Offensive Line Manual

Offensive Line Manual 2014

Dominick Zappia Bethpage, NY

AGILITY AND CONDITIONING

Bag Drills LINE DRILL Technique: 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 feet together on either side of the line for 30 seconds. seconds. Repeat after a short rest and then do same drill but facing end zone and jumping jumping forward and backwards REACTION DRILL(PASS PRO) Technique: Have lineman line up in groups of 5 and face coach in 3 point stance. On cadence linemen will pop up in pass protection stance and chop feet. Coach then points a direction and linemen shuffle that direction. Coach switches direction and then signals them to sprint through 5 yards T-TEST Technique: Pair up lineman and have them face eac h 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 then finally finishes through the five yard line. Repeat 2-4 times both feet must land inside the bag boundary before moving on to the next. BAG DRILLS DRILLS – NOTE: I n the Straight and Lateral drills both

Conditioning Drills T-Sprint

Drill Instructions: • Play Player er In thre three e poi point nt stan stance ce touches outside lines on each side and accelerates thru

C

 y   d  1   s   0  .

     s      s     r      r      i       B     u     e

     s      s     r      r      i       B     u     e

 e  u B  r   i     r    s  s

 e  u B  r   i     r    s  s

Coaching Points: • Record times • Veri Verify fy playe playerr tou touch ches es outs outsid ide e lin lines es on each side and accelerates thru • To incr increa ease se spee speed d ope open n up up hip hips s and point outside toes to line • Use Use lef leftt han hand d to to tou touch ch left left side side and right hand to touch right side. • Veri Verify fy playe playerr keep keeps s head head forw forwar ard d and does not cross-over Objective: • Good Good for for det deter ermi mini ning ng spee speed d and and potential RB’s who have cut back ability

Conditioning Drills

Acceleration - Sprint

Sprint Drill Instructions: • Spri Sprint nt to end end of of cone cone.. Sid Side e Shu Shuff ffle le to next cone rotate and sprint to next cone.

  e    l    f    f   u    h    S   e    d    i    S

C Sprint

C B  r    u i      s  e r    s

Sprint B  r    u i      s  e r    s

30 yds

  s    d   y    5

  e    l    f    f   u    h    S   e    d    i    S

Coaching Points: • Veri Verify fy pla playe yers rs acce accele lera rate te and and m mai aint ntai ains ns Good running form. • Rele Releas ase e a new new play player er whe when n firs firstt play player er has gotten half way. • Repe Repeat at with with play player ers s backp backped edal alin ing g When backpedaling maintain weight over toes or you will lose balance and fall backwards

Objective: • Acce Accele lera rati tion on and and cond condit itio ioni ning ng

Square Shoulders

– Purpose: Teaches linemen to keep shoulders square to LOS when moving and also good lateral by upfield movement. Set up cones in a staggered staggered fashion. fashion. The player player will start in – Technique: Set a 2 pt. stance at the first cone. On signal the lineman will side shuffle shuffle to each cone making sure his shoulders do not turn.

RUN BLOCKING

4i

4i

Core Run Blocking Concepts • Get Get mov movem emen entt on on the the LOS. LOS.

This way

Not this way Not Usual

• Initial step should gain width and depth. 6” directional step with eyes on landmark (LM), which in most cases is the playside (PS) number. • Do not step straight upfield or flat down LOS. • Angle depends on alignment of defender. • Why Why do we we do do thi this? s? • This This takeof takeofff puts puts me in the the right right positio position n to react react to whatever post-snap movements the DL makes. We want to use our 2 nd step to redirect the defender and get him moving. This technique will be especially helpful when we are in MAN scheme and cannot afford to lose the DL inside because we have no adjacent help. By establishing this initial position, we can both prevent the DL from penetrating across the LOS, and get him moving horizontally. • In the case case when we have combo combo calls calls being being made, made, we do not have to change the footwork to make the scheme work. How we react to the DL may differ, but the takeoff stays the same. For example, in many combo schemes if the covering DL makes a hard inside charge, the covered OL will still attack the PS LM but will not necessarily stay on this DL. He will attempt knock him off his track while an adjacent OL takes over the block. In almost all cases, the uncovered OL will make the same takeoff and attack the inside hip of the nearest PS defender on his way to the 2 nd level. In some cases he will wind up overtaking an inside charging DL.

PS Step usually in this range

T

Possible actions post-snap

Least desirable path

T

Proper footwork and head placement will allow us to counter the DL’s movements and to redirect him.

Teaching Progression A good practice plan must be in place in order to develop top lineman. It must follow a certain progression that starts with the fundamentals fundamentals of proper stance and alignment and then proceeds to proper footwork, footwork, contact, block finish, and ultimately to blocking schemes and strategies. The three specific skill groups that should be incorporated into most practices are as follows: ►

1.

