Offensive Line Manual 2010

Dominick Zappia Bethpage, NY

I.

Offensive Line Play Teaching Progression

3 Elements of Offensive Line Play

Proper Stance
3 Point Stance Balanced Feet shoulder width, staggered Back flat Head up 2 Point Stance Balanced Feet shoulder width, staggered Chest out Head up Run Blocking More Aggressive blocking Attack the defender Seal the defender away from the ball carrier point your butt to the ball carrier Keep your head up and your feet moving

Block Types

Proper Blocking Technique

Approach Set position for delivering a block Squatted with butt low Knees inside of ankles Head up Work off of instep Proper playside step for the block Pull arms back

Pass Blocking Let the defender come to you Set up with outside foot back HOT technique Hands On Torso Keep feet moving and deliver a blow to the numbers with the palms of your hands Do not let defender beat you inside

Fit
Gather step splits the defenders legs Set underneath defender Drive arms through the defender Hands jammed into chest plate Thumbs up Lift up & drive hips through Keep feet moving Finish Rotate or drive away from POA Maintain a solid base Drive through to the whistle

GET YOUR HANDS INSIDE ON THE DEFENDER SO HE CANT USE HIS ON YOU

Practice Breakdown
A good practice plan must be in place in order to develop top lineman. It must follow a certain progression that starts with the fundamentals of proper stance and alignment and then proceeds to proper footwork, contact and block finish, and ultimately to blocking schemes and strategies. Although each skill set is built upon the previous one, we must constantly work on the core elements that all lineman must have, Agility and conditioning, blocking skills and techniques, and knowledge of the rules and strategies used in the game. No linemen can be effective without all 3 components in place. Therefore, I divide the practice into these 3 core segments, each of which can have a number of different drills and/or teaching components and each of which will be covered in every practice. 1. Segment One Agility and Conditioning 1. The Circuit 2. Sprints out of Stance 3. Bag Drills (Over Step, Side Step, and Shuffle) Segment Two Blocking Skills 1. Within the blocking skills component, we have 2 types of drills. Progression Drills provide the exercises that teach the entire progression of the block. Unit Drills provided exercises that focus on a specific aspect of the progression. 2. Progression Drills (Start as 1st step 2nd Step Finish then work to full speed) 1. Block Progression Drill with Pipes or with Boards 2. Sled Drill and SLAM Block 3. Unit Drills 1. Chute 2. Mirror 3. Contact and Rotate 4. Hand Punch Segment Three Blocking Rules and Strategy 1. Indy - Base, Reach, Down, And Pull Blocks 2. Combo Slam, Stretch, Fold 3. Other block schemes listed in Section 4 as needed that week

2.

3.

Block Progression Basics

Know where POA is, ID man to block, determine block type and aiming point. Approach Proper Block Steps (Always PS foot) Drive Block (Base) Down Blocks Gap Seal/Reach (Used in Inside and Outside Zone) Pull and Trap (Used in Trapping and Folding) A. Drive Step -6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Usually used for Base block and in combo blocks for slip man. B. Lead Step -6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Base, Zone Blocking schemes, or Down blocks. Use a sharper angle for Rip Reach and Overtake blocks. C. Slide Step -6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point. Used for Zone Blocking schemes and for Overtake blocks on stretch plays. D. Drop Step -Pivot Step that rotates hips toward Aiming Point. Used for Outside Zone Blocking if covered, when facing an OUTSIDE SHADE defender, on combo blocks, or when folding. E. Bucket Step -Drop Step that pivots hips and shoulders toward Aiming Point but puts hips more perpendicular to LOS. Used for Outside Zone Blocking when uncovered, inside trap and pulling. F. Crossover Step -6 inch directional step toward Aiming Point and puts hips slightly perpendicular to LOS. Used for Down Blocks. Contact Punch Delivery. At about the same time as the Approach step, rip your BS arm tight through your body and deliver a punch. The PS arm punch follows quickly after and coincides closely with the 2nd power step that establishes initial position. Both hands land on the PS landmark. Getting good knee extension adds to power of initial contact. These movements should not be mechanical like a robot. Head locked into Aim Pt. Fit Up Moving feet and staying engaged, establish position between defender and POA Follow-Through Maintain Position achieve lockout Finish the block. Wide base, proper head position locks man in place, maintain head and hand position at all times, keep feet moving.

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

A F F B C

B
C

Block Progression w/ Pipes

Purpose: Teaches all the basic elements of the progression; footwork, contact, finish. At first, use only the pipes and have the OL fire out dry with no contact. Once they have the footwork down, progress to the contact and finish phases with dummies. Setup in stance inside pipe box. On call, fire out, executing the proper steps, clear the pipe box at the correct position without hitting or tripping over the pipes.

BASE

DOWN

1st Step Crossover step toward Aiming Point (sharper angle) 2nd Step Inside Numbers of defender (head in front) 1

1st Step Lead step toward Aiming Point 2nd Step Power Step, Split defender

2 TRAP/PULL

REACH/STRETCH 1 1

2 1st Step Drop or Bucket Step PS Foot. Rip playside arm around and get shoulders perpendicular to LOS 2nd and 3rd steps gain ground down LOS Either round the cone or block target crossing your path

1st Step Lead, Slide, or Drop step toward Aiming Point 2nd Step - Rollover and drive off of lead step

Block Progression w/ Boards

Purpose: Teaches all the basic elements of the progression; footwork, contact, finish. In addition, it promotes using short, choppy steps and maintaining a wide base. At first, use only the boards and have the OL fire out dry with no contact. Once they have the footwork down, progress to the contact and finish phases with dummies. Setup in stance. On call, fire out, executing the proper steps, drive down board with short, choppy steps, maintain wide base. Eventually this can be a live drill.
1st Step Crossover step toward Aiming Point (sharper angle) 2nd Step Inside Numbers of defender (head in front) 1

BASE

DOWN

1st Step Lead step toward Aiming Point 2nd Step Power Step, Split defender TRAP/PULL

