Offensive Line Manual 2016

Dominick Zappia
Bethpage, NY

AGILITY AND BODY POSTURE

Body Posture Review

Stance
What we must keep in mind for run and pass blocking
Bracing / Striking / Lifting
Finish
Length of Steps
Height of Steps
Full Foot on Ground
Body Posture
Feet outside of hips
Knees inside ankles
Knees over toes
Chest over knees
Firm Knee
Knee of 2nd step foot. MUST roll knee over foot before the 3rd step is taken. 3rd step only
needs to be a few inches to get movement.
Angle of Departure
1st step sets the angle. Is based on POA, Covered, Uncovered, Help, and LB position.
Knee inside ankle
Lateral Lead
Flat
Brace (Up + Down)
Drop / Open
Contact on 2nd step

Agility / Body Posture Set One

BAG DRILLS High Kneeing first and then power step with both feet landing inside the bag boundary before
moving on to the next.

DEMEANOR WEAVE Get in good run fit / pass set body posture. Power Slide and Kick Set as you weave
through bags.

Agility / Body Posture Set Two

SKATE THE BOAD - Line boards up end to end. Idea is to skip over boards with inside foot as your outside
foot clears the board but does not touch the ground. In this diagram, the outside foot lands while the inside
foot hangs over the board. Action is similar to a speed skater movement.

REACTION DRILL(PASS PRO) - Technique: Have lineman line up in groups 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. When coach indicates stop, lineman will halt in proper demeanor position.

Square Shoulders

Purpose: Teaches linemen to keep good body posture and shoulders

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

RUN BLOCKING

Here are seven important points when teaching drills.

Teach a handful of drills with a lot of variations in each
Teach the fundamentals. Fundamentals Win Games.
Rep everything and get as many reps as possible, but remember attention to detail.
Repetition must be accepted as a way of life for an offensive lineman.
The drills you teach must transfer to the game.
It is important you coach the defenders in your drills.
Demand great effort from your players.
Your players must finish. Teach it. Coach it. Demand it.

Core Run Blocking Concepts

The 1st step can be a lateral or a brace step. Foot must be flat and on the ground
and hit the ground FAST. The angle and depth of that step is predicated on the
horizontal leverage (width) of the defensive lineman. The wider, the more the toe
opens outward and back. The 1st step puts you on track to your target. Head up
then its a lead position step that can gain a little more ground.

Steps: Play side shoe position is outside the wide foot of the down defender. All
steps land with KNEE INSIDE ANKLE, never in line; 2nd step through the crotch;
3rd step working to get up field; do not wheel or swing the hips; work through to try
and get the shoulders square. Stay on your takeoff angle.
Eyes On Target: Aiming point is inside eye to the play side number of the down
defender.
Hands: Elbows tight to body. Strike with hands and press, landing inside hand on
sternum and outside on PS breastplate. Thumbs up, striking with heel of hand.
Pad Level and Position: Pads below his pads, hands below his hands. This
establishes leverage. Knees over toes, Z in the knee. Drive, Lift - get the hips
through. REMEMBER: STRIKE FIRST THEN LIFT
In a combo scenario where we are covered.
If defensive lineman stretches with you stay on block and uncovered teammate
works up to linebacker.
If defensive lineman anchors on you stay on block with eyes on play side arm pit
of defender.
If defensive lineman slants inside force him to flatten his slant by stiff-arming
him inside. Stay on block until you feel uncovered teammate & then come off
aiming eyes to play side number of linebacker.

PS

In this scenario, if I am in MAN (no

help) my tight reach footwork will:
1.Cutoff a spike into PS gap and get
him moving down LOS.
2.Give me PS leverage if he anchors
onto me so I can isolate from POA.
3.Allow me to strike and redirect if
he charges into BS gap.
Same scenario except that I am part
of a zone combo with my BS
teammate. My zone reach footwork
will:
1.Allow me to takeover block if DL
widens PS.
2.Put me in position to aggressively
attack PS half, stopping his charge
and assisting my teammate in taking
over the block.
3.Same as #2

1. Duck Walk in Chute

This drill will teach the OL to use short choppy steps that are on the ground fast. Maintain proper body posture. As you
progress down boards keep in mind - Heel replaces toe. Setup the boards the length of the chute. Make sure steps are
short and quick. We are not running through chute. Pump arms back and forth. Never let the heel of that 1st step cross
the toe of the 2nd.