Agility and Conditioning

►

Blocking Skills ►Blocking Rules and Strategy

Stance and Footwork 1. Using Using ½ round round bags bags and boa boards rds to teach teach the proper proper stance stance and and foot footwor work k to hit hit La Landm ndmark. ark. ( GET PS LEVERAGE)

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mechanics 1. Proper Proper takeof takeofff (stayi (staying ng low, low, head head up, flat back, back, eyes eyes on on ta targe rget). t). 2. Contact. Contact. (Punch (Punch (2 or or 1 hand hand)) or Punch Punch with with Shou Shoulder lder in to increas increase e blocki blocking ng surfa surface) ce) 3. Square Square up up and and either either isolat isolate e from from POA POA or driv drive e off/dow off/down n LOS. LOS. Stay on your your assig assignme nment nt (run (run him ifif you have to). Never allow movement across LOS. 4. Use Use the var variou ious s drill drills s in our our pack packag age e to te teach ach the these se ski skills lls.. Block Types 1. Individ Individual ual (INDY) (INDY) Types Types (Base (Base,, Down Down,, Reac Reach, h, Stretch, Stretch, Pulling Pulling)) 1. INDY INDY bloc blocks ks are are diff differ eren enti tiat ated ed base based d on the alignment of the DL or LB and the PS landmark to be hit. When we teach teach this segment, segment, it must be stressed stressed that that the POA, the alignment alignment of the man, man, and the PS landmark are the driving factors in determining how the block is executed. 2. Combo Bl Blocks 1. Pinch Combo 2. Scoop 3. Fold Coachi Coaching ng Point: Point: NOTH NOTHING ING takes takes the the place place of good good INDY INDY block block exec executio ution. n. We can develop develop all the the differe different nt schemes in the world to compensate for more athletic defensive players, but the bottom line is that all o-linemen must be able to handle their assignments 1 on 1. The INDY and Combo Block skill sets must be in place before any schemes are taught. Bloc Blocki king ng as a tea team m (Sc (Sche heme mes) s) 1. Install Install base base and and zone zone blocki blocking ng sche schemes. mes. Execute Execute inside inside,, outsid outside, e, and option option play plays s as a unit. unit. Operate Operate in in ½ line format and provide different fronts. The idea is to see how they operate together in a semi-live situation with defenders who are moving and stunting.

Stance and Start Proper Block Steps (Steps are short and choppy– Do not overextend but ‘Stomp’ your feet as you move.) Drive Block (Base) •Down Blocks •Gap Seal/Reach (Used in Inside and Outside Zone) •Pull and Trap (Used in Trapping and Folding) A, Drive Step 6 inch drive step toward Aiming Point. Usually the 2nd power Step that gains ground up field. B. Lead Step 6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Base, Zone Blocking schemes, or Down blocks. Use a sharper angle for Rip Reach and Overtake blocks. C. Slide Step 6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Zone Blocking schemes, Hinge Blocks, and for Overtake blocks on stretch plays. D. Drop Step Pivot Step that rotates hips toward Aiming Point. Used for Outside Zone Blocking if covered, when facing an OUTSIDE SHADE defender, on combo blocks, or when folding. E. Bucket Step Drop Step that pivots hips and shoulders toward Aiming Point but puts hips more perpendicular to LOS. Used for Outside Zone Blocking when uncovered, inside trap and pulling. F. Crossover Step 6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point that puts hips slightly perpendicular to LOS. Used for Down Blocks.

Before anything else is covered in the course of training or evaluating an O-Lineman, O-Lineman, the initial stance and steps taken when delivering the block must be taught and mastered. mastered. If a lineman has improper footwork then the rest of the block b lock will usually fail. Each type of step maximizes your speed and accuracy to the target and must always be focused on and practiced. The following is a list of the step step types we will teach and the blocks they are associated with.

A

A F

B

F

B

C

C

D

D E

E

The player will get in a proper stance, the coach will evaluate and correct and on the call will fire out full speed with the steps he was instructed to use.

WARM UP DUCK WALK. Make sure steps are short and quick. We are not running through chute. Pump arms back and and forth. 2 nd step should never go st past 1 step in footwork sequence.

FIT UP AND DRIVE . Bag holder align a few inches away away from blocker. On count, OL will execute drive block in correct fit position, (head at midline) and drive with short, power power steps. After you get movement, usually usually when you clear the sled, then get get the hips through and lift with the arms. KEY: Horizontal leverage followed by Vertical lift in a coordinated, arcing motion.

Base 90

•45 degree PS Step •2nd step on ground, the power step •Short choppy steps down board

Wide C

•45 degree PS step •2nd step crossover, shoulders square •Drive up the field

Rip / Overtake

•Open Step/Drop Step •2nd step on ground quickly •Should be in line with 1 st step •Also used in trapping / pulling

Single Man Drive Sled – Purpose: Teach lineman to stay low, take small choppy steps, and keep base on run blocking – Technique: • Execute base step. • Strike with both hands inside cylinder. • Head should be level with top band of bag. • Keep arms slightly extended without collapsing into a shoulder block. • After movement is established, get hips through, lift and continue to drive.