REACH/STRETCH 1 1 2 1st Step Drop or Bucket Step PS Foot 2nd and 3rd steps gain ground down LOS Either round the cone or block target crossing your path

2 3

1st Step Lead Slide, or Drop step toward Aiming Point 2nd Step - Rollover and drive off of lead step

Sled Blocking
Purpose: Combines several of the blocking drills into one package and allows for both group participation and conditioning. Setup in groups of two for certain blocks and single file for others. Setup in stance across from sled. On callout OL will execute the block assigned. This drill will promote explosion off the ball and will train the OL to take the correct initial step with a flat back, deliver 1st punch to PS landmark, progressing to 2nd power/position step and blow delivery (low to up), and then to finish with chopping feet, drive and rotation away from POA. Base Rip/Reach or Cutoff LB Reach

Down/Reach

Fold

Slam (on 6 Man)

Stretch

SLAM Block
Purpose: To teach the proper technique for blocking as the uncovered OL in a SLAM or the covered OL in STRETCH. OL will line up on outside edge of sled. On count will half bench sled pad, drive sled a few steps and then release toward heavy tackling bag (shield is OK if heavy bag is not available). OL will fit up to target and deliver proper blocking blow lifting bag off ground with both hands. Switch to other side.

Chute Drill
Purpose: Teach lineman to stay low, take small choppy steps, and keep base on run blocking Technique: From 3 point stance line up lineman just out side chute. On cadence lineman take short quick choppy steps, taking as many steps as possible before getting through the chute while pumping their arms and keeping their back flat. Fire out low with head up, (remember proper steps), eyes on target. Wide base, chop feet, keep moving. Idea is to take several small choppy steps through chute. On contact with bag, continue to drive out of chute, STAY ON BLOCK.

Mirror - Stay on Block Drill

Purpose: Teaches fit position, punch, and proper block progression on pass and run plays. This drill develops both good lateral movement and the ability to stay on blocks while also training your DLs to neutralize blocks, follow the play and not take a shortcut away from play. Technique: The 1st version involves both men are side shuffling, getting low, fitting up and delivering blow, Go to FAR cone and back. The 2nd version involves one man as defender while the other is a blocker. Offensive man can either fire out of a stance at the line or a few yards back to simulate blocking a LB. Defender can line up head up or shaded toward the PS gap. On call, offensive man takes a strong playside step to establish position, defender takes a hard charge into PS gap. Blocker will fit up and maintain position on defender all the way to FAR cone, while defender will attempt to beat blocker around edge into PS gap. The defender wants to stay ahead of the blocker, neutralizing his block while offensive man must maintain position on him at all times, driving him off LOS. End at FAR cone, reset and come back.

Contact and Rotate

Purpose: Teaches OL to finish his block by moving feet and rotating DL away from POA. This drill is also useful in teaching and re-enforcing the basic mechanics of pass blocking. Start in 2 point stance. On call, explode hands into target (proper fit position) keep feet moving in short choppy steps. Head should be below numbers of DL at the aim point. Maintain head position to prevent DL from slipping off block With feet chopping, begin rotating and driving target away from POA. In live mode, do not allow yourself to hit the cone that represents the POA. This means the DL pushed you into the play or you did establish proper position.

Hand Punch
Purpose: Exercise that teaches OL to deliver punch by exploding with hips. Start in kneeling position in front of target with top of feet flat on ground arms length away. On call, explode hands into target by throwing arms tightly through sides of body with thumbs pointed up and using hips and thighs to drive forward. Reset and repeat. This drill can also be done out of a stance using a 1st step, 2nd step method. In this case, on 1st HIT the OL will execute the 1st PS step and deliver the first punch to the PS landmark, stop, then on 2nd HIT take his power/gather step and deliver 2nd half of punch, reset to stance, and repeat. Pace of drill, i.e. the time between HITS, can be quickened as they begin to learn the technique.

The Circuit
Purpose: Combines several of the drills into one unit that allows for more group participation and conditioning Start with firing through the chute. After clearing the chute, reset into stance, fire out and deliver block into sled, side step to next pad and deliver a fit up blow with hands and chest. Turn opposite way and side shuffle to cone. Power hop to end. Repeat.

Agility and Conditioning Drills

LINE DRILL Technique: Have lineman all line up on one line facing the same sideline and standing on one side of the line. On coaches command linemen will jump with both feet together on either side of the line for 30 seconds. Repeat after a short rest and then do same drill but facing end zone and jumping forward and backwards REACTION DRILL(PASS PRO) Technique: Have lineman line up in groups of 5 and face coach in 3 point stance. On cadence linemen will pop up in pass protection stance and chop feet. Coach then points a direction and linemen shuffle that direction. Coach switches direction and then signals them to sprint through 5 yards T-TEST Technique: Pair up lineman and have them face each other but facing the sidelines on the five yard line. On cadence lineman sprints to the ten yard line and touches hand then sprints to the goal line and touches hand and then finally finishes through the five yard line. Repeat 2-4 times BAG DRILLS(OVER STEPS) Technique: From two point stance facing bags linemen steps over first bag, then steps with other foot before progressing to the next bag. BAG DRILLS(OVER SIDE STEPS) Technique: From pass protection position lineman shuffles over first bag shuffles both feet in between bag and then progresses over the next bag. Do both sides and make sure linemen do not cross over feet. BAG DRILLS(SHUFFLE DRILL) Technique: From 3 point stance, lineman shuffles parallel to first bag then shuffles forward and then parallel to second bag and so on. BAG DRILL (SPRINT/BACKPEDAL) Technique: From 3 point stance lineman sprints down one bag then back pedals back down the other bag and so on. Lineman should pump their arms and keep base.