2. Takeoff with 1 Step 2 Step to Full Speed.

First step is up and down quick, toe is on a line to the outside edge of target, knee is inside ankle,
this provides best possible leverage for 2nd step. This is your blocking angle. For wider alignments,
open the toe more and drop the step slightly deeper, which helps open the hips and get us on the
correct angle to the outside shoe of the defender. We can increase the angle of the board to simulate
a wide aligned defender. Its an open toe reach and knock people back. Open my toe on my first
step, while my second step will put me on that 45-degree angle tilt which mirrors the footwork of the
back. I dont talk about drop steps or bucket step. Heel replaces toe, keep the steps short and
quick. Always want 2 feet on ground. The Brace type step is merely an up/down step. Can be
practiced in this format.

Tight Shade (inside shoe splits you)

2 Steps 1 Command
Pop 1st step. LOW
2nd Step on ground.

2 Steps 1 Command
Pop 1st Brace Step. LOW
2nd Step on ground.

4
2

Wide Shade (inside

shoe aligned to your
outside foot)

Full 1 Command
2nd Step on ground fast.
Duck Walk down boards. Heel replaces toe, keep the steps
short and quick.

3. Contact Phase Punch and Lift

Purpose: Before we can teach contact we must master the mechanics of the punch. Can
be done with a partner or on a sled.
Punch is a double under blow delivered to the sternum and PS number.
Start with a sandbag held low to the ground between legs in a 2 point stance. On call,
take PS step, raise sandbag to chest, elbows TIGHT to body, take 2nd step and bench
press sand bag out and up. See who can send it the farthest.
Next move on to a sled or shield holder. From 2 point stance. 1st step, 2nd step-punch,
drive, lift, drive.

your pads below his, your arms below his. step, strike, drive and lift. do not lift until you have
made contact and are fitted in and driving.
ALWAYS USE 2 STEPS.

Heel replaces toe, keep the steps short and quick

Keep the Z in the knee as you demeanor walk defender backward.

4. Contact Phase Fit and Drive

Purpose: To master the Firm-Knee method of driving.

Firm-Knee is a footwork sequence used when driving a defender. Used after we have established
PS leverage via our takeoff footwork.
Feet outside hips
Knees inside ankles
Knees over toes
Chest over knees
Get into a Fit position. At first, have the linemen keep their hands behind their back. Once the body
posture and balance is confirmed, then allow them to fit their hands inside.
On call, roll knee over foot splitting defender (Firm-Knee). Lift with legs and get hips through.
Remember: lift, back to fit, then drive. More difficult to drive if you are not in a good power
position.
NOTE: 3rd step needs only to be a few inches and only happens once you have movement. Do not
EVER lift firm-knee foot. Heel replaces toe, keep the steps short and quick.
Have the defender weave left and right once they have the mechanics down.

5a. Contact Phase using the Drive Sled

Purpose: Teach lineman to stay low, take small choppy steps, execute proper punch,
get movement, and lift.
Technique:
1st step is up and down quick, toe is on a line to the outside edge of target. This
is your blocking angle.
Power 2nd step. Get on ground fast and upfield. Drive knee through midline of
defender.
Strike with both hands inside cylinder with hands thumbs up in a good power
position. Once contact is made, roll firm-knee, drive, lift with legs and hips, get
hips through.
Your pads below top of pad.
As always, Firm-Knee technique, heel replaces toe, keep the steps short and
quick.
Remember: strike and drive, lift, back to fit, keep driving. More difficult to
drive if you are not in a good power position.

5b. Contact Phase - Boards and Chute

Tight Shade (inside shoe splits you)

Wide Shade (inside shoe

aligned to your outside foot)

Drill develops proper takeoff and contact in a good body posture position. Start by practicing the technique from the FIT
position first. Same coaching points as before. Short steps, knees inside ankles, Z in the knee, strike on 2nd step, bring the
hips and lift, demeanor walk. Elbows tight to body when punching. IMPORTANT, keep head up. Bend is in the knees, hips,
ankles, not at the waist.