Contact – –

–

Purpose: Teach lineman lineman to explode out of stance and make contact with ‘blocking ‘blocking surface’ (hands, facemask, facemask, shoulder shoulder pads). Can be done done at ½ speed working working up to full full speed. Technique: THIS THIS DRILL DRILL IS RUN RUN WITH THE THE BOARD BOARD SETUP. SETUP. From 3 point stance line up lineman vs. a bag holder or live. The timing is usually 1st step load hands up in a “wrestling” position (not (not on hips or ever behind them), them), 2nd step deliver short punch as you make contact with your ‘blocking surface’. surface’. Your head is up, aiming to LM, and your back is flat. LM is never the PS shoulder, rather it is the PS number. That is the aiming point for your helmet. Hands should be inside of shoulders and land as shown shown in picture.

•

LM

•

X

SHOULDER ARE ALWAYS SQUARE TO LOS. STAY LOW, FLAT BACK Base or Reach Block: Block: PS (or directional) directional) step, hands at ready, ready, 2nd step is up field and SPLITS DEFEND DEFENDER. ER. At the same same time rip your hands from the ready position in a short upward motion making contact with blocking surface at midpoint of defender. Head should be slightly PS on contact. Once contact is made, then work to est. PS leverage. Stretch Block or UC in COMBO: Open Step, 2nd step gains ground, and squares squares to LOS. Punch is landed landed at midline midline of the defender. If you have made contact contact head on, work head to PS LM.

Base 90

•45 degree PS Step, PUNCH •2nd step on ground, the power step •Choppy steps drive down board •Head at midline

Wide C

•45 degree PS step, PUNCH •2nd step crossover, shoulders square •3rd step does not pass 2 nd. MAINTAIN •Head slightly PS

Seal / Sift

•1st step w/ inside foot flat & up field •Work ½ man & deliver deliver forearm blow. blow. •Drive back using high knee. •Used if you are UC man play side.

Sift to LB

•1st step w/ inside foot flat & up field •Work ½ man & deliver deliver forearm forearm blow •Drive back using high knee •Release and pickup flowing LB

Delivery Takeover

•1st step w/ inside foot flat & up field •Each OL work work ½ man & deliver deliver forearm blow & drive back ( high knee technique) •1 Takeover, 1 Pickup LB

Half-Line Book

•WB lined up slightly outside OL •OL execute base block to PS •WB loop past hip of OL and attack 1 st inside LB

HALF BENCH TO LB. Deliver a one arm punch to PS DL the climb to LB. Note position of bag holder on LOS. Punch must be low and firm without turning shoulders. Climb to LB, fit up and drive.

Stretch

Backside Tags These drills can be done inside the chute.

•Combo block between BS lineman •Outside man is covered •COV man - wide base base step to midline midline •UC man ½ bench, work work to LB

•In this scenario the DT does not anchor in gap but flows play side. •UC man picks up DT while COV goes to LB

•COV executes wide base •UC takes path to PS gap, extending arm ready to takeover on inside charge •Climb to LB (watch for cross stunt)

Observe how the COV man is aiming for midline, while UC man is attacking PS half only. In this picture we would prefer that the UC man keeps his PS hand free, only delivering a shoulder shoulder and ½ punch like like in the Delivery/Takeover exercise. COV will work his hips PS.

Wide

•Combo block between PS lineman •COV man - wide base base step to midline midline •UC man ½ bench, work work to LB •UC be ready to takeover.

This drill can be done inside the chute.

•In this scenario the DT does not anchor but plays inside gap. •UC man picks up DT while COV goes to LB

NOTES

C

G

T

3 Man COMBOS. Combo technique between 3 linemen to the play side. All the various techniques we have learned must now be executed. We will present the half line with various alignments. What we will do is present one pair (C-G or G-T) with a DL / LB combo problem, while leaving the third man covered. Alter the alignments so we have different COV / UCOV combinations. DT is in a 2i Tech with the OT covered by a 5 Tech DE. LB is playing a 30 Tech. OG is covered inside shade, will make a COMBO type call with the UC C. OT is solo and must drive DE off LOS or est. leverage and work to sideline.

DT played A gap, LB plugs B. COV OG works works a Seal technique as he and the C execute Delivery / Takeover to the LB.

C

G

T

3 Man COMBOS. Combo technique between 3 linemen to the play side. All the various techniques we have learned must now be executed. We will present the half line with various alignments. What we will do is present one pair (C-G or G-T) with a DL / LB combo problem, while leaving the third man covered. Alter the alignments so we have different COV / UCOV combinations. DT is in a 2i Tech with the OT covered by a 5 Tech DE. LB is playing a 30 Tech. OG is covered inside shade, will make a COMBO type call with the UC C. OT is solo and must drive DE off LOS or est. leverage and work to sideline.

In this scenario we will have the 2i play over into the B gap while the LB comes over top to plug the A gap. The OG’s initial path path and technique technique put him in the right position to engage and take over the DT. The C’s initial path and technique tracks him right to the LB.

Pulling / Trapping. 2 man drill designed to teach men to work their trap and pull techniques. In the left side diagram the DL has anchored onto the LOS, so the lead man est. PS leverage and the trailer loops outside to the 2 nd level. In the right side diagram the DL has played up field across the LOS. The lead man kicks him to the outside, while the trailer cuts up inside to the 2nd level. Remember to use open / drop steps. steps.