Pass Blocking Fundamentals

PASS BLOCKING TECHNIQUES Pass Protection Keys Phases of pass protection Set the feet (Quick to the Set) Balance the body (Wide base with stager) Control the Punch (attack the defender) Teaching Progression Fundamentals Know where the QB is to set and the depth of his set. Understand alignments and movement of rushers. Use correct levels/ splits and stance Maintain your square balance and angles (Keep the door closed, feet lead hands) All sets should maintain leverage between QB and rushing defender Operate under controlled aggressive, never lose poise Always know where your help is. STANCE Post Foot- is the foot closest to the quarterbacks set (inside). It should be slightly forward Kick Foot- is the foot furthest away from the quarterback set (outside). It should be slightly back Weight- Balanced, distributed on instep of feet, knees buckled- should be locked inward to shrink expansion of your hips, and control weight distribution Erect at 90 degrees- shoulders should be perpendicular to ground and create 45-degree angle with legs Eyes should up and out, control chin in an upward manor Arms should be raised and relaxed within the framework of the chest Weight Balance- distribution on instep of your feet Back & Shoulders Erect should be perpendicular to ground and create 45 degree angles with your legs Head & Eyes Up & Out- should control chin in upward manner Arms Relax set high and tight to body ready to deliver punch to defender Elbows cocked SETS Aggressive at LOS Drop set checking 2nd level defender inside out Vertical Edge Rushers Open- Slide side work depth 1st then width Inside Rusher Outside Rusher Wide Rusher Positioning & Targeting Inside out relationship Square to defender / Square to QB Frame feet to target Focus on target Movement (feet) keep feet active Uncovered Drop 1st step with inside step (Active Feet) Slide Shuffle (Kick) Tilt (Head) opposite movement/ punch Maintain Square (keep door closed to LOS) Mirror defender. Slide Shuffle keep feet active (Keep the door close, feet lead hands) Aggressive set take as much of the DL as you can Once inside leverage is gained walk demeanor the defender away from QB PUNCH 1st meaningful touch wins Measure the defender (understand your punch radius) Patience is the key (dont give defender what he wants) Elbows tight & cocked Snap wrist- contact in an upward motion with heel of hand (Not outward) Target the punch aiming point is the inside portion of numbers of a relative position. (Inside leverage wins) Feet & Hands active before punch, never be stationary Maintain posture Keep even tilted and shoulders back One hand vs. two hand Lock Out MOVEMENT After set it is important to be square on the defender protecting the inside gap. Mirror slide technique should be used to maintain pass set on the defender. Countering lateral movement of the defender with feet first never reach with hands. When moving lateral lead with near foot and follow with trail foot. Keeping shoulders square to the line of scrimmage while keeping a solid base. CONTACT We want to time the punch, being patience is the key (dont give the defender what he wants). Use a one handed or two-handed punch depending upon the alignment of the defender The aiming point of the punch is the inside number of the Defender, understanding the comfort zone On the punch we must maintain our posture, keeping weight even and head and shoulders back Punch up not outward During movement and contact we will rely on hand to hand combat or a lockout to finish the defender with the demeanor walk

Pass Blocking Drills

SHUFFLE TOUCH DRILL Purpose: Develop knee bending and hip flexibility Technique: From two point stance, lineman will shuffle down line touching the ground with hands during each shuffle. Make sure lineman touch the ground with their hands each time and bend with their legs not their back. Lineman should keep a vertical back. This is a slow drill not intended for speed or quickness. NO HAND SLIDE DRILL Purpose: Teach lineman to shuffle feet while keeping back straight and knees bent. Teach lineman not to lean on defender. Technique: Put offensive lineman in two point stance with arms behind back holding wrists. Put defensive lineman opposite about 1 yard away. Defensive lineman walks at angle towards shoulder. Lineman staggers stance while keeping shoulders square to LOS and eyes on defensive linemans chest, offensive lineman should be in the middle of the defensive linemans chest. Defensive lineman then redirects to other shoulder and offensive lineman adjusts stagger and shuffles keeping shoulders square. This drill is just faster than walking speed. PASS PROTECTION REDIRECT DRILL Purpose: Teach lineman to widen defensive lineman and redirect on counter moves Technique: Offensive lineman will be engaged with bag holder with bag holder slightly to one side at the start. Bag holder will rush one way and then on coaches signal redirect. Lineman must shuffle trying to cut off bag holder with hip and keep low pad level and straight back. Start off slow and pick up tempo to 3/4 speed. TWIST STUNT EXCHANGE DRILL Purpose: Teach lineman to exchange assignments on twist stunts Technique: Align two offensive lineman next to each other in three point stance. Opposite them line two defensive lineman in 3 point stance. On Cadence, have 1 of the defensive lineman slant between the offensive lineman and the other defensive lineman loop around. Have defensive lineman repeat with same player as the slanter and the same player as the looper each time. Repeat 3 times for each pair of offensive lineman. Offensive lineman must shuffle to hip to hip and exchange responsibilities each time. Coach lineman to stay square to the LOS and stay on the same level and yell out switch. Looper lineman is responsible for calling switch and bumping lineman off. Start at half speed and progress to finally full speed. 1 ON 1 PASS RUSH DRILL Purpose: Teach lineman full speed man pass protection Technique: Line up 2 cones 5 yards apart and 5 yards away from the LOS. 1 offensive lineman and 1 defensive lineman line up on LOS. On cadence, offensive lineman must keep Dlineman at LOS and push him outside of the two cones. Focus on teaching lineman to keep body square to LOS and shuffle with defensive lineman. 5 ON 4 PASS RUSH DRILL Purpose: Teach full speed pass protection against defensive lineman. Technique: Line up offensive line and 1 defensive lineman across from each in their technique. On Cadence every lineman is full speed until contact. Prior to snap, one defensive lineman is chosen to be live full speed). The live defensive lineman tries to pass rush while the offensive lineman pass protects. Half line Technique: Same as above except half of the line is full speed. Usually we will work on twist games during this drill.

