Offensive Line Manual 2014

Dominick Zappia

Bethpage, NY

AGILITY AND CONDITIONING

Bag DrillsLINE 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. Repeat after a short rest and then do same drill but facing end zone and 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 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 then finally finishes through the five yard line. Repeat 2-4 times

BAG DRILLS – NOTE: In the Straight and Lateral drills both feet must land inside the bag boundary before moving on to the next.

Conditioning DrillsConditioning Drills

Drill Instructions:

• Player In three point stance

touches outside lines on each

side and accelerates thru

Coaching Points:

• Record times

• Verify player touches outside lines

on each side and accelerates thru

• To increase speed open up hips

and point outside toes to line

• Use left hand to touch left side

and right hand to touch right side.

• Verify player keeps head forward

and does not cross-over

Objective:

• Good for determining speed and

potential RB’s who have cut back ability

CC

10

yds.

Br

Br

uis

uis

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Br

Br

uis

uis

ers

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Br

Br

uis

uis

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Br

Br

uis

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ers

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TT--SprintSprint

Drill Instructions:

• Sprint to end of cone. Side Shuffle to

next cone rotate and sprint to next

cone.

Coaching Points:

• Verify players accelerate and maintains

Good running form.

• Release a new player when first player

has gotten half way.

• Repeat with players backpedaling

When backpedaling maintain

weight over toes or you will

lose balance and fall backwards

Objective:

• Acceleration and conditioning

30 yds

Conditioning DrillsConditioning Drills

Sprint

Sprint

Sid

e S

huff

le

Sid

e S

huff

le

Sprint

5 y

ds

Bru

isers

Bru

isers

Bru

isers

Bru

isers

CC

CC

Drill Instructions:

• Sprint to end of cone. Side Shuffle to

next cone rotate and sprint to next

cone.

Coaching Points:

• Verify players accelerate and maintains

Good running form.

• Release a new player when first player

has gotten half way.

• Repeat with players backpedaling

When backpedaling maintain

weight over toes or you will

lose balance and fall backwards

Objective:

• Acceleration and conditioning

AccelerationAcceleration -- SprintSprint

Square Shoulders

– Purpose: Teaches linemen to keep shoulders square to LOS when moving and also good lateral by upfield movement.

– Technique: Set up cones in a staggered fashion. The player will start in a 2 pt. stance at the first cone. On signal the lineman will side shuffle to each cone making sure his shoulders do not turn.

RUN BLOCKING

4i4i4i4i 4i4i4i4i

Core Run Blocking Concepts

• Get movement on the LOS.This way

Not this way

• 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 do we do this?

• This takeoff puts me in the right position to react to

whatever post-snap movements the DL makes. We want

to use our 2nd 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 when we have combo calls being 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 2nd

level. In some cases he will wind up overtaking an inside

charging DL.

T

Possible actions post-snap

T

Proper footwork and head placement

will allow us to counter the DL’s

movements and to redirect him.

Least desirable path

PS Step usually

in this range

Not Usual

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 of proper stance and alignment and then proceeds to proper 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:

► Agility and Conditioning ►Blocking Skills ►Blocking Rules and Strategy

1. Stance and Footwork

1. Using ½ round bags and boards to teach the proper stance and footwork to hit Landmark. (GET PS

LEVERAGE)

2. Mechanics

1. Proper takeoff (staying low, head up, flat back, eyes on target).2. Contact. (Punch (2 or 1 hand) or Punch with Shoulder in to increase blocking surface)

3. Square up and either isolate from POA or drive off/down LOS. Stay on your assignment (run him if you

have to). Never allow movement across LOS.

4. Use the various drills in our package to teach these skills.

3. Block Types1. Individual (INDY) Types (Base, Down, Reach, Stretch, Pulling)

1. INDY blocks are differentiated based on the alignment of the DL or LB and the PS landmark to be hit. When we teach this segment, it must be stressed that the POA, the alignment of the man,

and the PS landmark are the driving factors in determining how the block is executed.

