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Complete Offensive Line
200 Pages
Developing dominating offensive linemen is Rick Trickett’s specialty. His accomplishments speak for themselves: 4 first-round draft selections, 20 NFL players, 13 All-Americans, and more than 30 all-conference selections. Now with Complete Offensive Line, he’s created the most in-depth guide ever on offensive line play.
Today’s linemen must have skill, strength, power, quickness, agility, and intelligence to excel at the position. That is why Complete Offensive Line presents it all—from footwork and hand positioning to pulling and cutbacks.
In this one-of-a-kind guide, Trickett takes you onto the practice field and into the trenches to learn these skills, among others:
• Pass protection
• Run blocking
• Man and zone blocking
• Combination blocks
• Blitz pickup
• Recognition of defensive sets such as 4-3, 3-4, and stack
• Strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities against any defensive set
• Techniques and schemes for formations such as spread, option, and the run and shoot
With the most effective drills, skill evaluation, line play assessments, scheme suggestions, and unparalleled coaching advice from one of the best in the game, Complete Offensive Line is simply the definitive book on football’s most demanding position.
Chapter 1 Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Chapter 2 Stances
Chapter 3 Drive Blocks
Chapter 4 Reach Blocks
Chapter 5 Cutoff Blocks
Chapter 6 Down Blocks
Chapter 7 Combination Blocks
Chapter 8 Stretch Plays
Chapter 9 Inside Zone
Chapter 10 Option
Chapter 11 Pass Protection
Chapter 12 Pass Progression and Drills
Chapter 13 Conditioning and Core Work
Rick Trickett was hired as the offensive line and assistant head coach at Florida State University in 2008. He is regarded by most as the guru of developing offensive linemen. No other current or past offensive line coach has trained more players who have gone on to win all-conference and All-American honors.
Coaching Stops:
1973 Glenville (linebackers coach)
1974-75 Indiana, PA (linebackers coach)
1976-77 West Virginia (defensive line coach)
1978-79 West Virginia (offensive line coach)
1980-81 Southern Illinois (offensive line coach)
1982-85 Southern Mississippi (offensive line coach)
1985 New Mexico (offensive line coach)
1986-88 Memphis (offensive line coach)
1989-92 Mississippi State (offensive line coach)
1993-98 Auburn (offensive line coach)
1999 Glenville State (head coach)
2000 LSU (assistant head coach and offensive line coach)
2001-06 West Virginia (assistant head coach and offensive line coach)
Accomplishments:
• Four players drafted in the first round in a six-year span at Auburn
Victor Riley (Chiefs No. 1 Draft Choice in 1998)
Willie Anderson (Bengals No. 1 Draft Choice in 1996)
Wayne Gandy (Rams No. 1 Draft Choice in 1994)
Kendall Simmons (Steelers No. 1 Draft Choice in 2001)
• More than 20 former players in the NFL
• Six All-American offensive linemen in his career
• 30 players with all-conference honors
• 13 players named either first or second team freshmen All-Americans
“Coach Trickett helped me hone my skills as a player and is one of the greatest collegiate offensive line coaches in the history of the game. The skills and techniques he taught me in my collegiate career I carried through to my NFL career to become an all-pro offensive lineman.”
Willie Anderson-- Four-Time Pro Bowl Selection (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), Five-Time All-Pro Selection (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
"Complete Offensive Line is proof that Coach Trickett is one of football's best offensive line coaches. After playing eight years in the NFL—and winning two Super Bowl rings—I can honestly say that Rick Trickett made me a stronger player."
Kendall Simmons-- Super Bowl Champion (XL, XLIII), Two-Time First-Team All-SEC (2000-2001), Third-Team AP All-American (2000)
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
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Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom.
Characteristics of Offensive Linemen
To be successful, an offensive lineman needs to have these five characteristics: intelligence, toughness, work ethic, good character, and athletic ability. A team with five players who have all five of these characteristics will be difficult to beat.
Intelligence
Intelligence plays a very important role on the offensive line. Offensive linemen need to be football smart in addition to being able to perform in the classroom. Many good students are not football smart; other players are really smart on the field but don't perform well in the classroom. Players who do not play smart will get beat during a game. Successful linemen have a balance of both classroom and football intelligence. Find a player who is serious about succeeding in school and who works hard in the classroom, and you will see the same player working hard on the football field. High school coaches must coach the players they have. If an offensive lineman has difficulty learning but the coach needs him to play, the coach can place him next to one of the smarter players. If all five offensive linemen have trouble understanding the game, the coach will need to keep it simple.
