!!!

INSIDE ZONE RUN BLOCK PROGRESSION

• Take a 3”- 6” lateral lead step (Depends on width of the defender), Pre snap, determine alignment of defender

• Aim to get your inside foot on top of the defenders inside foot

• Punch from low to high and latch on to breast plate

• Facemask under the chin • Drive thru the defender• FEET, DRIVE, FINISH!!!!!!!!

• TARGET: MIDLINE:EYES TO THE APPLE• POSITION STEP: EYES TO TARGET, SQUARE• POWER STEP: GET IT IN THE GROUND• PUNCH: THUMBS UP, HEELS• WIDE BASE: PUSH OFF INSTEPS• FEET: TOES POINT OUT, STRAIN• DRIVE: 7 CLEATS, FIRE THE FEET• FINISH: EXTEND, EXPLODE THROUGH FINISH

1) POSITION STEP

2) POWER STEP (VERTICAL)

BASE BLOCK: INSIDE ZONE

OUTSIDE ZONERUN BLOCK PROGRESSION

• Take 6” lateral lead step (depends on the width of the defender)

• Aim to get your inside foot to the crotch of the defender.

• Keep your shoulders square to defender

• Punch inside hand to the sternum of the defender.

• Work to get hat placement outside

• Feet, Drive, Finish!!!!

• TARGET: OUTSIDE ARM PIT WITH EYES• POSITION STEP: OPEN, EYES TO TARGET• POWER STEP: HAS TO GET TO THE CROTCH• PUNCH: SHOULDER AND STERNUM• WIDE BASE: RUN THROUGH THE TARGET• FEET: RUN• DRIVE: ON TRACK THROUGH TARGET• FINISH: CREATE AN EDGE

1) POSITION STEP (MORE LATERAL)

2) POWER STEP (VERTICAL)

(IF WIDE DEFENDER YOU CAN LOSE SOME GROUND TO GET TO AIMING POINT)

REACH BLOCK: OUTSIDE ZONE

ZONE COMBOS

INSIDE / OUTSIDE ZONE CALLS

INSIDE / OUTSIDE ZONE CALLS

M

NE E

WT

SLIP

TANKSOLID

S

S M

E E

W

T

TUS

N

SCOOP

M

N

S

E E

W

T

SLIP TANKGUS

M

N

J

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SCOOP TUS

• TED-TIGHT END DOWN WITH THE TACKLE PULLING AROUND FOR OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

• TANGO/TANK-TRUE DOUBLE TEAM BLOCK WITH THE TACKLE. WORK VERTICAL THROUGH THE DEFENDER UP TO THE SECOND LEVEL DEFENDER. DO NOT LEAVE BLOCK UNTIL LEVERAGE IS SECURED. COMMUNICATE WITH TACKLE.

• TUS-DOUBLE TEAM CALL BETWEEN GUARD AND TACKLE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THIS CAN ALERT THE TIGHT END TO A POSSIBLE SOLID CALL MEANING YOU ARE ALONE AGAINST YOUR DEFENDER

• BOX-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT ENDS BLOCKING DEFENDERS IN THE BOX. TURNS A ZONE SCHEME INTO A MAN SCHEME

• PUSH-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT END ZONING TO AN EXTRA DEFENDER IN THE BOX EVERYONE WORKS ONE MAN OVER THAN THEIR ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT

TANGO TANK

TUS

TED

BOX

PUSH

TIGHT END CALLS

• Where is everyone going• Center is the decision maker up front

Center blocks “0”Guards block “1”Tackles block “2”TE / FB / QB “3”

• The BST is the adjuster and has the hardest job when running the read, the lock, or the option off the zone play

• Find the B gap defender or the QB player

FLIP THE SWITCH – MENTAL PROCESS

BOX IDENTIFICATION

N TR E

MW

S0 2

1-1

3-2-3

• Option

• QB will call out his pitch man so everyone is on the same page, this will then be re-communicated up front

• BST is the adjuster, hardest spot to play up front, needs to be athletic enough to take on those tough blocks

TAGS OFF THE ZONE PLAY

Tags off the Zone Play

GAP RUN GAME

• GAP = GAP - COMBO - MAN• Every lineman (including tight end) is responsible for a gap

unless he is the puller• Down Block– Aiming Point-Combo Block (Blitz=TIMBER!)• Power– Pull Technique / Identifying PS LB• Counter / Trap- Kickout Technique– Execution • 1 Back vs. 2 Back Power

RUN GAME – GAP PROGRESSION

Gap Scheme responsibilities:• PS Tight End: C Gap• PS Tackle: B Gap• PS Guard: A Gap• Center: A-B Gap• BS Guard: Puller• BS Tackle: C Gap or Puller• BS Tight End: D Gap

COMBO BLOCKS• Combo blocks are what we

use in our gap scheme runs like Power and Counter

• These double team blocks are extremely physical

• These combos usually work back to the first or second LB head up to backside of the Center

• Emphasis is vertical displacement of defender

• Cannot get caught up in combo blocks if you have a PS gap defender!