2. Combo Blocks1. Pinch Combo

2. Scoop

3. Fold

4. Coaching Point: NOTHING takes the place of good INDY block execution. We can develop all the different

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.

5. Blocking as a team (Schemes)

1. Install base and zone blocking schemes. Execute inside, outside, and option plays as a unit. Operate 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

Before anything else is covered in the course of

training or evaluating an O-Lineman, the initial

stance and steps taken when delivering the block must

be taught and mastered. If a lineman has improper

footwork then the rest of the block 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 types we

will teach and the blocks they are associated with.

B

A

D

E

C

FB

A

D

E

C

F

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)

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.

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.

DUCK WALK. Make sure steps are short and

quick. We are not running through chute. Pump

arms back and forth. 2nd step should never go past 1st step in footwork sequence.

WARM UP

FIT UP AND DRIVE. Bag holder align a few inches away from blocker. On count, OL will execute drive block in

correct fit position, (head at midline) and drive with short, power steps. After you get movement, usually when you

clear the sled, then 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

•45 degree PS step

•2nd step crossover, shoulders square

•Drive up the field

Wide C Rip / Overtake

•Open Step/Drop Step

•2nd step on ground quickly

•Should be in line with 1st 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 to explode out of stance and make contact with ‘blocking surface’(hands, facemask, shoulder pads). Can be done at ½ speed working up to full speed.

– Technique: THIS DRILL IS RUN WITH THE BOARD 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 on hips or ever behind them), 2nd step deliver short punch as you make contact with your ‘blocking 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 in picture.

SHOULDER ARE ALWAYS SQUARE TO LOS. STAY LOW, FLAT BACK

• Base or Reach Block: PS (or directional) step, hands at ready, 2nd step is up field and SPLITS DEFENDER. At the 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 to LOS. Punch is landed at midline of the defender. If you have made contact head on, work head to PS LM.

X

LM

Base 90

•45 degree PS Step, PUNCH

•2nd step on ground, the power step

•Choppy steps drive down board•Head at midline

•45 degree PS step, PUNCH

•2nd step crossover, shoulders square

•3rd step does not pass 2nd. MAINTAIN•Head slightly PS

Wide C Seal / Sift

•1st step w/ inside foot flat & up field

•Work ½ man & deliver forearm 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 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 ½ man & 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 1st

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.

Backside Tags

•Combo block between BS lineman

•Outside man is covered

•COV man - wide base step to midline

•UC man ½ bench, 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

Stretch

•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)

These drills can be done inside the

chute.

TIGHT COMBO. Combo technique between COV and UC linemen to the play side. Used when DL is

shading inside man, as in a 3 or a 5 tech (inside man is COV.) COV executes a wide base technique while the

UC uses half bench, leading with inside step 1st, while climbing to LB. Always be aware of a cross charge when DL stunts play side with LB moving inside.

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 and ½ punch like in

the Delivery/Takeover exercise. COV will work his hips PS.

Wide

•Combo block between PS lineman

•COV man - wide base step to midline

•UC man ½ bench, work to LB

•UC be ready to takeover.

•In this scenario the DT does not

anchor but plays inside gap.

•UC man picks up DT while COV goes to LB

NOTESThis drill can be done inside the chute.

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 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 and 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.

C G T

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 2nd 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.

LB CUTOFF

– Purpose: To teach the proper technique for blocking a LB flowing to playside.

– LB is 4 – 5 yds off ball slightly backside.

– On count, OL will takeoff through PS gap and cutoff LB pursuit.

– If near LB charges, then lock onto him else 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 1st protect PS gap.