D-Line Drills
Read Drill Goal: Teach the DL to react quickly to the movement of the Offensive Lineman (OL) Description: Set up 3 cones in a triangle about 10 yards apart. Two linemen face each other in the middle between two cones with a designated ball carrier at the third cone. The player facing the ball carrier is the defender, the other player the OL. The coach stands behind the DL signaling the direction and the snap count. On the command, the ball carrier runs in a straight line to the designated cone, while the OL blocks accordingly. The DL reacts to the movement of the OL, controls and escapes the OL making the tackle before the ball carrier reaches the cone. The defender's shoulders and hips stay square to the Line of Scrimmage (LOS), the feet stay moving and the hands/arms control and escape the OL. After the DL gets comfortable with the Drill, bring in 'real' OL and Running backs to increase intensity and speed Equipment: 3 cones, 1 ball when run with offensive personnel. Pursuit Drill Goal: Teach Defensive Line (DL) pursuit angles... Description: A ball carrier makes lateral movement from the backfield to the sidelines, then cuts up the field. The DL moves laterally with the ball carrier until the ball carrier make the cut up field. At the cut, the DL comes in to make the tackle. In wide pursuit situations, the DL closest to the ball makes the tackle while the other DL makes their pursuit angle towards the numbers on the field. For each offensive player the DL pass, the DL pursuit angle becomes 5 yards deeper... Equipment: Ball Vs. Double Team Goal: Teach DL to split double team and avoid trying to go around it. We always want our DLs to fight against pressure and not try to run around the blockers. Position 2 OLs and have the DL line up in between both. On snap OLs will execute a slam or slip/scoop on DL. Dl must react to playside pressure and either split the double or fight through seal off block and control his gap then flow toward POA.

II. Offensive Line Play (Blocking Schemes)

BLOCKING RULES
BS SEAL ZONE COV ZONE U C Z O N E

THE FIRST STEP FOR EACH OL IS TO IDENTIFY IF THEY ARE COVERED OR UNCOVERED BASED ON THE PRE-SNAP ALIGNMENT OF THE DLS. THE COVERED ZONE STARTS FROM HEAD UP TO YOUR INSIDE GAP. IF YOU ARE COVERED, THEN YOU WILL BLOCK THAT MAN AWAY FROM THE POA. DEPENDING ON THE ALIGNMENT OF THE OTHER DLS, YOU MAY OR MAY NOT GET HELP FROM PS TEAMATE. YOUR FIRST READ IS IN YOUR COVERED ZONE. ANY DL LINED UP IN THAT AREA IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE ZONE IS EMPTY AT THE 1 ST LEVEL WITH A LB AT THE 2ND, THEN LOOK TO YOUR UNCOVERED ZONE AND DETERMINE HOW YOU AND YOUR COVERED TEAMATE WILL BLOCK THE DL IN YOUR UC ZONE AND THE LB IN YOUR COVERED ZONE. POSITION PS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ASSIGNMENT RULE IF COVERED, THEN BLOCK MAN IN THAT ZONE AWAY FROM POA. IF UNCOVERED, THEN LOOK TO COMBO W/ PS TEAMATE AND ALWAYS BLOCK THROUGH UC ZONE. CAN SLAM OR STRETCH DBL, MAKE A FOLD BLOCK CALL, OR STEP/TOE IT TO NEXT GAP OVER. LOOKING TO BLOCK EMOL BY DEFAULT OR CAN GET NEAR LB ON LEADS OR BS LB ON FAKES AND COUNTERS. CAN EITHER SPY OR HEAD TO POA, AND SHADOW BLOCK ASSIGNED LB. IMPORTANT THAT HIS FOCUS STAYS ON THIS MAN. 1ST OUTSIDE LB OR EMOL. SAME TECHNIQUE AS ABOVE. E UC BS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ZONE BLOCKING TO PS GAP BLOCK THROUGH COV ZONE TO NEAR LB POS G COV G UC C T COV BLOCK BASE COV DL COMBO W/ T OR BLOCK THROUGH UC ZONE TO COV LB MUST GET INTO INSIDE OF PS A GAP. POSSIBLE SLAM W/ G BASE COV DL HELP SLAM FROM C NONE USUALLY FROM BSG POSSIBLE SLAM, STRCH, FOLD, OR STEP IT BY G NONE POSSIBLE SLAM, STRCH, FOLD, OR TOE IT BY T NONE

LEAD BACK

T UC E COV

COMBO W/ E OR BLOCK THROUGH UC ZONE TO COV LB BASE COV DL

ROVER BACK (2 BACK) IN WING AND POWER

RUNNING ZONES

MIDDLE

8
SPLIT

SLOT

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

REACH BLOCK A. Step with playside foot taking 6" to 8" directional step or lateral step to aiming point B. Aiming point is defender's outside armpit. C. Shoot the hands, get to a lock-out as soon as possible bringing the hips D. Do not cross over, keep shoulders square with LOS

BASE, TIGHT REACH A. If man on is inside, step with inside foot taking a 6" to 8" step. If man outside, directional or lateral step with outside foot to aiming point. B. Aiming point is the outside number of defender. C. Strike with hands to outside number. D. Maintain base, bring the hips while getting to lock-out, no crossover.
PIN (DOWN) BLOCK A. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or lateral towards aiming point B. Aiming point is below outside number of defender. C. Drive through aiming point with strike bringing hips, working outside hand to kidney area and off foot upfield. TURN OUT (May be covered or uncovered) A. Block out to defender to outside on LOS B. Bucket step and attack. Aim at upfield side of defender's hip C. Drive through hip of defender widening the hole, keeping base D. Do not get beat across face FOLD BLOCK Turnout Blocker A. Execute pin (down) block Fold Blocker A. Take good drop step gaining depth and distance with inside foot B. Clear turnout block by adjacent lineman C. Work upfield squaring through inside number D. Maintain base.