GAP RUN GAME COMBOS

GAP COMBOS

Mate

M

NR ET

F

T

• TACOMate

MN

SR ET

F

T

RUB

M

N

J

R S

W

T

F

T

TWIN TWIN

M

N SR

J

WT

F

T

TACO

SW W

POWER

COUNTER

Mate

M

NR ET

F

T

TACO

SW

Mate

M

NS

R ET

F

T

W

PASS GAME

• Own your man!• Mentality of back to a cliff,

only you stand between defender and quarterback

• Balance and control of body• Patience vs. Aggressiveness • Developing a good punch• Weight loaded on foot

opposite of direction you are kicking/posting

• Shoulders back/proud chest• Ramrod your Back!• Hands ready in attack

position!

PASS FUNDAMENTALS

60 / 61 ROY / LOU• 6 Man “Man” Scheme Protection• Number of DL plus LB(s) away from Mike ID• 1 RB/TE/WR in protection with OL• RB has # 1 to #2 inside out• Zone side alert for possible fan call vs. edge rush• Protection alerts RB which side he is reading/defending

60 PROTECTION

52

N

55

E E

56

T

“ID”

ZONE MANTQ

#1

F

60

Even 10

MN

SR E

WT

MT

SR E

WN

Under 10

MN

SR E

WT

Over 10

M

N SR E

W

T

Under 20

MN SR E

W

T

Over Heavy 10

60 / 61 ROY / LOU

Over 20

Bear DBL Eagle

MN SR EW T

WS

M

N

S

R EW T

WS

MT S

RE

WN

Okie 20

MS

W

Okie Stack

T ENSS

T Q

TQTQ

TQ TQ

TQTQ

TQTQ

“ID”#1#2

MAN ZONE

MN

SR E

WT

“ID”

ZONE MAN

TQ

#1

FROY LOU

60

68 / 69 EAST / BLACK• 6 Man “Gap” Protection• Responsible for blocking and cutting play side gap to call side• 1 RB in protection with QB• RB has 1st defender off of the BS Tackle• Inside-Out for RB protection, cannot get beat inside• QB alert for check to pressure

68 PROTECTION

52

N

55

E E

56

T

T

Q

PASS PROTECTIONWe will use 3 Types of Pass Sets:• Jump Set • Kick Set (Drop and Drag)• Vertical Set

JUMP SET

• This is an attacking pass set use mostly by centers and guards but can be used by tackles to switch up their set vs. a heavy or tight technique

• Snap your head up out of your stance• Mirror defenders feet with yours exactly how you would on inside zone

landmarks• Attack the inside number and sternum with a 2 hand punch• Stun him off the L.O.S.• If you can lock up do so, if not pull punch back and reset off the L.O.S

KICK SET• Kick Set (Kick and Post)• Snap your head up and

back out of your stance• Set to the near point• Be patient with your

punch• Make him commit to one

direction (Outside)• If you land a solid punch

inside, lock him up and anchor. Never get beat inside!!!

VERTICAL SET

• This set is used by our tackles when they have to block a wide technique or speed rusher.

• Tackles must gain ground on the first 2 initial kick slides. (maybe 3)• DON’T BE A SLOOPER!!! Stay Square in your kick slide. Don’t

turn until the DE makes you turn. Then Punch near target and make him go around

• Keep your inside toe pointed straight up the field. This will help keep your shoulders square and you can change directions vs. a counter move inside and brace against the bull rush

POCKET AWARENESS

• Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with• Cannot allow inside penetration

• Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with• Cannot allow inside penetration

• Centers and Guards have 3 yards of space to work with • Cannot get beat off the ball• Cannot allow inside penetration• Critical to keep defenders in front • Back against the cliff mentality

5 YA

RDS 5 YARDS3

YARD

S3 YARDS

QB

BAD PASS PRO

GOOD PASS PRO

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

“ I make my practices real hard…..because if a player is a quitter I want him to quit in practices, not in a game.” Bear Bryant Alabama

• We will practice hard, fast and physical. Our practices will involve high energy and enthusiasm from everyone on the unit. • Every player will receive a high amount of reps and we will operate with the “Next Man in Mentality” every day.• We are a family that will play together, look out for each other and win with each other every day in practice. • Our practices will be hard so that gameday is easy compared to it.