7 5 MIDDLE 4 8

RUN BLOCKING SCHEMES

Bear (G-C-G covered)50

Navajo45+

OS / CB57 (37)

4325 / 35

DEFENSIVE RECOGNITION – ________________ Formation9 6 7 5 4 4i 3 2 101 2 3 4i 4 5 7 6 9

W B M

E N T S

B M $

W E N T S

F M

E T T E S

W

W

M

E T E SS/S

W M

E T T E

S

W

M

E N T E

S

W M

E T T E S

W

M

E T T E S

S/S

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 running.

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 with PS foot. Both are directional like a base block step.

C.Shoulders are parallel as you side step down LOS. At POA, explode up field.

BASE, REACH, STRETCH BLOCK OR POST/OVERTAKE MAN IN COMBO

A. Step with playside foot taking either a 6" to 8" directional step or a drop step to aiming point.

B. 2nd step: Base – power step split defender. Reach – power step gain ground, 3rd step splits defender.

Stretch – Cross midline to PS half of defender.

B. For Base, full bench to landmark. For Reach, strike with inside hand to landmark to est. leverage and

work through aiming 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 strike bringing hips, working outside hand to kidney area and off foot

upfield.

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 base

D. Do not get beat across face

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 number

D. Maintain base.

INDY block types utilized in this system.

BB

Takeoff footwork: • Base Step • Drop/Bucket Step • Skip Pull• Trapping/Pulling

1

2

1 2

34

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 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 2nd 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 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 2nd level defenders unless they are 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, the 3 tech 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 2nd level.

B

SIFT BLOCK

A. Step with inside foot taking a 6' to 8" directional step to aiming point.

B. Aiming point is through inside gap.

C. Rip hard through inside gap. Do not get beat across 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, throw head, shoulders, and hip 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 back-side

OL on the inside zone play vs. an inside shade. The purpose is to overtake a defender that is head-up or

outside, gaining outside leverage. There is less emphasis with this block on driving the opponent back,

and more on gaining outside position, to allow our back to get outside. The blocker will take a normal 6"

lateral step playside, and then crossover on his second step. While making the second step, the blocker

will dip his inside shoulder and rip his inside arm low across the body of the down defender, gaining

outside position. He will then drive his outside hand into the defender's outside pec, and squeeze him back

while swinging to the outside. The blocker's shoulders should now be 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 will step laterally 6“ and get outside leverage, 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 a shallow PS step, working upfield and

working the PS half of the DL w/o turning shoulders. This will assist the covered man to takeover block.

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

BB

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 pre-

snap 2 tech (head up), he is probably looking to shoot A gap 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.

C

LB

T

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 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 into me

and/or across LOS

•G – 3 tech gets across 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 the top. Establish a LM and

the footwork that will position me to prevent both

scenarios.

C

LB

T

•Correct Zone Combo technique to handle WCS

•G – directional step to LM, aim for PS ½. Look to control PS gap, cover up

the 3 Tech and drive down LOS. If he anchors, isolate him from POA and

drive off 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 near hip of 3 tech. If he attacks, G will help steer him

so you can work to LM while he climbs to 2nd level. C will work the PS hip of

the T while climbing to the LB, waiting for him to declare. If he moves

sharply to the PS, then release and get him. If he is anchoring, continue

working the COMBO up field right to him.

C

LB

T

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, the outside OL is working down not to the playside. If we append the term “TO” then the outside OL is still

helping to seal backside, but is working to 2nd level PLAYSIDE LB.

C G TT G YY

Ace Deuce TreyTrey Deuce Ace

Ace

B

B

B

Deuce

B

E

B

Down (combo is off-block inside gaps)

B

E

B

Ace TO

B

B

B

Blocking Calls – COMBO

Blocking Calls – Scoop2 or more adjacent offensive lineman working together toward the playside on a defensive lineman on level one to a linebacker inside

covering DL. Covered man is getting help from BS Uncovered teammate who will attempt to takeover block. Concept is to work to first 2nd

level LB inside of the covered OL.