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

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

FAN BLOCK Pass block technique A. Take good PS step (Zone Step) with inside foot without gaining depth and distance B. Begin to hinge step with outside foot, turn outside shoulder away from LOS, staying low, arms extended, and watching for inside rush C. Shuffle for depth and protect the backside gap CUTOFF BLOCK A. This is a position block. Idea is to get to the next gap over in anticipation of the DLs read of the play flow B. Step with inside foot 6" to 8" at approximately a 45 degree angle or towards next gap over at the LOS B. Plant and hinge step toward defender C. Do not look to chase 2nd level defenders unless they are blitzing or moving hard across the LOS INSIDE ZONE SCHEME A. Overall look of an inside zone blocking scheme for two OL B. Idea is to determine whether you are covered or not and execute a scheme that will allow for the blocking of a DL and a 2nd level defender in your zone C. In this example we have a 3 tech DL covering both G and T. To correctly block this zone, the G and T must either Fold or, in this case, execute a Power Scoop (described later) to block this zone

OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKS AND TECHNIQUES

SIFT BLOCK A. Step with inside foot taking a 6' to 8" directional step to aiming point. B. Aiming point is through inside gap. C. Rip hard through inside gap. Do not get beat across face. D. Try to work to next level. Responsible for LB run through to second level. CUT LOG A. Pull, gaining depth and distance with drop step B. Hug LOS, throw head, shoulders, and hip across FAR hip. C. Drive through hip, do not cut too low. Aiming point is between hip and upper thigh area trying to get backside hip across defender's outside hip RIP-REACH The Rip-Reach block will be used by all covered blockers on the outside zone plays, and by the back-side OL on the inside zone play vs. an inside shade. The purpose is to overtake a defender that is head-up or outside, gaining outside leverage. There is less emphasis with this block on driving the opponent back, and more on gaining outside position, to allow our back to get outside. The blocker will take a normal 6" lateral step playside, and then crossover on his second step. While making the second step, the blocker will dip his inside shoulder and rip his inside arm low across the body of the down defender, gaining outside position. He will then drive his outside hand into the defender's outside pec, and squeeze him back while swinging to the outside. The blocker's shoulders should now be somewhat square as he drives the defender upfield. OVERTAKE BLOCK An Overtake block is used by uncovered linemen on the outside zone. The purpose is to "overtake" the next down defender, and assume that block, freeing the next blocker over to climb to the LB level. The uncovered lineman will step laterally 6" and crossover, much like the Rip-Reach. He then tries to get "ahead" of the next down defender, in essence pushing his teammate off him so that he may climb to the next level.

COMBO BLOCKS
SLAM (Inside Zone) Used when outside blocker is covered and the inside blocker has a man in his uncovered zone and a LB in his covered zone. Each blocker is responsible for of DL. The idea is that both OL will double team DL, with emphasis on sealing him off from POA. Each blocker will stay on block until they see how the DL and LB are reacting. The individual mechanics are no different from a down or a base block. Both will take a lead PS step aiming for the near number of the DL, engage and drive away from POA. Important thing is for the uncovered OL to watch the LB in his covered blocking zone. Observe the rotation of the SLAM block that will seal off the POA. Notice the importance of the inside OL blocking through his uncovered zone. In the 2nd dia. The 4 tech DT stunts into the gap. By advancing to the 2nd level through his UC zone, the inside blocker creates an incidental SLAM and helps the outside blocker neutralize the stunt.

STRETCH (Backside Technique, Outside Zone and Stretch Plays) The idea is to get the inside (scoop) blocker to overtake the block while the OL nearest to the POA, releases to the 2nd level. Unlike the SLAM, both OL try to hit the same aim point, the PS number. The scoop man must hit the aim point in such a way that the DL cannot release inside and get across his face. So initially, the scoop blocker must maintain an outside shade position and then work across to the PS number. The outside blocker is there to halt penetration so the scoop man can overtake. His primary role is to get to the 2nd level. Observe the different paths the scoop blocker can take. In the first dia. the scoop blocker will end up taking over the block as the outside blocker gets to 2nd level, while in the 2nd dia. the outside blocker is engaged because the DL stunted outside while the scoop blocker attacks straight upfield. Again, if the DL were to anchor in the gap, it becomes an easy block for the scoop man to overtake.

PASS PROTECTION NOTES

1. Unless it's an aggressive pass let the Rusher make the first commitment. Be patient. 2. In preparation to meet the opponents charge, keep the center of your body square, directly between the Rusher and Passer if the Rusher is head up. 3. You must follow any commitment you make by immediately fighting to regain fundamental position. 4. Keep the opponent from getting into your body and forcing you into an upright position. Upright you lose the ability to control your man. If unable to get away from Rusher, give ground grudgingly and you work your body down low again into good fundamental position. 5. It is better to give up ground (keeping position) than to over-commit and loose your man too quickly. 6. According to present rules you must keep your hands within the framework of the opponent's body, arms extended and palms up. Force yourself to practice this way. 7. Keep your lames bent and head back - this prevents Ws you from overextending. 8. Always slide your feet quickly, use replacement steps to regain position. The more your feet at in contact with the ground, the faster you are able to push off the ground when reacting to your man. 9. If your opponent tries to pull or jerk you, maintain leverage with your hands hitting up through his breast pads before he grabs hold of you, then sink and get your head back.

10. If no rusher comes and you are a "free, get depth to pick up a delayed Rusher or help pick up an escaping Rusher.
11. When picking up an escaping Rusher - stick him' Let him know he's been hit. 12. Play hard until you hear the whistle. Stay after your man. Always finish up. 13. Carry out your assignment alone. Never be dependent on a free man to pick up your man. Block your assignment. 14. When blocking a linebacker or deep back blitzing, remember they are usually smaller and more active than a big Lineman. They will almost invariably by to juke or out-maneuver you rather than allow you to lake them on. Keep this fundamental difference in mind as you block them. 15. Never lose your poise if you break down once. Analyze your technique and that of your opponent and correct your error. (Example: did I keep my eyes open? Was my head up? Did I bend at the knees? What did he do to cause the breakdown?)

