O-line Drills

Effective O-line Drills

Using The Grid System
Why Use A Grid
 The Grid

The Grid is a series of horizontal and vertical lines that will complete a grid
pattern of squares. Lines should be spaced between 4’ and 5’ pending players
size.
 Player Placement
end tackle guard center guard tackle end

Players can be placed on the grid to represent o-linemen positions. 1 st o-line in

front row, 2nd o-line in second row and so on.
 First Step Drills

On command all players will take first step. Step should only be a 6” step. Coach
walks between players and observes and corrects players if needed. This should
be done in rapid fire format to get as many reps as possible. Players should fit &
freeze, keeping chest to thigh. Players return to stance on break command.
 Down Blocking
center guard tackle end

Players will down block to right/left on coaches signal. Players must start with
correct foot, short 6” step on a 45 deg angle, stay low chest to thigh. Continue
with short choppy steps to the next Grid line fit and freeze. Players then quickly
turn around repeat working the drill back to the original starting Grid. Reps to
both left and right need to be completed in a rapid fire.
 Down Blocking

Blocking dummy’s can be added to the drill. Second row will hold dummy for
first row. Players will quickly rotate on coaches signal.
 Lateral Steps
center guard tackle end

Players are lined up offset of the vertical lines for lateral steps. Players will take
a short 6” step over the vertical line. Players should still be low chest on
thigh/hands out. Again reps need to be to the left and right.
 Lateral Steps

Players will take a short 6” lateral step over the horizontal line and turn body.
Continuing staying low chest to thigh taking short step to the next horizontal line
and crossing ending in a good football position. On command the players will
repeat the drill starting with the opposite foot returning to the original starting
spot and in a good football position.
 Player Placement

Players can be placed with both feet behind the horizontal lines.while splitting
the vertical lines.
 First Step Drills

1st step reps should include both left & right, forward and lateral.