LB CUTOFF – – – – –

Purpose: To teach the proper technique technique for blocking a LB flowing to playside. LB is 4 – 5 yds off ball slightly slightly backsid backside. e. On count, OL will takeoff through PS gap and cutoff LB pursuit. If near LB charges, charges, then lock onto onto him else continue continue on angle to BS LB. If LB looks to cross face, rip BS arm across and get body through the LB.

Fire out playside and look to 1 st protect PS gap.

RUN BLOCKING SCHEMES

7

5

MIDDLE

4

8

DEFENSIVE RECOGNITION RECOGNITION – ______________ ________________ __ Formation 9 6 7 25 / 35

W

5 4 4i

32

10 1

23

4i 4 5

7 6 9

43

M

M W

E

T

T

E

57 (37)

T

T

E

S

OS / CB M

W

45+

E

S

S/S

S

E

N

F

T

E

E

T

T

S

M

E

T

E

S

50

E

T

Navajo

M

W

W

M W

E

T

S/S

E

S

Bear (G-C-G covered) W

B E

M N

B T

S

W

$

M E

N

T

S

INDY block types utilized in this system. BASE, REACH, STRETCH BLOCK OR POST/OVERTAKE MAN IN COMBO A. Step with playside playside foot taking either either a 6" to 8" directional step or a drop step step to aiming point. B. 2nd step: Base – power step split defender. Reach – power step gain ground, ground, 3 rd step splits defender. Stretch – Cross midline to PS half of defender. defender. B. For Base, full bench to landmark. For Reach, strike with inside hand hand to landmark to est. leverage and work through aiming point. point. SHOULDERS SQUARE. C. Shoot the hands, get to a lock-out as soon as possible bringing the hips D. Do not cross over, keep shoulders square with LOS DOWN BLOCK OR PINCH MAN IN COMBO A. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or lateral towards aiming point B. Aiming point is below outside number of defender. C. Drive through aiming point with with strike bringing hips, hips, working outside hand to kidney area and off foot upfield. TRAP/PULL A.Open step with PS foot, whip PS arm around to get shoulders perpendicular to LOS B.2nd step is flat down LOS gains ground and gets you r unning. SKIP PULL A.Drop BS foot back followed by PS foot almost like a pass set. B.3rd step is with BS foot, 4th is is with PS foot. Both are directional like a base block step. step. C.Shoulders are parallel as you side step down LOS. At POA, explode up field.

2 3

4

1 1

2

TURN OUT (May be covered or uncovered) A. Block out to defender to outside on LOS B. Bucket step and attack. Aim at upfield side of defender's hip C. Drive through hip of defender widening the hole, keeping keeping base D. Do not get beat across face

B

FOLD BLOCK (PINCH-PULL SCHEME) Turnout Blocker A. Execute pin (down) block  Fold Blocker A. Take good drop step gaining depth and distance with inside foot B. Clear turnout block by adjacent lineman C. Work upfield squaring through inside n umber D. Maintain base.

Takeoff footwork:

•

Base Step

•

Drop/Bucket Step

•

Trapping/Pulling

B

•

Skip Pull

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

TRAP BLOCK A. Take pull step gaining depth and distance B. Take 2nd step back up into LOS C. Aiming point is upfield side of defender's hip D. Trap inside out, bring bring hips to dig man out of hole, and get feet out of hole X-BLOCK A. TE executes reach block on DE B.Wing cuts inside of TE block and reaches to 2 nd level to block LB

FAN / HINGE BLOCK Pass block technique and BS run blocking A. Take good PS step (Zone Step) with inside foot without gaining depth and distance B. Begin to hinge step with outside foot, turn outside shoulder away from LOS, staying low, arms extended, and watching for inside rush C. Shuffle for depth and protect the backside gap CUTOFF BLOCK A. This is a position block. Idea is to get to the next gap over in anticipation anticipation of the DL’s read of the play flow B. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or towards next gap over at the LOS B. Plant and hinge step toward defender C. Do not look to chase 2 nd level defenders unless unless they are blitzing blitzing or moving hard across the LOS INSIDE ZONE SCHEME A. Overall look of an inside zone blocking scheme for two OL B. In this diagram, diagram, the 3 tech is is covering the guard. Since the running lane is in the B gap, the OT will POST the DT to help the G get on the PS shoulder of the DT. C. If the 3 widens into the path of the OT, then the OT will take over the block and the G will get to the 2 nd level.

B

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES SIFT BLOCK A. Step with inside foot taking a 6' to 8" directional step to aiming point.

B

B

B. Aiming point is through inside gap. C. Rip hard through inside gap. Do not get beat a cross face. D. Try to work to next level. Responsible for LB run through to second level.