Film study is essential at all levels of football, from high school through professional. Watching film is an important basic tool for players. For example, an offensive tackle who will be playing against a defensive tackle or defensive end should study that opponent on film, focusing on the player's stance, his alignments, the positions of his hands and feet, and his distance on and off the football. This film study will enable the offensive tackle to find keys that will assist him during the game. The coach could have the players bring in a report on Wednesdays about who they will be playing against that week. It is surprising how much information a coach can receive from the players. Watching DVDs of various defenses can also help offensive linemen in their preparation. These DVDs can be used to show how defenses are called, the coverages used, and the various types of blitzes that may occur. During the first two meetings of fall and spring practice, I like to teach nothing but defense. Once the players know what the defense is doing, they have a better understanding of how they can attack offensively.
Toughness
Mental and physical toughness are essential characteristics for an offensive lineman. These characteristics are developed through drills on the football field, mat programs, weight room work, and station drills. A player must first create a degree of mental toughness. Physical toughness usually follows mental toughness. Players need to understand that pain is a large part of football, especially in the trenches. Players must be able to play with pain. (Injury is different. An injured player should sit out of practice or contact.)
During the season, our practices include individual coaching time during which only 10 players participate. A player who is not blocking is standing in on defense and getting blocked. Players take a lot of pride in helping each member of the unit perform the best block he can against resistance. This part of practice includes a lot of fast-paced repetitions on drive blocks; zone blocks to the linebackers; and reach, cutoff, and down blocks. It has been said that my offensive linemen do more in 40 minutes than others do all practice. Hydration is a very important part of practice; water is available all the time. The practice schedule is set up so the first individual period—which includes chutes; T-boards; and work on reach blocks, cutoff blocks, and blocking schemes—is considered a buster. (A buster is an all-out grinding period. It is a gut-check, no-holds-barred, give-it-your-all type of period.)
After the individual run blocking period, we work on the inside run versus defense. At this point, the coach wants the offensive line to be tired. The coach wants the line to have to grind out eight plays, or two sets of four reps, to the point of exhaustion. After the work on the inside run is done, the players take a 5-minute break. Although players at other positions sit down during breaks, offensive linemen stand or take a knee. They take their helmets off for the break.
After the 5-minute break, we move on to group work. Group work is run at a fast tempo but not as hard as the individual period; this gives the linemen a chance to regroup before pass progression. Many players consider pass progression, a period of 12 minutes, to be more difficult than run progression. Pass progression is a seven-step progression of drills that consists of partner work, very demanding resistance, a lot of straining, and fast repetitions (this progression is described in chapter 12). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the offensive line is expected to be exhausted when going into one-on-one pass rush. When working offensive players against defensive players, the coach wants them to be so tired that they have to find that fourth-quarter gear. Then, during the game, when players hit the fourth quarter, they can say, “I've been much more tired than this,” and they can then go dominate. This doesn't happen by talking about it; the coach must take the players where they are going to live.
The off-season program of agilities and mats consists of 60 minutes of pure getting after it. This includes a 3-minute break after every 16 minutes. Players must perform each drill correctly and at full speed or they are required to repeat it. Each player is graded after each station while it is fresh in the coach's mind. At the end of the day, a reward may be in order. For example, black shirts could be awarded for excellence, grey shirts for average, and orange shirts for below average. This schedule is very demanding and requires mental toughness. The mat program consists of commands, feet position, and football position breakdowns. Players must work hard to stay in a great football position—low with knees bent—and must be able to move and play from this position. Players have a tendency to play high. One idea to break this tendency is to have players run in pens and under ropes at the end of mat drills. Drills need to be set up so that if players lose focus and don't concentrate, they repeat the drill. Drills are broken down like game situations—play hard, rest, play hard, rest. Players sprint from point A to point B, with an emphasis on finishing. I recently timed a player to determine the actual work he completed in a 60-minute workout with one repeat. The result was a total of 7 minutes and 40 seconds of work. Many players don't know how or when to rest. This lack of knowledge may get them into trouble with their coaches and teammates. These drills will help create the team leaders and will help all players develop mental toughness.