Drive or Reach Block

1st step is either Lateral Lead (vs. outside shade) or Brace PS

foot (up and down vs. head up) and toe should point to the
outside of his PS shoe. That is our blocking angle.
Contact on 2nd step (up field and through crotch of
defender). YOUR PADS BELOW HIS PADS. (Remember
body posture notes.)
Do not load up our hands, should be together with elbows
tight to body. Strike, eyes focused on the target (the PS
number). Punch the breastplate and PS armpit. Roll the
FIRM KNEE and lift with legs and hips (hips must come
through) and drive.
Remember: strike, drive, and lift.
Block on the takeoff angle.
This technique is also used by the player in the Man
combo who is attempting to overtake the DL. 1st step is
predicated on the width of the assignment.

3rd step down

Fit-Drive-Lift

Down Block

Down Block Technique:

Inside shoe lead
Eyes to the play side arm-pit of the down defender
Pin the defenders near arm with your outside hand
Must keep your helmet from crossing the body of
the defender
Keep pressure up the field to prevent wipes and
spins
Stop the flow of the defense

6. Combo Blocks Uncovered SIFT

In the example to the left, ball is going right and the OL is assigned
to the MINUS pre-snap.
1st step w/ Gap foot (Brace Step PS or BS in Counter)
2nd step splits defender
Work man hard shoulder set, get your pads under his, drive and
lift. Drive back using high knee.
Coach will direct to either release and pickup flowing LB or
takeover DL.
If you are responsible for the LB, really attack the PS half and
work to displace DL.
Place LB in PLUS and MINUS alignments relative to OL and have
DL and LB switch gaps to train the reaction to a gap exchange
stunt. i.e. you can tell OL he is the UCOV man working to LB but
have the DL stunt PS, forcing a takeover.
Sketch alignments you want to work below.

7. Combo Blocks

Combos are double team blocks designed to displace a DL and seal off the pursuit of a LB. IN ALL CASES WE MUST
DISPLACE THE DL OFF THE LOS BEFORE MOVING TO LB. The ball path and the target LB given that play will determine the
action of this block.

MAN Playside Gap Combo. Note that the angle of the combo is the same as the ball path. PS OL hard shoulder set, lift, drive DL to
LB. Stay on double until LB crosses over top. BS OL post up and get PS leverage. Strike at midline, work to PS number on your
takeoff angle. No one comes off block until LB commits. In the example above, a LEAD type, the LB stacked over the 2i tech is the
responsibility of the lead blocker, while the C and G work to the MINUS.

T
2
1

Counter using Hip-to-Hip GAP. Inside OL takes gap step, hard

shoulder set, help displace DL to MINUS. PS OL gap step, 2nd step
splits, attack midline, work on the angle drive DL off ball. Protect inside
gaps for pulling OLs

NG

B
T

In stretch, inside man gets outside hand and drives DL out while covered
man executes a tight reach. He is in SOLO. Scheme also handles the stunt
in the last slide.

8. Combo Blocks Examples

Top: Man Combo

Middle: Man Stretch
Bottom: GAP
Side Bar: Man Combo

9. Pin and Pull Concept

Pull Block Technique:

Skip/Square pull
Backside shoe crossover step
Eyes on the second level defender
Keep shoulders square to the LOS
Must get depth to allow room for the down block
Locate the second level defender
Aim one man past the current location of the defender
Hat play side; feet under control; great pad level and
explosion

Pin

Pull

10. Pulling and Trapping

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

11. Blocking the 2nd Level LB Cut Off

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

playside.

LB is 4 5 yds off ball slightly backside.

On count, OL will takeoff through PS gap and cutoff LB pursuit.
If near LB charges, then lock onto him else continue on angle to BS LB.
If LB looks to cross face, rip BS arm across and get body through the LB.

Fire out play side and look to 1st protect PS gap.