CUT LOG A. Pull, gaining depth and distance with drop step B. Hug LOS, LOS, throw head, head, shoulders, shoulders, and and hip across across FAR hip. C. Drive through hip, do not cut too low. Aiming point is between hip and upper thigh area trying to get backside hip across defender's outside hip RIP-REACH The Rip-Reach block will be used by all covered blockers on the outside zone plays, and by the ba ck-side OL on the inside zone play vs. an inside shade. The purpose is to overtake overtake a defender that is head-up or outside, gaining outside outside leverage. There is less emphasis with this this block on driving the opponent back, and more on gaining outside position, position, to allow our back to get outside. The blocker will take a normal 6" lateral step playside, and then crossover crossover on his second step. While making the second step, the the blocker will dip his inside shoulder and rip his inside arm low across the body of the d own defender, gaining outside position. He will then drive his outside outside hand into the defender's outside pec, and squeeze him back while swinging to the outside. outside. The blocker's shoulders should now be somewhat somewhat square as he drives the defender upfield. OVERTAKE BLOCK and POST BLOCK An Overtake block is used by covered linemen on the outside zone. The purpose is to "overtake" the next down defender, and assume that block, freeing the next blocker over to climb to the LB level. The covered lineman lineman will step step laterally 6“ and get outside outside leverage, much much like the Rip-Reach. He then tries to get "ahead" of the next down defender, in essence pushing his teammate off him so that he may climb to the next level. The PIN_RELEASE man will take take a shallow PS step, working working upfield and working the PS half of the DL w/o turning shoulders. shoulders. This will assist the the covered man to takeover block.

B

COMBO BLOCKS Coaching point. Combo blocks occur because there is an uncovered lineman. No matter what the situation, you must determine your landmark on your covered man at pre-snap and that will become your block path. That could all change at the snap if the DL does not anchor on you or in the pre-snap gap. Observe the alignments of your DL and LB. If the T has been 3 tech and is presnap 2 tech (head up), he is probably looking to shoot A gap while while LB loops around to the B gap. A defender aligned in a gap is less likely to stunt because of the distance to cover, he will probably shade toward the gap he is stunting into.

LB

LB

LB

C This diagram shows a typical pre-snap alignment for a C and G. The C is UC while the G is COV. The arrows show a possible stunt stunt between the two. Based on the WCS the C and G decide to execute a COMBO block. WCS Pre-Snap •C – 3 tech loops into A gap and crashes crashes into me and/or across LOS •G – 3 tech gets across LOS LOS through B gap or 3 tech stunts into A gap and crashes into C while I get caught up in his rush. Now no one blocks the LB coming over over the top. Establish a LM and the footwork that will position me to prevent both scenarios.

T

T

T

C

C

•Correct Zone Combo technique to handle WCS •G – directional step to LM, aim for PS PS ½. Look to control control PS gap, cover up the 3 Tech and drive down down LOS. If he anchors, isolate isolate him from POA and drive off LOS. LOS. If he moves PS, run him down the line (square shoulders) and do not allow any penetration across LOS. Get movement so RB can make his read. •C – same step toward toward near hip of 3 tech. If he attacks, attacks, G will help help steer him so you can work to LM while he climbs clim bs to 2 nd level. C will work the PS hip of the T while climbing to to the LB, waiting for him to declare. If he moves sharply to the PS, the then n release and get him. If he is anchoring, continue continue working the COMBO up field right to him.

Block Blocking ing Call Callss – COMB COMBO O A combination block between two adjacent players utilizing the PINCH technique to seal the down defensive lineman working to backside LB at 2nd level. In this scheme, scheme, the outside outside OL is working working down down not to the playside. playside. If we append append the term “TO” “TO” then the outside OL is still nd helping to seal backside, but is working to 2 level PLAYSIDE LB. Trey

Y

B

Deuce

T

Ace

Ace

C

G

Ace

Deuce

B

B

Deuce

G

Trey

T

Y

Down (combo is off-block inside gaps)

B

B

B E

B

B Ace TO

B B

E

Blocki Blocking ng Call Callss – Scoop Scoop 2 or more adjacent offensive lineman lineman working together together toward the playside on a defensive lineman lineman on level one to a linebacker inside covering DL. Covered man is getting help from BS BS Uncovered teammate who will attempt to takeover block. Concept is to work to first 2 nd level LB inside of the covered OL. Slug

Y

Swap

T

Scoop

Single

C

G

Solid

Double

G

Triple

T

Y

Heavy Trip Trio

SCOOP

DOUBLE

Heavy

(INSIDE ZONE BSG and C)

B

B

B

B

B

B

Doub Double le - TO

TRIPLE

(G is Covered here, UC OT -no reason to help TE. Pinch from T, BS help from from C.)

(OT was posting DE and climbing climbing pre-snap. The stunt changed that)

B

B

B

Trip w/ ACE TO Playside

B

B

Blocki Blocking ng Calls Calls - Fold Fold Eat

Tag

Y

T

Tae

Gas Lt.

C

G

Gat

Gas Rt.

Sag Lt.

Tag

G

Sag Rt.