Players also need to become aggressive about weights and the weight room. Discipline is important in the lifts and techniques. Once a week, we stress mental toughness in the weight room. This may involve tests of mental toughness, such as having two players hang from the pull-up bar to see who can last the longest or having them perform a four-point push-up to see who will be the last one. We often determine the starting lineup based on the order of finishing.
Work Ethic
Hard work is the basic foundation of any successful offensive line. My linemen often state that they are the hardest working group of linemen in the United States. This is the mind-set that I want my offensive linemen to have. My reputation for requiring my linemen to work hard is built on fact. Pro scouts often say that they have never seen a harder working group of offensive linemen. The pro scouts relay this message to the players, and this helps validate our work ethic. Similarly, ex-players and visiting coaches can help sell this to players. A great work ethic is one of the first things I look for in an offensive lineman. When recruiting, the question of the player's work ethic is usually at the forefront. I tell players about our program. I tell them that they will be worked until they think they can't go another step—and that I will then ask them to do more. The less dedicated player will not want to continue.
Players come from many different backgrounds—such as blue collar, city, or country. Some players may have a good work ethic, and some may not. A coach can teach kids to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. When coaching at Glenville State College, a Division II school, I had my players paint the field house, clean the weight room, and put in new lockers and floors. When they were finished, they had a lot of pride in what they accomplished. Hard work will help players win on and off the field.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Two Inside Zone Drills
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up.
Inside Zone Versus an Under Front
Against the under front (figure 9.4), the offense must know what kind of nose guard they are up against. Is he quick? Can he run? Is he a big run stopper and gap player? Can the center handle him one on one or does he need help?
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: tight reach block
Guard: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Center: reach nose guard or call for “pop” to get help from the play-side guard
Backside guard: power slip to linebacker
Backside tackle: power slip with guard
If the center calls for help from the play-side guard (figure 9.5), the guard should use the drive block technique with his outside foot over and up. The inside foot and inside arm should come straight off, and he should make contact with the same foot and shoulder. The guard should stay on the double team as long as possible. The play-side linebacker will read isolation and step right up to the guard. When the linebacker gets even with the guard, the guard comes off and blocks him. If there is a 1-technique or gap player, the guard doubles him out to the linebacker.
Inside Zone Versus a 4-3 Defense
This should be an effective play because of all the bubbles in the 4-3 defense. The backside 1-technique player must be controlled on this play. The center should make a presnap read on the depth and alignment of the middle linebacker. The center should not overzone the linebacker or let him fall back inside on the play.
The offensive linemen execute their assignments:
Tight end: tight reach block
Tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
Guard: tight reach block
Center: stretch step, run track to Mike linebacker
Backside guard: cut off 1-technique player
Backside tackle: stretch step, run track to linebacker
The zone and stretch plays should look as similar as possible on the first stretch step. Helmet placement is very important, especially on inside zone plays. The goal is to get the defender running hard to the outside, if possible. If the defenders are big run stoppers, the linemen need to be ready to drop their hips and knock them off the ball. At the very least, they need to hold the line of scrimmage. Against any inside pinch moves, the uncovered lineman should be ready to double with the covered lineman (figure 9.6). The uncovered lineman should aim his second step to a point behind the defender's inside foot. The uncovered lineman needs to be able to stop all penetration and maintain the line of scrimmage. If two offensive linemen must be used on a pinch defender, then they let the linebacker go free.
Versus an under shift of the defensive front (figure 9.7), power combo blocks are a must. The covered offensive lineman must keep his play-side arm free and out of the block so he is able to come off if the linebacker attacks the line of scrimmage.
If the Sam linebacker walks up on the line of scrimmage, the tackle and tight end must make an out call.
If the nose guard is aligned in a shaded position on the center (figure 9.8), he needs to stretch step to the play-side A gap and work the same foot, same shoulder on the nose guard. He hangs for the backside guard as long as possible and then comes off on the Mike linebacker when the Mike linebacker commits to the line of scrimmage.
Another change-up that can be used is to fold the backside with the guard and center. The center works a back block to the V of the nose guard's neck. The guard executes a drop step and pulls to the play-side A gap to block the Mike linebacker (figure 9.9).
Save
Save
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control.