PASS PROTECTION SCHEMES

III. O-Line Strategy

Formation Scheme
R-L RAG - LACE RIO LEO RAM LION ROPE LOT RIGHT-LEFT BUNCH BIG WING BASE FORMATION, 2 BACKS 2 RECVRS BASE TWINS FORMATION (TWINS TO WEAK SIDE) TRIPS FORMATION (2 FLANKERS ALIGNED TO STRONG SIDE (SAME TAGS AS OTHERS)) 3 WR SET (2 SPLIT ENDS 1 FLANKER ALIGNED BETWEEN PRO AND WING) 4 WR SET (TRIPS TO STRENGTH, SE TO WEAK SIDE) SPREAD FORMATION, 4 WR (2 SE, 1 TWINS ALIGN, 1 PRO ALIGN) 3 WR SET ALIGNED IN TRIANGLE TO WEAK WITH Y ALIGNED TO STRENGTH 2 TE FORMATION WITH FLANKER ALIGNED TO STRENGTH 2 TE FORMATION WITH WING ALIGNED TO STRENGTH

All tags involve either moving the 4 back to the assigned spot, or substituting in a receiver for the 4. Calls with two Tags in the call, except if one is FAR or NEAR, will create a single back set with a re-align of the 3 or a substitution. Any of these formations can be run in GUN formation by shifting QB to 3 spot and align the backs in NEAR and/or FAR The formation call would be BASE FORMATION, GUN, ALIGN TAG

X
TWINS SLOT

Y
WING PRO

QB
FAR

3 2

NEAR

Play Series Numbering

10 Series 20 Series 30 Series 40 Series 100 / 200 300 / 400 QB Runs and Draws 2 Back Running Plays (TB) 3 Back Running Plays (FB) 4 Back Running Plays (Near/Far) Play Action Passes 3 Step Passes Receivers are numbered 1 through x starting from the sideline in. We have call side receivers and backside receivers. 500 / 600 700 / 800 900 / 000 5 Step Passes Rollout / Dash Passes Boot Passes

R 26 Power 100 series through 000 are all passing plays. The 2nd number tells the #1 WR his route, the 3rd the route #2

RAG `654 is the 5 step drop back pass with #1 running a hitch and #2 running an out

R 224 CROSS PIVOT is play-action fake the 24 and #1 running a cross and #2 running a pivot We can also combine certain routes into packages to make play calling easier

R
X T G C QB TWINS SLOT WING PRO Z G T Y

FAR

NEAR

L
Y T G C QB Z PRO WING 3 SLOT TWINS G T X

NEAR

FAR

RAG
X T G C G T Y

SLOT

QB

WING

PRO

In RAG TWINS the Z moves to the SLOT alignment and the A receiver lines up in the Z position (the TWINS alignment)

FAR

NEAR

LACE
Y T G C G T X

PRO

WING

QB

SLOT

NEAR

FAR

RIO
A

TWINS

SLOT

QB

WING

FAR

NEAR

LEO
Y T G C G T A

WING

QB

SLOT

TWINS

NEAR

FAR

RAM
Z T G C G T X

TWINS

SLOT

QB

WING

PRO

NEAR

FAR

LION
X T G C G T Z

PRO

WING

QB

SLOT

TWINS

FAR

NEAR

ROPE
X T G C G T Z

QB PRO WING

FAR

NEAR

LOT
Z T G C G T X

QB WING PRO

NEAR

FAR

RIGHT
X
T G

A WING

QB

SLOT

FAR

NEAR

LEFT
Z T G C G T X

SLOT

QB WING

NEAR

FAR

BUNCH RIGHT
Y

QB

BUNCH LEFT
Z T G C G T Y Y

QB

BIG R
Y T G C G T Y

TWINS

SLOT

QB

WING

PRO

BIGL
Y T G C G T Y

PRO

WING

QB

SLOT

TWINS

WING R
Y T G

PRO

SLOT

QB

TWINS

FAR

NEAR

WING L
Y T G C G T Y

TWINS

QB

SLOT

PRO

NEAR

FAR

Defensive Fronts

Defensive Fronts

Blocking Calls Combo

2 or more adjacent offensive lineman working together on a defensive lineman, on level one to a linebacker inside of POA on level two. Usually between an uncovered OL and a covered OL working to a LB within their blocking zone. The aiming point and the direction to scoop will rotate depends on the POA. Slug Swap Scoop Single Double Triple

Solid Trip Trio

Heavy

SLAM DOUBLE
(INSIDE ZONE. T is Covered)

STRETCH DOUBLE
(OUTSIDE ZONE. RB has ILB)

STRETCH DOUBLE
(T is Covered but G takes over block)

Heavy

SLAM DOUBLE
(G is Covered here)

Trip w/ SLAM SINGLE Playside

Trio w/ SLAM TRIPLE

(E is Covered, T helps and gets to LB)

Blocking Calls - Fold

Eat Tag Gas Lt. Gas Rt. Tag Eat

Tae

Gat

Sag Lt.

Sag Rt.

Gat

Tae

The naming scheme indicates who the two OLs involved in the Fold and who is Pin Blocking and who is the Folder. The first and last letters are the indicators. The first letter indicates who the Fold blocker is and the last indicates the Pin blocker. In the case of gas and Sag, we tag the call with a left or a right to tell which guard the center will be working with. 1.S is the Center 2.G is the Guard 3.T is the tackle 4.E is the End

Gat

Tag

Gas Rt (BSG and C)

Tae

TAG OUT Call

Blocking Calls Additional

Trap 3 Call

Trap 5 Call
G Scheme

Trap - Rack

Toe It

TAE w/ Step It (RB must block ILB)

Power Seal

GB Sweep

UC OL can ID himself as COVERED and his COV teammate as UNCOVERED (assignment switch).

Playside Assignment Guide

COV OL has DL E has 1st ILB if UC Lead Back has DE UC OL has SLAM to near LB BS Blocks POA AWAY or SOLID to PS

1 ILB

W E T T

S E

L
DE

W M E T T

S E

1 ILB DE

Can rotate SLAM outside so E picks up 1st ILB or TAE call and T picks up 1st ILB.

T and E switched assignments. T established himself as COVERED so E became UC and blocked that rule (1st ILB).

1 ILB

1 ILB

W E T

M T

S
DE

L T E W E T

S T

Here the E can block down to open up an outside lane or rotate the SLAM to get inside position for an Inside running play.
DE

BS Blocks POA AWAY while C made SINGLE call

UC OL can ID himself as COVERED and his COV teammate as UNCOVERED (assignment switch).