Eat

T

Y

Tae

Gat

The naming scheme indicates who the two OL’s involved in the Fold and who is Pin Blocking and who is the Folder. The first and last letters letters are the indicators. The first letter indicates who the Fold Fold blocker is and the last indicates the Pin blocker. In the case of Gas and Sag, we tag the call with a left or a right to tell which guard the center will will be working with. 1.S is the Center 2.G is the Guard 3.T is the tackle 4.E is the End

B

G

T

Gat

B

B

B

T

G

Tag

C

G

Gas Rt (BSG and C)

T

B

E

Tae

TAG OUT Call

Blocking Blocking Calls Calls – Additiona Additionall Trap 5 Call

Trap 3 Call

G Scheme

B

B

Trap - Rack  Rack 

B

Toe It

B

B

Power Seal

B

TAE w/ Step It (RB must block ILB)

B

B

GB Sweep

B

B

PASS BLOCKING

Pass Blocking Fundamentals PASS BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

Back & Shoulders

Set the feet (Quick to the Set)

Straight Up – should be perpendicular perpendicular to ground ground and create 45 degree angles with your legs

Balance the body (Wide base b ase with stager) Control the Punch (attack the defender) d efender)

Head & Eyes Teaching Progression Fundamentals

Up & Out- should control control chin in upward manner manner

Know where the QB is and the depth of his set. Understand alignments and movement of rushers.

Arms

Use correct levels/ splits and stance

Relax set high and tight to body ready to deliver punch to defender. Elbows cocked

Maintain your your “square” balance and angles (Keep (Keep the door closed, feet lead hands)

SETS

All sets should maintain leverage between QB and rushing defender

Aggressive at LOS

Operate under controlled aggressive, never lose poise

Drop set checking 2nd level defender inside out

Always know where your help is.

Vertical –Edge Rushers Open- Slide side work work depth 1st then then width

STANCE

Inside Rusher

Post Foot- is the foot closest to the quarterbacks quarterbacks set set (inside). It should be slightly forward

Outside Rusher

furthest away from from the quarterback quarterback set Kick Foot- is the foot furthest (outside). It should be slightly back  distributed on instep instep of feet, knees knees Weight- Balanced, distributed buckled- should be locked inward inward to shrink expansion of your hips, and control weight distribution. Tall at 90 degrees- shoulders should should be perpendicular perpendicular to ground and create 45-degree angle with legs.

Wide Rusher Positioning & Targeting

Inside out relationship Square to defender / Square to QB Frame feet to target Focus on target

Eyes should up and out, control chin in an upward manor. Arms should be raised and relaxed within the framework of the chest

Movement (feet) keep feet active

Weight BalanceBalance- distribution on on instep of your your feet

Slide Shuffle (Kick)

Uncovered Drop 1st step with inside step (Active Feet)

Pass Blocking

POST

POST

SET

SET

The inside foot is called the POST foot and the outside foot is called the SET foot. The feet should be about shoulder width. Keep in mind that too narrow a stance takes away from stability while too wide a stance inhibits lateral movement. Weight should be concentrated on the inside of both feet. Forcing Forcing the knees inside helps helps to place the weight on the inside. By having the weight inside, the blocker is able to move to the inside inside or outside more more effectively. effectively. If the weight is on the outside foot, the lateral steps inside or outside will be big and slow.

•Kick step - Outside step with the SET foot. Keep weight concentrated on inside foot and leg. The ankle is wider than the the knee and the knee is wider than the hip. This helps to maintain the weight on the inside leg. If the weight transfers to the outside leg, the ability to continue kick stepping is lost. The nose should stay aligned with the crotch. •Power Step - Flat, aggressive, inside step with the post foot. It is intended to take away inside rush lanes. Once again, don’t let the head go past midline of the body. •Slide - Move by opposite opposite foot after Kick Kick or Power step. 1 2 2 1 Power Slide Slide Kick As the defender works to your outside (kick foot side) you give ground on a 45 while keeping inside leverage. If the defender works to your inside (post foot side) then you work flat and don't give any ground. If the defender crosses your post foot, then you must turn the block into a run block because the defender is in a great position to beat you at this point. It is also very important to work the arms during pass protection. Whichever direction the defender moves you lock out that arm to try and turn the defender's shoulders so it is more difficult to continue in that direction.

Footwork vs. alignments

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Tight (3 or 5 Tech)

1. Kick Kick set set in in pla place ce,, drive post knee toward ground 2. Move Move set set foo foott to to est. stagger and cover man 3. Tim Time the the punc punch h 4. If outs outsid idee rus rush, h, kick step and stretch defender.

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1 3

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Loose (3 or 5 Tech)

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1. Kick Kick step step gain gainin ing g width and depth. depth. The wider the alignment, the deeper the kick  2. Nose Nose to ins insid idee numb number er 3. If very very loose, loose, don’t don’t overstep, use 2 kicks to est. position 4. Stre Stretc tch h him him out out 5. Insi Inside de char charge ge,, then then switch to power step and flatten rush

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Tight (3 or 5 Tech w/ inside charge)

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2 3 1

1 or 4I Tech

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1. Kick Kick step step outside rus 2. When When h inside, be r power step inside pene 3. Don’ Don’tt let let shoulder go 4. Drive Drive blo position is

1. Powe Powerr step step t and continue out his rush 2. Don’ Don’tt let let shoulder go s 3. Driv Drivee bloc bloc position is lo 4. Be rea ready dy t if he rushes o 5. If he is in a (even) we where he wil 6. Make Make a sha sha step and get i to react to his