Pass Protection Drills
Players can work on pass protection drills during the off-season and the summer. Successful pass protection is a combination of balance and body control. Pass protection drills help each player gain control of his body and learn proper technique. All linemen should be able to work from a three-point or two-point stance on all pass protection drills.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets
To begin, the linemen on the left side of the line execute three one-step kick sets on the command “set hut,” “set hut,” “set hut.” The linemen on the right side of the line then execute three one-step kick sets. Next, the linemen on the left side execute three one-step kick sets and then drive back inside on a two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender. The linemen on the right side then repeat the same pattern.
Next, the linemen on the left side execute two-step kick sets. The linemen on the right side then repeat the pattern. Guards do the same sets because the technique used is the same as fan protection versus the 50 defense. The guard has to take a two-step kick to block the 5-technique defensive tackle.
The tackles then work on the three-step kick slide. During this time, the guards work on performing the one-step kick and coming back inside on the two-step post to simulate blocking a pinching defender to the inside.
Finally, the linemen work on the vertical set. This includes the tackles and guards. On the vertical set, the tackle sets back three steps, and the guard sets back two steps. Then the linemen work on the sort technique and gap techniques. For the sort technique, there are three defenders and only two blockers.
All of this is done with nothing but sandbags. Use sandbags on the first and second sets of each drill. The third set is done on air; the lineman simply takes the set as if in a game. This allows the linemen to move with quickness after using the 20-pound sandbag on the first two sets.
When the guards and tackles perform these sets from the down stance, they hold the sandbags on the ground with both hands. When they take the post and kick sets, they need to bring the sandbag up and punch on the first step of the post or the first step on the kick set.
Kick Sets and Vertical Sets With Chest Pass
The second drill is similar to the first except it includes a chest pass at the end of the drill. In part 2 of the drill, the linemen post set out of the two-point stance holding the sandbags in both hands. After executing the post from the down stance, the linemen continue to post and punch four more times down the line. When the linemen hit the fifth step, they execute a punch and throw the sandbag like a chest pass in basketball. They then repeat this drill from the two-point stance. After the post set, they throw the sandbag on the fifth step.
Double-Punch Drill
In the double-punch drill, the blocker hits one defender and then quickly comes off to a second defender. This drill requires three players in each group. While one group is working, the next group should be ready to go as soon as the first group finishes. After the first group finishes and starts to rotate players, the coach begins coaching the next group on the drill. The coach continues coaching while each group rotates.
The group of three should include two bag holders and one offensive pass blocker. The first bag holder is set out on a loose outside shoulder technique so the offensive blocker has to take a one-step kick set and punch the bag holder. As soon as he punches the first bag holder, the blocker must come back inside and punch the second bag holder, who was off the ball and comes late.
Twist Drill
My offensive linemen do the twist drill on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays during the season. Start with the left guard and left tackle. Two defenders execute a tackle-end twist or an end-tackle twist. The offensive tackle and the guard work against both of these games. Only work two at a time.
The left guard and center are now in focus. The two defenders work a tackle-nose twist or a nose-tackle twist on the center and guard. A defensive end can be substituted if the coach wants the offensive tackle to work on reacting against a player with more speed.
The center and right guard now work the same two twists—the tackle-nose and nose-tackle twist. Lastly, the drill moves to the right guard and right tackle; these two players work against the tackle-end twist and the end-tackle twist.
When the first-team players have each completed their two pickups, the second-team offensive linemen should rotate into the drill. Repeat the drill with the second-team players, starting on the left side.
Coaching Points
The guards' alignments are far off the football. The center must learn to snap the football and get back even or deeper on the line of scrimmage while the guards pick up the twist games.
One-on-One Pass Rush Versus Defensive Line
We do this drill for at least 9 minutes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season. Start by lining up the five offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. To begin the drill, the left tackle blocks the defensive end on two pass rushes. Next, the left guard blocks for two pass rushes versus the defensive tackle, followed by the center for two on a defensive tackle, the right guard for two on a defensive tackle, and then the right tackle for two on the defensive end. Then the second-team linemen rotate in to the drill and repeat the process.
Changing the snap count often will help the offensive blocker and will also make the defensive lineman watch the football. The center uses a shotgun snap (snapping the ball to the manager) on each repetition so the defensive lineman sees the ball being snapped.
Learn more about Complete Offensive Line.
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