Playside Assignment Guide - Weak Side Plays

COV OL has DL Lead Back has 1st ILB UC OL has SLAM to near LB BS Blocks POA AWAY or SOLID to PS

1 ILB

1 ILB

W
DE

S
DE

W E M E T T

S E

L M

Here the T can SLAM to either open up an outside lane or rotate the SLAM to get inside position for an Inside running play. Lead Back gets DE here.
1 ILB 1 ILB

W
DE

M T

S
DE

L T E W E T

S T S E

Block Strategy Notes

5 or 6 Zone Run Scoop Double TAG Single 7 or 8 Zone Run Stretch Double Stretch Scoop TAE (only vs. 4 tech) EAT Heavy We block SOLID to BS UC man always makes block calls for scheme to be used with covered teammate. C will make block calls that involve the entire OL on a particular play. UC OL can also ID himself as COVERED and his COV teammate as UNCOVERED (assignment switch). If you are covered and do not hear a call relating to you, then you are 1 on 1 with your assignment (no help or switch). Covered OL is responsible DL in covered zone, and will most likely be his assignment. Only assignment switch calls like FOLD blocks, or group schemes like TRAP-RACK might relieve you from blocking the covering DL. While executing any pulling, folding or trapping, make sure vacated zone is covered by another blocker. Can be another OL or a back.
1 ILB

S
DE

M
Solid to BS PSG AND PSE Covered C - SINGLE to PSG on 1 Tech T - TRIPLE to PSE on 5 Tech

Potential Block Calls UC Center Single w/ PS G Scoop w BS G GAS Rt. w/ BS G GAS Lt. w/ PS G Makes all scheme calls that involve entire OL blocking in a predefined manner. UC Guard Double w/ T Step It TRAP-RACK w/ BS G (mostly a C call) Single w/ C Pull in POWER SEAL TAG w/ T UC Tackle SLAM w/ PS E covered in C gap EAT call same as above UC End TAE call w/ T (only if T is covered by a 4 tech)

1 ILB

W E T

M T E

C
DE

C makes TRAP RACK call This tells G to trap the next man gap over and also alerts all other OL to block man gap over. 0. E follows normal rule, (block 1st ILB) while lead back takes LB at POA instead of his normal assignment, the DE.

INSIDE ZONE: OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKING RULES

C responsibility # 0 OGs responsibility # 1 OTs responsibility # 2 Y & H responsibility # 3

0 3 2 1
C WT H WG SG ST Y

2. DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE COVERED OR UNCOVERED: (covered means a defender is on the LOS on any part of your body! If there is a question, clarify with blocking call)_. If you are UNCOVERED ZONE WITH YOUR TEAMMATE TO PLAYSIDE. If you are COVERED, look at your backside teammate If backside teammate is UNCOVERED, zone with him (he will combo with you to LB) If backside teammate is COVERED, man block (no help from him) In the example above, since Center is uncovered he ZONES with RG. Since RG is covered & inside teammate (Center) is uncovered by a DLM - he knows he will zone with Center. IMPORTANCE OF PRESNAP LOOK AND UNDERSTANDING TECHNIQUE OF DEFENDER: A CRUCIAL phase of teaching zone blocking is for the uncovered man to know the TECHNIQUE of the DLM on his covered playside teammate (covered man can use CALLS to indicate this). EXAMPLE (I'm the RG & uncovered): If my P/S teammate has a man on his INSIDE SHOULDER - it is 90% certain that I will END up on him. If there is a man HEAD UP on him - it is 50% (or better) that I will END up on him. If there is a man on his OUTSIDE SHOULDER - odds are only about 10% that I might END up on him. (NOTE: "END UP" meaning that the other man comes off on LB).

Back To Index

INSIDE ZONE: OFFENSIVE LINE TECHNIQUE COACHING POINTS

UNCOVERED O-LINEMAN: (Responsibility is for inside half of down lineman over playside team mate). Take a lead step playside (roughly 45 degree angle) and catch up with your covered teammate. As you work through your playside gap, READ THE NEAR KNEE of the down lineman on him if the NEAR knee comes towards you block his inside number & fit him up sliding in the direction he is going (keep eyes on Lb'er in case he comes inside) if NEAR knee doesnt come towards you work up onto LB'er. 3 situations can occur (see COVERED MAN). COVERED MAN: (Responsibility is for outside half of down lineman IF inside team mate is uncovered). 1st step is a lead step with your outside foot eyeballing outside number of down lineman on you 2nd step with inside foot thru crotch of opponent. You must think man block and only go to LBer when wiped off by uncovered teammate. Three situations usually occur: 1. Down lineman is in an outside shade & stretches outside you stay on him and uncovered teammate works through to LB'er. 2. Down lineman is head up & anchors on you use double team technique driving him into Lber. Stay on him until wiped off by uncovered teammate then work straight up onto the LBber. 3. Down lineman head up or inside shade & slants inside force him to flatten his slant & stay on him until wiped off by uncovered teammate then work straight up on Lber. LINEMEN NOT ZONING USE DRIVE (MAN) BLOCKS. Dont worry as much about getting position on defender as you do about blow delivery and finishing your block. When coming off the ball, guide with your eyes (aim with your face), which will take you to the aiming point or landmark, the defender's playside #. 1. Your first step is a short directional step and you throw your arms out of the socket (wind up MUCH farther than shooting from the holster). 2. On the second step, your power foot must be on the ground and you arm thrust (100% blow delivery) with your fists into the defender's short ribs (below the pads), tucking your tail and lifting him out of his socks. DON'T put your face or shoulder in, because you will be overextended and your head will be down.