 MAN DOUBLE

GAP Scheme

NG

RB Combo
B

B
T

ARC
B
E

Stretch
B

12. Team Combo Blocking Scenarios

PASS BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

Set the feet (Quick to the Set)
Balance the body (Wide base with stager)
Control the Punch (attack the defender)

Pass Blocking Fundamentals 1

Teaching Progression Fundamentals

Know where the QB is and the depth of his set.
Understand alignments and movement of rushers.
Use correct levels/ splits and stance
Maintain your square balance and angles (Keep the door
closed, feet lead hands)
All sets should maintain leverage between QB and rushing
defender
Operate under controlled aggressive, never lose poise
Always know where your help is.
STANCE
Post Foot- is the foot closest to the quarterbacks set (inside). It
should be slightly forward
Kick Foot- is the foot furthest away from the quarterback set
(outside). It should be slightly back
Weight- Balanced, distributed on instep of feet, knees
buckled- should be locked inward to shrink expansion of your
hips, and control weight distribution.
Tall at 90 degrees- shoulders should be perpendicular to
ground and create 45-degree angle with legs.
Eyes should up and out, control chin in an upward manor.
Arms should be raised and relaxed within the framework of the
chest
Weight Balance- distribution on instep of your feet

Back & Shoulders

Straight Up should be perpendicular to ground and create 45
degree angles with your legs
Head & Eyes
Up & Out- should control chin in upward manner
Arms
Relax set high and tight to body ready to deliver punch to
defender. Elbows cocked
SETS
Aggressive at LOS
Drop set checking 2nd level defender inside out
Vertical Edge Rushers
Open- Slide side work depth 1st then width
Inside Rusher
Outside Rusher
Wide Rusher
Positioning & Targeting
Inside out relationship
Square to defender / Square to QB
Frame feet to target
Focus on target
Movement (feet) keep feet active
Uncovered Drop 1st step with inside step (Active Feet)
Slide Shuffle (Kick)

Pass Blocking Fundamentals 2

CONTACT
Contact with the rusher is made with a punch of the hands into the
chest area of the defender. Listed below are techniques relating to
the punch or contact phase of pass protection.

AFTER CONTACT
After the blocker sets and punches, he now has to maintain contact
with the rusher, allowing as little closure to the QB as possible.
Listed below are techniques and tips to accomplish this.

1. Timing of the punch is vital. Ideally, the elbows will lock out at
the same moment as contact is made with the rusher. If the punch
is too early, there is a tendency to lean into the defender plus there
is no pop to stop the charge of the defender. If the punch is late,
the arms never get locked out which allows the defender to get his
hands on the defender. The blocker always wants to maintain
separation between his body and the body of the blocker.
2. The primary thrust is delivered with the heels of the hand. The
thumbs are up, the fingers extended loosely and the elbows in. If
the elbows face out, the arms can be easily collapsed by a bull
rusher.
3. The punch starts at the shoulders and extends through the elbow,
wrist, and hands. Dont lean forward during the punch. Maintain
the bent knee position for power in stopping the rusher.
4. The head and arms work together. When the arms extend, the
head comes back with the chin tucked.
5. On contact the base widens while maintaining a stagger.
Continue to maintain the bent knee position. The upper body is
now more upright and rigid than before contact.
6. The blocker would prefer to punch at a slight upward angle.
This can only be achieved if the knees are bent which lowers the
body allowing for the upward punch.
7. The player, either blocker or rusher, who first establishes
effective hand placement, will usually win.
8. Inside hand placement usually wins.

1. Dont try to get separation. Once contact is made, lock on (the

exception is a tackle blocking a wide, up field rusher) and maintain
a full lockout position, with the elbows in, thumbs up, and open
hand into the chest of the rusher.
2. Dont lean on the hands. Use the power generated through bent
knees and the stagger to stop the forward progress of the rusher.
3. Keep the head out of the block with the upper body upright and
rigid.
4. The base should widen after contact to aid in lateral stability.
5. The weight should still be on the inside of the feet with about
60% of the weight on the inside leg.
6. The heel of the outside or stagger foot should be on the ground to
prevent tipping forward or getting pulled by the rusher.
7. If the defender tries to rush through the outside shoulder, widen
him.
a. Maintain nose to inside number alignment.
b. Hard pressure with inside hand to prevent defender from coming
back inside.
c. Maintain bent knee position with outside foot stagger.
d. Dont lean on hands.
e. Keep the weight concentrated on the inside leg so that the outside
foot can continue to kick up and widen the rusher. If the weight
shifts to the outside foot, the ability to continue to kick out is
eliminated.
8. If the defender tries to rush inside, power step to the inside,
flattening the rusher to the inside. Try to trip the defender with the
post foot. You wont actually trip him but by emphasizing this, the
post foot wont bail out (drop back)

