The Columbine High School Rebels have long been known for their successful running offense, which has earned them four state

championships in the past nine seasons. Lineman coach Scott Thomas will say you have to win the battle in the trenches at the line

of scrimmage to have a successful running offense. Thomas, who has been coaching the Rebels for eight years, gives us his tips on

good offensive blocking.

The Columbine High School Rebels have long been known for their successful running offense, which has earned them four state

championships in the past nine seasons. Lineman coach Scott Thomas will tell you have to win the battle in the trenches at the line

of scrimmage to have a successful running offense. Thomas, who has been coaching the Rebels for eight years, gives us his tips on

good offensive blocking.

Source: Scott Thomas, Columbine High School Rebels lineman coach Jeff Goertzen, The Denver Post

GOOD STANCEThe block starts with a good three-point stance. The blocking lineman should have his feet at least shoulder-width apart and all his cleats firmly planted. The inside arm (closest to the ball) should be in the down stance.

HAND PLACEMENTOn the snap, the lineman explodes off the line leading with his inside foot as he brings his inside arm up. The other arm immediately follows. Fists are closed and thumbs are up. This keeps the inside of his elbows facing up, making it easier to lock his arms and control his opponent. On contact, he places both hands firmly under the shoulder pads of his opponent.

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2

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Drive hips up

Feet wide apart

Arms and head up

Elbowslocked

Inside arm first

Offensive lineman Defensive lineman

Blocking basics

FINISH WITH HIPSWith arms locked, the lineman drives his hips up and tries to shove his opponent’s shoulder pads into his Adam’s apple. When you thrust with your hips, your hands and your head come up naturally, giving you more control. Leaning will cause your head to drop into your opponent’s chest and you’ll lose the battle.

THE “PANCAKE”The offensive lineman continues to drive with his feet wide apart and lifts with his hips to flip the opponent down on his back like a pancake.

GOOD STANCEThe block starts with a good three-point stance. The blocking lineman should have his feet at least shoulder-width apart and all his cleats firmly planted. The inside arm (closest to the ball) should be in the down stance.

HAND PLACEMENTOn the snap, the lineman explodes off the line leading with his inside foot as he brings his inside arm up. The other arm immediately follows. Fists are closed and thumbs are up. This keeps the inside of his elbows facing up, making it easier to lock his arms and control his opponent. On contact, he places both hands firmly under the shoulder pads of his opponent.

FINISH WITH HIPSWith arms locked, the lineman drives his hips up and tries to shove his opponent’s shoulder pads into his Adam’s apple. When you thrust with your hips, your hands and your head come up naturally, giving you more control. Leaning will cause your head to drop into your opponent’s chest and you’ll lose the battle.

THE “PANCAKE”The offensive lineman continues to drive with his feet wide apart and lifts with his hips to flip the opponent down on his back like a pancake.

Thomas illustrates the fundamental position off the snap.

Thumbs up

Elbows locked

Feet wideapart

Year: 2009

Slug: B

locking basics

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Run

date: 10-15

Artist: Jeff Goertzen

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View video of the Rebels practicing blocking drills at denverpost.com/extras

Source: Scott Thomas, Columbine High School Rebels lineman coach Jeff Goertzen, The Denver Post

1

2

3

4

Drive hips up

Feet wide apart

Arms and head up

Elbowslocked

Inside arm first

Offensive lineman Defensive lineman

Blocking basics

Thomas illustrates the fundamental position off the snap.

Thumbs up

Elbows locked

Feet wideapart

Year: 2009

Slug: B

locking basics

Folder: Sports graphics

Run

date: 10-15

Artist: Jeff Goertzen

Artist:

Graph

ics editor:

Story editor:

Copy editor:

Page designer:

Please review graph

ic, in

itial form an

d route

to next person

on list.

For any corrections,

route back to artist.

Artist will correct an

d sen

d copy back to you

to contin

ue proofin

g process.

For new

sroom editin

gFor graph

ics departmen

t use on

ly

Herm

es slug:

B/W

color

View video of the Rebels practicing blocking drills at denverpost.com/extras