Back To Index

FS INSIDE ZONE Strong

CB
LB LB
RB Read 2 RB Read 1

LB

CB

DE

DT

NG

DT

DE

WT

WG

C QB

SG

ST

Y Z

3
Formation Notes: Motion Z strong for same presnap look as InsideOutside Zone Weak. Can also align 3 to strong side and motion Z weak for the backside seal block. Can align 3 as weak side TE to get a better blocking angle on the backside seal block

Back To Index

FS OUTSIDE ZONE Strong

CB
LB LB
RB Read 2

LB
RB Read 1

CB

DE

DT

NG

DT

DE

WT Z 3

WG

C QB

SG

ST

Y Z

Coaching Notes: Can use WR motion from either side to overload and get two playside double teams on LOS. Can align 3 as weak side TE to give him a better blocking angle on back side DE (allows less penetration before engaging block), though this block is probably less essential than on inside zone. 4

Back To Index

INSIDE/OUTSIDE ZONE: MISCELLANEOUS NOTES: GAMEPLANNING

INSIDE ZONE = not as good vs. a gapping & penetrating defense OUTSIDE ZONE = not as good vs a quick team that reads & flows well. THEREFORE - feature Outside Zone in situation A), & INSIDE ZONE in situation B)!
INSIDE ZONE TO "WIDE" SIDE VS "REDUCED" SIDE OF DEFENSE WIDE side of defense = B gap defended by a LB REDUCED side of defense = B gap defended by DLM (down lineman) Through scouting reports, identify which will be the "wide" side of the defense and which will be the "reduced" side ( most teams are "wide" on the split end side & "reduced" on the tight end side). Most coaches i believe in (joe bugel; alex gibbs; just to name a few) do not prefer to run the inside zone to the "reduction side (B gap defended by DLM, for example a 3 technique) because you will likely end up cutting it back inside the 3 technique to a tilted or shaded nose side WITH a LB filling between the shaded nose & the 3 (very tight quarters)! In the Riggins years, Joe Bugle addressed this by TAG blocking (T & G FOLD) when he ran to the reduction side. Assuming we are in 2 TE/2 WR personnel & they have "7 in the box" - Prefer to run it to the side where we have a numerical advantage (3 man side rather than 4 man side). If they have 4 men in the box to both sides of the ball (low S/S PROBABLY on reduction side) - it is better to shade side than reduction side BECAUSE we should get three initial double teams, which results in a LOT of movement off the ball! This is particularly true vs. the Va Tech style 4-4 defense. If you use a 2 te/2 wr/1 rb set (like the Indy Colts) quite often you can get in behind three double team blocks (TE & OT from the 7 to Will; OG & C from the 2i to Mike; & off OG & OT from 3 to Sam) and the RB can really cram the B gap for positive yardage rather than worrying about cutting it back.Remember -the best cut is no cut!!!!! OUTSIDE ZONE TO "WIDE" SIDE VS "REDUCED" SIDE OF DEFENSE On the outside zone, you can run it to the "red" (3 technique side) or "white" (b gap defended by lb). You may have to get into some pulling schemes like folding the on t & on g on the "red" side or pulling both the on t & on g around on the "white" side (like the Indy Colts). If you do this (pull; fold), the outside zone to the "red" side becomes a hell of an off tackle play & will cram the C gap; the outside zone to the "white" side should "circle the defense"!!!. COUNTER COMPLIMENTS INSIDE ZONE: The BEAUTY of the Redskins' famous "Counter" was that it was originally a complimentary play to the Inside Zone. If the Inside Zone was best AWAY from the shade of the Nose (4 man side) - the Counter was equally good to EITHER side. The Counter is taught to LOOK LIKE THE INSIDE ZONE: QB's steps on Counter Left are IDENTICAL to Inside Zone Right. RB's first step on Counter Left is IDENTICAL to Inside Zone Right. These were important C.P.'s in the Riggins years! One of the 1st things to package with the Inside Zone was the Counter away. We would look to run the Inside Zone to the 1 tech and the Counter to the 3 tech. When we ran the inside zone at the 1, we would have the backside combo on the 3 look like the Counter. If we had a hard time cutting off the 3 with the BST then we would know to use more counter because the DT is chasing the play and will help create a huge hole when we run the counter to him.

INSIDE/OUTSIDE ZONE: MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:

RUNNING INSIDE ZONE FROM 2 TE FORMATION: Remember this when running the Inside Zone with 2 TE personnel in the game. The THEORY of the play was to run it away from the shade or control of the Nose, since it was almost impossible to control the offset nose with the Center (4 of the front 7 defenders will be on the side of the shaded Nose - FORCING a cutback). Thus, it is best run as a DIRECTIONAL - seeking to run to the side of the defense which has 3 men. If you are in 2 TE's & 2 WR's, and the defense is in a 2 safety deep shell - SOMEONE may has 2 gap responsibility. Use that to your advantage. PLAYSIDE 0/SHADE (1 TECHNIQUE): I would have the guard tighten down his splits to 6-12" and coach him to stop the 0/shade's penetration with a quick, firm shot before he goes on to zone with PS OT (if DE is in a 5 tech OG will usually end up on LB anyway, so this is just a slight hesitation). If OG uses shoulder or forearm, he MIGHT get tied up with him. NOTE: RB can deepen because with a shaded Nose - he will CUTBACK!!!!! We like to "fold" (2 men) a lot on the zone. Against. the look you mentioned (run to weak side, 5, 1, 3 & 7 techs) we like to fold the Center & On Guard. That threw the ON OT into MAN on the 5 technique (On OG block down on Nose; Center fold on LB; On OT man 5 tech). PLAYSIDE 3 TECHNIQUE: If we absolutely have to run the inside zone to the 3 technique side, we TAG" (play side OT & OG fold) quite a bit: (PS OT down block DT, OS OG fold around PS OT onto LB, TE base reach technique on DE, Center cut off Mike LB). Vs. a 3 tech & Center uncovered - Center can still zone towards the 3 technique, but will usually end up working up on "Mike". Same as RG & RT vs "3-4" with DE in 5 technique (ON G & ON T still zone - but it usually ends up man with ON G on ILB & ON T on DE). The zone steps widen the defense regardless if you get the double team or not. DISADVANTAGES OF ZONE RUNNING GAME: in answer to the question about "disadvantages of the system" - i would say that two men working together in zone blocking (or for that matter in counter/power blocking) must get to know each other's every move very well, & it will take time.