Basic Footwork

SET

POST

POST

SET

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

Kick step - Outside step with the SET foot. Keep weight concentrated on inside foot and leg. The ankle is wider than the knee
and the knee is wider than the hip. This helps to maintain the weight on the inside leg. If the weight transfers to the outside leg,
the ability to continue kick stepping is lost. The nose should stay aligned with the crotch.
Power Step - Flat, aggressive, inside step with the post foot. It is intended to take away inside rush lanes. Once again, dont let
the head go past midline of the body.
Slide - Move by opposite foot after Kick or Power step.
2

Slide

Power

2
1
Slide
Kick

As the defender works to your outside (kick foot side) you give ground on a 45 while keeping inside leverage. If the defender
works to your inside (post foot side) then you work flat and don't give any ground. If the defender crosses your post foot, then
you must turn the block into a run block because the defender is in a great position to beat you at this point. It is also very
important to work the arms during pass protection. Whichever direction the defender moves you lock out that arm to try and
turn the defender's shoulders so it is more difficult to continue in that direction.

Kick Power Step

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

1
1

Power

Kick
Kick

Power

Push / Pull

Practice maintaining proper balance and

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

DL give and pull

Start

DL bull rush

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

Pass Protection

Purpose: Teach lineman to execute proper footwork and deliver proper punch when
power stepping or kick sliding.
Start with 2 shield holders lined up next to each other with the shields angled inside. The
lineman will power step and deliver punch as the inside shield holder engages. After the
punch is delivered, OL will then kick slide until outside shield holder engages, he then
punches and immediately power steps, focusing again on inside shield. Repeat 3 or four
cycles. Maintain proper pass set footwork and posture.

Footwork vs. alignments

Tight (3 or 5 Tech)

1. Kick set in place,

drive post knee
toward ground
2. Move set foot to
est. stagger and
cover man
3. Time the punch
4. If outside rush,
kick step and
stretch defender.

Loose (3 or 5 Tech)

1
2

1. Kick step gaining

width and depth. The
wider the alignment,
the deeper the kick
2. Nose to inside number
3. If very loose, dont
overstep, use 2 kicks
to est. position
4. Stretch him out
5. Inside charge, then
switch to power step
and flatten rush

Tight (3 or 5 Tech
w/ inside charge)

1 or 4I Tech

All of these alignments should be practiced against in a 1 ON 1 PASS RUSH DRILL. Start slow to
confirm that the footwork sequence is correct. Each OL will face all 4 techniques with a variety of rush
directions as indicated by the arrows in the diagrams.

1. Kick step to cover

outside rush.
2. When he charges
inside, be ready to
power step to deny
inside penetration
3. Dont let inside
shoulder go soft
4. Drive block if inside
position is lost.

1. Power step to cover

and continue to flatten
out his rush
2. Dont let inside
shoulder go soft
3. Drive block if inside
position is lost.
4. Be ready to kick step
if he rushes outside
5. If he is in a 2 or 4 tech
(even) we dont know
where he will rush.
6. Make a shallow power
step and get in your set
to react to his
movement.
7. Be ready to punch if
he bull rushes.

Technique vs. Wide Rush End 1

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

1
3

Junction Point

b. If the rushers inside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 2nd step. Be ready to get shoulders parallel to rushers
shoulders when he begins his 2nd step.

Junction Point

NOTE: If the rushers backbone is pointed in

rather than up field, the above does not apply.
Now block him like a normal rusher.

Technique vs. Wide Rush End 2

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

Observe that as the defender widens, we

deepen the stagger of our kick foot and point
the toe inward. This gets more weight on the
ball of the inside foot.