C G TT G YY

Single Double TripleSlug Swap Scoop

Solid

Trip

Heavy

Trio

Heavy

B B

B

TRIPLE(OT was posting DE and climbing pre-snap. The

stunt changed that)Trip w/ ACE TO Playside

B B

DOUBLE

B

SCOOP(INSIDE ZONE BSG and C)

B

B

Double - TO(G is Covered here, UC OT-no reason to help

TE. Pinch from T, BS help from C.)

B B

B

Blocking Calls - Fold

C G TT G YY

Gas Rt. Tag EatEat Tag Gas Lt.

Tae Gat Sag Lt. Sag Rt. Gat Tae

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 are the indicators. The first letter indicates who the 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 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

TG

Tag

B

GC

Gas Rt (BSG and C)

B

T E

Tae

B

TAG OUT Call

Blocking Calls – Additional

B

Trap 3 Call

B

Trap 5 Call

B

G Scheme

B

Toe It

BB

TAE w/ Step It (RB must block ILB)

BB

Trap - Rack

B

Power SealBGB Sweep

PASS BLOCKING

Pass Blocking Fundamentals

PASS BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

Set the feet (Quick to the Set)

Balance the body (Wide base with stager)

Control the Punch (attack the defender)

Teaching Progression Fundamentals

Know where the QB is and the depth of his set.

Understand alignments and movement of rushers.

Use correct levels/ splits and stance

Maintain your “square” balance and angles (Keep the door

closed, feet lead hands)

All sets should maintain leverage between QB and rushing

defender

Operate under controlled aggressive, never lose poise

Always know where your help is.

STANCE

Post Foot- is the foot closest to the quarterbacks set (inside). It

should be slightly forward

Kick Foot- is the foot furthest away from the quarterback set

(outside). It should be slightly back

Weight- Balanced, distributed on instep of feet, knees

buckled- should be locked inward to shrink expansion of your

hips, and control weight distribution.

Tall at 90 degrees- shoulders should be perpendicular to

ground and create 45-degree angle with legs.

Eyes should up and out, control chin in an upward manor.

Arms should be raised and relaxed within the framework of the

chest

Weight Balance- distribution on instep of your feet

Back & Shoulders

Straight Up – should be perpendicular to ground and create 45

degree angles with your legs

Head & Eyes

Up & Out- should control chin in upward manner

Arms

Relax set high and tight to body ready to deliver punch to

defender. Elbows cocked

SETS

Aggressive at LOS

Drop set checking 2nd level defender inside out

Vertical –Edge Rushers

Open- Slide side work depth 1st then width

Inside Rusher

Outside Rusher

Wide Rusher

Positioning & Targeting

Inside out relationship

Square to defender / Square to QB

Frame feet to target

Focus on target

Movement (feet) keep feet active

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

Slide Shuffle (Kick)

Pass Blocking Fundamentals

CONTACT

Contact with the rusher is made with a punch of the hands into the

chest area of the defender. Listed below are techniques relating to

the punch or contact phase of pass protection.

1. Timing of the punch is vital. Ideally, the elbows will lock out at

the same moment as contact is made with the rusher. If the punch

is too early, there is a tendency to lean into the defender plus there

is no “pop” to stop the charge of the defender. If the punch is late,

the arms never get locked out which allows the defender to get his

hands on the defender. The blocker always wants to maintain

separation between his body and the body of the blocker.

2. The primary thrust is delivered with the heels of the hand. The

thumbs are up, the fingers extended loosely and the elbows in. If

the elbows face out, the arms can be easily collapsed by a bull

rusher.

3. The punch starts at the shoulders and extends through the elbow,

wrist, and hands. Don’t lean forward during the punch. Maintain

the bent knee position for power in stopping the rusher.

4. The head and arms work together. When the arms extend, the

head comes back with the chin tucked.

5. On contact the base widens while maintaining a stagger.

Continue to maintain the bent knee position. The upper body is

now more upright and rigid than before contact.