Technique vs. Wide Rush End The most difficult skill to master in pass protection is the Tackle’s block on the wide aligned rusher. Below are techniques and tips for blocking the wide rusher. 1. Narrow the stance with the toe pointing outward outward slightly. The narrower stance allows allows the blocker to cover more ground on the kick step. Increase the stagger of the stance. 2. Determine the junction junction point. The junction junction point is the point at which the defender defender will turn toward the the QB (and the Tackle). Tackle). Knowledge of the junction point is important because the blocker’s shoulders should be parallel with the shoulder’s of the rusher when he turns toward the QB to prevent prevent the outside outside shoulder shoulder from being grabbed. grabbed. Tips to determine the junction point: point: a. If the rusher’s outside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 3rd step. Be ready to get shoulders parallel to rusher’s shoulders when he begins his 3rd step.

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Junction Point

b. If the rusher’s inside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 2nd step. Be ready to get shoulders parallel to rusher’s shoulders when he begins his 2nd step. NOTE: If the rusher’s backbone is pointed in rather than upfield, the above does not apply. Now block him like a normal rusher.

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Junction Point

Technique vs. Wide Rush End 3. The target is the inside shoulder. If the blocker looks at a point on the defender wider than the inside shoulder, shoulder, he may set too wide and expose himself himself to an inside rush. The defender is only as far upfield as his inside shoulder. shoulder. 4. When blocking a wide rusher, emphasize emphasize most of the weight on the ball of the inside foot while in the stance. This allows for a better kick step to cover more ground. A common fault on blocking the wide rusher is not covering enough ground on the first step, then trying to make up for it by leaning out with the upper body. The blocker again becomes exposed to the inside rush. 5. Kick step with with width and depth to the rusher. The wider the defender, the deeper the kick step. Kick, slide until reaching the junction point.

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T 2

1

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Observe that as the defender widens, we deepen the stagger of our kick foot and point the toe inward. This gets more weight on the ball of the inside foot.

6. Be in control at the junction; that is, the nose should be over the midline, the weight on the inside of the feet with more weight on the inside leg, and have equal ability to move back inside or continue kicking outside. This position must be maintained throughout the approach and at contact. 7. Punch the defender when you you can “reach out and touch him.” If only the shoulder is exposed at the time of the punch, then punch the shoulder with with both hands, attempting to pry his upper body into a position position where his shoulders become become parallel to the side line. If the rusher has exposed exposed his chest to the blocker as will often be the case, then punch the chest with both hands. hands. Maintain a slight inside-out position on the rusher throughout the block. 8. The blocker “works “works the line” for 3 yards on a 5 step drop and and 5 yards on a 7 step drop. This This means that the blockers blockers outside foot foot must remain on a vertical line for these specified distances before allowing the defender to close toward the QB. By keeping the defender working upfield upfield for these distances, distances, the blocker will be able to push push him past the QB once he he starts to close on the QB. If the defender is not forced vertically for certain distances, they will have a path to the QB. 9. When the blocker gets the rusher “past the point of no return”, he then pushes the rusher upfield. Maintain inside leverage.

Kick / Power Step. Practice getting in your pass protection posture post snap and then kick setting and and power setting. Kick set back 2 or 3 times then Power step. Setup in 2 groups and make sure each man works from both left and right sides of ball. We can vary the sequence of Kick Slide / Power Slide by having the coach direct the OL one way and then another at random.

1 1 Power Kick

Kick

Power

DL give and pull

Push / Pull. Practice maintaining proper balance and leverage once you have engaged your opponent. The DL will alternately bull rush then give ground and attempt to pull OL off balance. OL must stay locked on maintaining his pass set stance. He will move move forward and backward without changing the posture and position of his feet.

Start

DL bull rush

Power Punch. Starting in a proper pass pro position, power step and slide while mirroring direction of rusher. Good upright torso position keeping head out of block. As the rusher moves down the line he spins into different positions to simulate a twisting rush move. Coaching Points: Butt is down while back is straight and head is up. Punch comes up to shoulder level elbows in, hands tight together, head head goes back. Stay off toes, be relatively flat footed with 60% of weight on on inside foot. Do not lean on defender with hands. Cover defender with your feet (can’t see this but you can sense it by your position).

Pass Protection and Redirect Drill •Purpose: Teach lineman to execute execute proper footwork footwork to engage and then redirect on counter counter moves. •Offensive lineman will be engaged with bag holder aligned in a variety of techniques. DL will either rush one way and maintain or redirect his path on the coaches signal. As the DL goes wide, use kick set to maintain position and widen his rush. If the defender is not forced vertically for certain distances, distances, he will have a path pa th to the QB . •If the DL redirects and attempts inside rush, switch to power step to eliminate eliminat e inside charge and flatten his path. If he gains inside position, go into a run blocking posture and drive him away from QB. Do not use punch, use hands only to steer. This drill is designed to develop footwork. The DL can start with an inside alignment then rush wide. With an inside man, your first move is a power step. You must then adjust to a kick set.