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

Pass Blocking / Protection 50

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

50 PROTECTION 300/400 Series

50 series designates Quick protection for short passes (The QB

will take 1-3 drop steps). Blockers must attack their assignment,
hit him low and keep his hands down.

Offensive Line

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

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

front of you then help the next man to weak-side but stay alert
for rusher through your area. Do not pop-up or step back! Even
if you have no one to block, keep low and out of the QBs
vision.
-Guards : Block Inside to Over, be aware of blitzing LBs

-Tackles: Block Inside to Over to Outside. Do not get beat

inside. Take one step to get to a wide Defensive End but you
must then attack him low. Do not allow him to stand up tall in
the QBs throwing lane.
-Running Backs: Cut block the most dangerous man, over to
outside of the Tackle. F to take Strongside, H to take Weakside.

-Look Inside to Outside to be aware of any inside blitz not

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

50 Protection v
43 Defense

50 Protection v
52 Defense

50 Protection v
44 Defense

F
H

Pass Blocking / Protection 60

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

60 PROTECTION (inc 60 HOLD) 500/600 Series

60 designates Big on Big protection, which means the

Offensive Linemen block the Defensive Linemen. The

Running Backs will look Inside Out for any rushing LBs.

Normally used for 5 & 7 step drop passes & when in single
Running Back Formation.

If hold is called, OL cannot retreat and must maintain

their ground at the LOS.
Offensive Line

Linemen block D Linemen

60 Protection v
43 Defense

LB.

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

Tackles: Block On to Outside, do not get beat inside.

Running Backs: Check LB to first man outside Tackle,

release after checking off.
H to Weak-side

F to Strong-side.

60 Protection v
44 Defense

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

Pass Blocking / Protection 80

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

81 & 82 PROTECTION 700 / 800 Series and

100/200 Series
81 & 82 pass protection is used for QB roll out passes.
81 Roll out Left.

82 Roll out Right.

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

NOTE : The Linemen will use a combination of Hinge

block & Reach block for the roll out pass. The RBs will
block roll out side, unless told to check backside.
Offensive Line

-Basic assignment is Onside Reach to the call side gap,

Backside Hinge & retreat.

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

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

H
82 Protection v
43 Defense

T
Q

Running Backs.

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

the play-side Tackle & you.

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

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

82 Protection v
52 Defense

F
H

Pass Blocking / Protection 61 / 62

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

61 & 62 PROTECTION 900/000 Series

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

62 roll out right

Offensive Line

Fake side G & T sell the run, play side G & T run 81/82
protection
Center: Reach block to playside.

Running Backs: Run the play action / fake run as called. FB be

aware that you may be required to block a blitzing LB in the fake
side center-Guard gap, this should be your first read.

62 Protection
after a Fake H3
Lead

F
H

Picture References
Florida State - University of Florida O-Line Drills _ AFC TUBE
Michigan State Coach Staten and X and O Labs
University of Delaware X and O Labs
University of Wisconsin Offensive Line practice
University Of Oregon Pass Blocking Drills
Pass Protection Larry Zierlien
Iowa Hawkeyes Pulling / Trapping Drills
Techniques & Drills for Creating Championship Offensive Linemen -www.sportsnationvideo.com