6. The blocker would prefer to punch at a slight upward angle.

This can only be achieved if the knees are bent which lowers the

body allowing for the upward punch.

7. The player, either blocker or rusher, who first establishes

effective hand placement, will usually win.

8. Inside hand placement usually wins.

AFTER CONTACT

After the blocker sets and punches, he now has to maintain contact

with the rusher, allowing as little closure to the QB as possible.

Listed below are techniques and tips to accomplish this.

1. Don’t try to get separation. Once contact is made, lock on (the

exception is a tackle blocking a wide, upfield rusher) and maintain a

full lockout position, with the elbows in, thumbs up, and open hand

into the chest of the rusher.

2. Don’t “lean on the hands”. Use the power generated through bent

knees and the stagger to stop the forward progress of the rusher.

3. Keep the head out of the block with the upper body upright and

rigid.

4. The base should widen after contact to aid in lateral stability.

5. The weight should still be on the inside of the feet with about

60% of the weight on the inside leg.

6. The heel of the outside or stagger foot should be on the ground to

prevent tipping forward or getting pulled by the rusher.

7. If the defender tries to rush through the outside shoulder, widen

him.

a. Maintain nose to inside number alignment.

b. Hard pressure with inside hand to prevent defender from coming

back inside.

c. Maintain bent knee position with outside foot stagger.

d. Don’t “lean on hands”.

e. Keep the weight concentrated on the inside leg so that the outside

foot can continue to kick up and widen the rusher. If the weight

shifts to the outside foot, the ability to continue to kick out is

eliminated.

8. If the defender tries to rush inside, power step to the inside,

flattening the rusher to the inside. Try to trip the defender with the

post foot. You won’t actually trip him but by emphasizing this, the

post foot won’t bail out (drop back)

Pass Blocking

SET

POST POST

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 the knees inside helps to place the weight on the inside. By having the weight inside, the blocker is able

to move to the inside or outside more 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 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 foot after Kick or Power step.

Slide

Power

2

1

Slide

Kick

2

1

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

2

1

Tight (3 or 5 Tech) T

4

3

2

1

Tight (3 or 5 Tech

w/ inside charge) T

3

4

1. Kick set in place,

drive post knee

toward ground

2. Move set foot to

est. stagger and

cover man

3. Time the punch

4. If outside rush,

kick step and

stretch defender.

1. Kick step to cover

outside rush.

2. When he charges

inside, be ready to

power step to deny

inside penetration

3. Don’t let inside

shoulder go soft

4. Drive block if inside

position is lost.

2

1

Loose (3 or 5 Tech) T

3

1. Kick step gaining

width and depth. The

wider the alignment,

the deeper the kick

2. Nose to inside number

3. If very loose, don’t

overstep, use 2 kicks

to est. position

4. Stretch him out

5. Inside charge, then

switch to power step

and flatten rush

4

14

1 or 4I Tech

T

2

3

1. Power step to cover

and continue to flatten

out his rush

2. Don’t let inside

shoulder go soft

3. Drive block if inside

position is lost.

4. Be ready to kick step

if he rushes outside

5. If he is in a 2 or 4 tech

(even) we don’t know

where he will rush.

6. Make a shallow power

step and get in your set

to react to his

movement.

7. Be ready to punch if

he bull rushes.All of these alignments should be practiced against in a 1 ON 1 PASS RUSH DRILL. Start slow to

confirm that the footwork sequence is correct. Each OL will face all 4 techniques with a variety of rush

directions as indicated by the arrows in the diagrams.

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 slightly. The narrower stance allows the blocker to cover more ground on the kick step.

Increase the stagger of the stance.

2. Determine the junction point. The junction point is the point at which the defender will turn toward the QB (and the 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 the outside shoulder from being grabbed. Tips to determine the junction 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.

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.

1

2

3 Junction Point

2

1

Junction Point

NOTE: If the rusher’s backbone is pointed in

rather than upfield, the above does not apply.