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

PRACTICEPRACTICE COMPOSITION- These are the themes our items will look to cover everyday for at least ten minutes a day

1. Stance – First Steps2. Base Run Technique – Punching and footwork3. Base Pass Pro – Working Slide and Punch4. Finish Drills – Emphasizing No play is over without five defenders on the ground 5. Man on Man Drill – Competition is the best drill work there is6. Team Drill – Put it all together 7. Assignment Period – Mentally Sharp

OFFENSIVE LINE PROGRESSIONPRE PRACTICE

1. Duck Walk Progression- Step with play side Foot, cock arms2. Duck Walk Progression-Bring second step, punch with arms3. Duck Walk Progression-Bring third step finish duck walk for five

yards (hip explosion)4. Sled Progression-Zone Drive Blocking 10 yards each direction

(multiple reps), focus on putting together Duck Walk Progression and exploding through blocks

5. Install-new plays, blocking schemes on air

OFFENSIVE LINE PROGRESSION

1. Boards Tight Reach (no bags)2. Boards Wide Reach- run off end of board3. Boards with Bag (PREFIT), Drive on command4. Boards with Bag Feet Fire 2 Step Progression5. Boards with Bag-fire off board weave drill progression6. Boards with Bag-LB depth7. Chutes Zone Blocking8. Power Pull open and run to sideline (Counter Pull)9. Power Skip Pull (Power)10.Power Skip Pull- hit bag 4 ½ yards depth11.Power Double Team Progression/Bag Between Hips12.Power Double Team Defender to LB13.Pass Cones14.Box Drill Pass15.Waterfall16.Vertical vs. Power Step17.Half Line Twist Pickup18.Full Line Twist Pickup

INDY PRACTICE

“We are offensive linemen, part of the o-line. Five guys working as a unit within the football team to establish the tempo and demeanor of the game. Our job description doesn't sound fun, interesting or flashy, nor should it. Those who know football know the game is won or lost in the trenches, along the line. We start the play and if we are good we finish it. We are the O-Line, we set the examples, we "LEAD FROM THE FRONT.” -- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)

“The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.”

BEING AN AMERICAN MAN

1. SELFLESSNESS-BECOMING A MAN MEANS SERVING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF. CHANGE THE THOUGHT PROCESS FROM SELF TO “US”. “No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself.” ~ Woodrow T. Wilson

2. CONSISTENCY-REAL MEN ARE PEOPLE THAT OTHERS CAN COUNT ON. ANYONE CAN DO THINGS RIGHT ONCE IN A WHILE, A REAL MAN DOES ALL THE TIME. SHOWING UP TO CLASS, DOING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, MAKING WORKOUTS EARLY NOT ON TIME! ETC CONSISTENCY IS THE GAME FOR PROS, WHO ACTUALLY HAVE PEOPLE COUNTING ON THEM, MEN WITH REAL RESPONSIBILITY, REAL MEN.

3. HUMILITY-REAL MEN ARE SECURE IN THEIR ABILITIES AND DO NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO PLACE THEMSELVES IN HIGHER ESTEEM THAN THOSE AROUND THEM. REAL MEN CHOOSE RESTRAINT AND HUMILITY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEAMMATES AROUND YOU, TEACH THEM HOW TO DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY. My power will be in humility ~ Walter Russell

4TH QUARTERTHE PAIN OF COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT CAN BE PAINFUL. INDEED, IT IS THE POSSIBILITY OFPAIN, THAT COMMITMENT FINDS MEANING AND POWER. OF WHAT

VALUE COULD COMMITMENT BE IF IT DID NOT HAVE ITS PRICE? CHOOSE YOUR COMMITMENTS

EXPECT PAINFUL TIMESBE READY TO MAKE SACRIFICESBE READY TO SEE IT THROUGH

BUILD SOMETHING GREATDISCIPLINE EFFORT

TOUGHNESS

DO WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TODO WHEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO

DO IT EXACTLY LIKE IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE DONE, AND DO IT THAT

WAY ALL THE TIME

IT TAKES NO ATHLETIC ABILITY TO GIVE GREAT EFFORT. IT’S AN

ATTITUDE. BE RELENTLESS, AND COMPETE FOR 60 MINUTES

THE ABILITY TO PERFORM AT YOUR VERY BEST TALENT AND SKILL REGARDLESS OF COMPETITIVE CIRCUMSTANCES.WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING

WHAT WILL YOU SACRIFICEFOR YOUR COUNTRY!

BEAT CANADA!