557 Skills and Drills - OL

7/30/2019 557 Skills and Drills - OL

1/131

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


2/131

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


3/131

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


4/131

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.


5/131

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


6/131

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.


7/131

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


8/131

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


9/131

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.


10/131

ALIGNMENT

The specific locations in which the offensive linemen will

start the play.


11/131

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


12/131

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


13/131

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


14/131

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


15/131

RUN BLOCKING

Two Laws of Blocking:Low man wins

Inside hands win


16/131

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


17/131

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.


18/131

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.


19/131

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.


20/131

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.


21/131

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


22/131

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


23/131

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


24/131

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


25/131

Drive Block Common Errors


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.


26/131

DOWN BLOCK

Used when an OL that is supposed to pull is covered

and the OL in that direction is not covered.


27/131

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:


28/131

DOUBLE TEAM

The double-team block involves two offensive linemen

blocking one down defender and moving him out of

the area.


29/131

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


30/131

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).


31/131

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


32/131

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.


33/131

Double-Team Block Common Errors


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.


34/131

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.


35/131

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


36/131

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


37/131

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:


38/131

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


39/131

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


40/131

Reach Block Common Errors


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


41/131

CUT BLOCK

The OL will take out the legs of the DL and create a

pile of bodies at the LOS


42/131

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


43/131

WEDGE BLOCK

A mass of blockers charging down the field like a herd

of elephants


44/131

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


45/131

PULL AND TRAP

Taking a player from over here and having him move

to a block over there

BB

TT EE N


46/131

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


47/131

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


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.

American Football Monthly


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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.

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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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

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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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.

NFHS


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Pass Protection Common Errors


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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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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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

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557 Skills and Drills - OL

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