Now block him like a normal rusher.

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, he may set too wide and

expose himself to an inside rush. The defender is only as far upfield as his inside shoulder.

4. When blocking a wide rusher, 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 width and depth to the rusher. The wider the defender, the deeper the kick step. Kick, slide until reaching the junction

point.

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 can “reach out and touch him.” If only the shoulder is exposed at the time of the punch, then punch the

shoulder with both hands, attempting to pry his upper body into a position where his shoulders become parallel to the side line. If the

rusher has exposed his chest to the blocker as will often be the case, then punch the chest with both hands. Maintain a slight inside-out

position on the rusher throughout the block.

8. The blocker “works the line” for 3 yards on a 5 step drop and 5 yards on a 7 step drop. This means that the blockers outside 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 for these distances, the blocker will be able to push him past the QB once 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.

2

1

T

2

1

T 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.

Kick / Power Step. Practice getting in your

pass protection posture post snap and then

kick setting 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.

Kick

Power

Power

1

Kick

1

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 goes back. Stay off toes, be relatively flat footed with 60% of weight 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).

Start

DL give and pull

DL bull rush

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 forward and

backward without changing the posture and position of his feet.

Pass Protection and Redirect Drill

•Purpose: Teach lineman to execute proper footwork to engage and then redirect on 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, he will have a path to the QB.

•If the DL redirects and attempts inside rush, switch to power step to eliminate 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.

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

Pass Blocking / Protection

50 PROTECTION – 300/400 Series

50 series designates ‘Quick’ protection for short passes (The QB

will take 1-3 drop steps). Blockers must attack their assignment,

hit him low and keep his hands down.

Offensive Line

- Zone Block inside gap, get hands of DL down.

-Center : Block On to Over. If you have no rusher directly in

front of you then help the next man to weak-side but stay alert

for rusher through your area. Do not pop-up or step back! Even

if you have no one to block, keep low and out of the QB’s

vision.

-Guards : Block Inside to 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.

-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.

If Tackle to your side is covered and there is another rusher

outside of him – that is your man.

-For single back sets (Black, Bunch) H always looks for biggest

threat.

H

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

50 Protection v

43 Defense

H

F

Y

EE TT

B

50 Protection v

52 Defense

B

T

H

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

50 Protection v

44 Defense

B

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

Pass Blocking / Protection

H

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

60 Protection v

43 Defense

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

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

Offensive Linemen block the Defensive Linemen. The

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 retreat and must maintain

their ground at the LOS.

Offensive Line

Linemen block D Linemen

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

LB.

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

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.

H

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

60 Protection v

44 Defense

B

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

Pass Blocking / Protection

81 & 82 PROTECTION – 700 / 800 Series and

100/200 Series

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

81 – Roll out Left.

82 – Roll out Right.

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

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 assignment is – Onside Reach to the call side

gap, Backside Hinge & retreat.

-Center: Reach block play-side if covered & Hinge

block if uncovered.

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

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

Running Backs.

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.

Stay tight to end of the line, do not leave a gap between

the play-side Tackle & you.

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

82 Protection v

43 Defense

H

Q

H

F

Y

EE TT

B

82 Protection v

52 Defense

B

T

Q

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

Pass Blocking / Protection

61 & 62 PROTECTION – 900/000 Series

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

62 – roll out right

Offensive Line

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

protection

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.

H

F

Y

EE TT

BBB

62 Protection

after a Fake H3

Lead

Q

Picture References

•Florida State - University of Florida O-Line Drills _ AFC TUBE

•University of Wisconsin Offensive Line practice

•University Of Oregon – Pass Blocking Drills

•Pass Protection – Larry Zierlien

•Iowa Hawkeyes – Pulling / Trapping Drills

•University of Michigan – Combo Blocking

•Techniques & Drills for Creating Championship Offensive Linemen -www.sportsnationvideo.com