Pass Blocking / Protection NOTE: LINEMEN MUST NOT GO FURTHER THAN 1 YARD DOWNFIELD ON A PASS PLAY UNTIL THE BALL IS CAUGHT

50 PROTECTION PROTECTION – 300/400 Series Series

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50 series designates designates ‘Quick’ ‘Quick’ protection for short short passes (The QB will take 1-3 drop steps). Blockers must attack their assignment, hit him low and keep his hands down.

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Offensive Line

- Zone Block inside inside gap, get hands of DL down. down. -Center : Block On to Over. If you front of you then help the next man for rusher through your area. Do not if you have no one to block, keep vision.

have no rusher directly in to weak-side but stay alert pop-up or step back! Even low and out of the QB’s

F 50 Protection v 43 Defense

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H

B E

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E

-Guards : Block Inside to Over, Over, be aware of blitzing LB’s -Tackles: Block Inside to Over to Outside. Do not get beat inside. Take one step to get to a wide Defensive End but you must then attack him low. Do not allow him to stand up tall in the QB’s throwing lane.

Y F 50 Protection v 44 Defense

-Running Backs: Cut block the most dangerous man, over to outside of the Tackle. F to take Strongside, H to take Weakside. -Look Inside to Outside to be aware of any inside blitz not picked up by Linemen.

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B E

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B T

E Y

If Tackle to your side is covered and there is another rusher outside of of him – that is your man. -For single back sets (Black, Bunch) H always looks for biggest threat.

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F 50 Protection v 52 Defense

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Pass Blocking / Protection NOTE: LINEMEN MUST NOT GO FURTHER THAN 1 YARD DOWNFIELD ON A PASS PLAY UNTIL THE BALL IS CAUGHT

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60 PROTECTION PROTECTION (inc 60 HOLD) HOLD) – 500/600 Series Series

60 designates designates “Big on Big” protection, which which means the

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Offensive Linemen block the Defensive Linemen. The

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Running Backs will look Inside Out for any rushing LB’s. Normally used for 5 & 7 step drop passes & when in single Running Back Formation. If “hold” is called, OL cannot cannot retreat and must must maintain their ground at the LOS. Offensive Line

Linemen block D Linemen

F 60 Protection v 43 Defense

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H

B E

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LB.

Tackles: Block On to Outside, do not get beat inside. Running Backs: Check LB to first man outside Tackle, release after checking off. H to Weak-side F to Strong-side.

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Center: Block On to Over, if uncovered check Strong-side

Guards: Block On to Over, if uncovered check LB to DE.

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F 60 Protection v 44 Defense

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Pass Blocking / Protection NOTE: LINEMEN MUST NOT GO FURTHER THAN 1 YARD DOWNFIELD ON A PASS PLAY UNTIL THE BALL IS CAUGHT

81 & 82 PROTEC PROTECTIO TION N – 700 / 800 800 Series Series and and 100/200 Series

81 & 82 pass protection is used for QB roll out passes. 81 – Roll out Left. Left.

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82 – Roll out out Right. Right. Diagrams shown are 82 roll out, 81 is a mirror image.

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NOTE : The Linemen will use a combination of Hinge block & Reach block for the roll out pass. The RB’s will block roll out side, unless told to check backside. Offensive Line

-Basic assignmen assignmentt is – Onside Reach to the call side gap, Backside Hinge & retreat. -Center: Reach block play-side if covered & Hinge block if uncovered.

F H 82 Protection v 43 Defense

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-Guards: Backside Hinge block, Play-side Reach Block. Q

Running Backs.

Stay tight to end of the line, do not leave a gap between the play-side Tackle & you.

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-Tackles: Backside Hinge block, Play-side Reach Block.

Block end man to play-side. If 2 backs are in, one of them may be called to check back-side pursuit, dependant on Defensive alignment & rush.

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F 82 Protection v 52 Defense

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Pass Blocking / Protection NOTE: LINEMEN MUST NOT GO FURTHER THAN 1 YARD DOWNFIELD ON A PASS PLAY UNTIL THE BALL IS CAUGHT

61 & 62 PROTECTION PROTECTION – 900/000 900/000 Series

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61 & 62 pass protection is used for QB roll out passes after a play action / fake run to the  opposite side. 61 – roll out left left

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Offensive Line

Center: Reach block to playside. Running Backs: Run the play action / fake run as called. FB be aware that you may be required to block a blitzing LB in the fake side center-Guard gap, this should be your first read.

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62 – roll out right right

Fake side G & T sell the run, play side G & T run 81/82 protection

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62 Protection after a Fake H3 Lead

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Picture References

•Florida •Florida State - University University of Florida O-Line O-Line Drills _ AFC TUBE TUBE •University of Wisconsin Offensive Line practice •University •University Of Oregon – Pass Blocking Blocking Drills Drills •Pass Protection Protection – Larry Zierlien •Iowa Hawkeyes Hawkeyes – Pulling Pulling / Trapping Trapping Drills Drills •University •University of Michigan Michigan – Combo Combo Blocking Blocking •Techniques & Drills for Creating Championship Offensive Linemen -www.sportsnationvideo.com