Jim McNally - Offensive Line Run Blocking - 1

STANCE: Knock-kneed is better than knees out. Weight should be on the inside part of the toe & heel. Use the outside elbow to
squeeze the knee in. The deeper your stagger, the easier it is to go to that side. If you are parallel in the stance, you can go
either way - but not very well either way.
SPLITS: Guards adjust the splits, get close to whoever he is going to work with. If there's a man in the gap, there is no gap.
The defense knows that you are working together, but they don't know if it is a front side double or a back side zone.
LEVELS: ON - on the ball up tight; OFF - normal; BACK - way back. ON is for when a guard is pulling, or a quick dive. The
more your assignment is outside, the more off the ball you need to be. Not everyone has to be on the same level!
BLOCK ON THE ANGLE: Block them on the angle they are on from you. Offensive linemen need to get the whole foot on
the ground, and get the lead foot out of the way. Move your body forward, drive off, knee down, body is going into the guy.
Hips are not locked. Don't use a lead step. Get the lead foot out of the way so the 2nd foot can get into the ground. Uncoil
on the 2nd step.
WHERE IS THE DEFENDER: Open up deeper & wider for further out defender. use the duck step drill to teach them to put
the whole foot on the ground.
ALWAYS USE 2 STEPS
LUNGE OFF 2ND STEP
FLEXED OUT LINEBACKER - DUCK TIMING
FEET OUT OF HOLE: Offensive linemen bring your hips under, climb the body to get your feet out of the hole. Put your dick
on his dick instantly, when he tries to make the tackle you pancake him.
ZONE: Use the double under (elbows in) Grab or drag hand. Strong inside grab hand on the under side of the pads. BallClimb-Torque Knee Bend-Climb-FINISH! Climb, and if he tries to run away from him, shove him. Once the guy you are
blocking starts to move, shove him, twist him, torque him or throw him. Use their momentum to get them out of the play. It is
extremely important to know where the ball is going. This is zone blocking for the 2, 4, and 6 hole (Guard, Tackle or Tight
End - 8 is a sweep). For the running back, Turn the shoulders to turn the Linebacker, use one cut to get back. For wider
holes, use wider shoulders - you have to make the back move! On the 3rd step, put the foot in the ground and cut.

Jim McNally - Offensive Line Run Blocking - 2

STALEMATE: Dip & Get your bite back.

THE LAST SHOVE: Use a "GOOD! GOOD!" at the end of drills to prompt the FINISH!!
TACKLE VS. 5 STRONG: At the Point, don't put your hat way out there because you get flattened out.
USING SHOULDERS OR FOREARM: "Don't walk around the block," walk through the guy. Use the shoulder or forearm to
walk through the block. Strain - get everything away from you, bring the hips. Same foot - same shoulder - strain - bring the
hips - go to 2nd level. "You get the most movement on a Defensive Tackle with 2 high legs."
ANGLE TO LINEBACKERS: Take the perfect angle to the linebacker but don't go to the 2nd level yet. Use the lazy forearm,
you have time to get there because the ball carrier is at 7 yards.
MAN IN THE GAP: If there is a man in the gap, there is no gap. Get the guys close on the snap. The uncovered guy will
shuffle over.
DOWN BLOCKING: Move laterally to get the down block, set up the angle. If offensive linemen get too flat, they will knock
you back. If you're getting flattened out, shuffle first.
GUARDS PULLING: One-two back, pivot & go on an A-Gap pull. On an outside pull, one two then shuffle, read around the
double team. For any penetration on the counter-pull when the hand-off is over the top - head across the bow; otherwise
use a same-shoulder block.

EWDs

Offensive Line
1. Duck Walk in Chute
2. Take Off Chutes and Boards
3. Punch and Lift 2 step strike on one command
4. FIT and DRIVE (vs. shield or sled)
5. SOLO Blocks vs. bags in Chute
6. Contact FIT, DRIVE, LIFT on blocking sled
7. Combo Blocks
8. Pass Blocking Footwork and Punch Drills

Defensive Line
1. Take Off on Sled
1. Staggered Stance, Weight Forward
2. Hat, Hands across LOS
3. Explode from ankles, knees, hips. Hands
fire out under chin
4. Power Step
2. Block Separation
1. Strike at gap shoulder
2. Hands Inside. Rip or Club into gap or Lift
and Throw.
3. Stiff Arm Separation
1. Control blocker and your gap
2. Stiff Arm gap shoulder, shove back
3. Lock him out cross his face
4. 6 pt. Hip Explosion on sled
5. Pass Rush. Fake In then Rush Out. Use big tall
bag.
6. Reach React. React to direction of blockers
movement. Control shoulder trying to hook
you. Cross his face in direction of play.
7. Block Reaction. 2 OL vs 1 DL. Attack gap.
You will react to either a down block, a reach
block, or a double team.

Bethpage Football

9 6 7

5 4 4i

Def: 44

32

101

23

4i 4 5

Play
Def: 52

7 6 9

Def: EAGLE

2
0

Def: 40 Over

Def: 40 Shift

Def: 43/63