Mastering the Pull: The Footwork Drill for Dynamic Pulling Guards
The Pulling Footwork Drill is another essential addition to our series focusing on footwork mechanics for various offensive line (OL) blocking techniques. This drill hones the crucial initial steps and body positioning necessary for successful pulling plays. Pulling guards play a vital role in outside zone runs and other run blocking schemes, requiring them to quickly disengage from their initial block and move laterally across the field to seal defenders at the second level. By incorporating key coaching points, variations, and a clear progression, this drill equips pulling guards with the explosive footwork, body positioning, and powerful movements needed to execute various pull block techniques and dominate their assignments.
Purpose
- Develop Pulling Footwork: The drill isolates and refines the initial steps and body movements crucial for pulling guards. Linemen practice exploding out of their stance, engaging in a short initial step, and then pivoting with proper body positioning to initiate their pull across the field.
- Multiple Pulling Techniques: The drill can be adapted to emphasize different pulling techniques commonly used in offensive schemes, such as the kickout block, trap block, or log block. This versatility allows coaches to tailor the drill to their specific offensive philosophy.
- Explosive Movements and Body Control: The drill emphasizes the importance of generating power through the legs and core to propel guards out of their stance with explosive first steps. Additionally, it reinforces proper body positioning and footwork mechanics for navigating the pull across the field with efficiency and control.
Description
Drill Setup
- Ready Position: Instruct linemen to assume a relaxed “ready position” several yards behind the line of scrimmage, as outlined in the Offensive Line Stance Drill.
- Pulling Technique Focus: Explain the specific pulling technique being emphasized in the drill (e.g., kickout block, trap block, log block). Ensure linemen understand the desired outcome and target area for their pull block.
Drill Execution
- Snap into Stance: On the coach’s whistle or verbal command (e.g., “Set!” or “Hut!”), linemen must explosively snap into their three-point stance.
- Footwork Focus: Following the snap into stance, linemen focus on their pulling footwork. On the coach’s cadence (e.g., “Hut-Hut”), they explode out of their stance and freeze after their first step. This allows them to isolate and perfect the initial movement crucial for initiating the pull.
Progression
- Gradual Refinement: Once linemen demonstrate consistent success with the first-step freeze, the coach can progress the drill. The next step involves working on both the first and second steps, focusing on the proper “rip” technique with the backside arm and leg to gain leverage and establish a pulling path.
- Full Pull Simulation (Optional): As linemen become comfortable with the initial steps and body positioning, coaches can introduce a full pull simulation. This variation involves marking the intended path of the pull with cones, allowing linemen to practice their footwork sequence through the entire pull while maintaining proper depth and staying low.
Coaching Points
- Front-Side Arm: Emphasize a forceful throw back of the front-side arm, simulating contact with the defender’s shoulder or elbow on the initial block.
- Controlled First Step: The playside foot should take a short, controlled first step to initiate the lateral movement for the pull. Avoidance of a false step with the backside foot is crucial for maintaining balance and explosiveness.
- Backside Pivot: Stress the importance of a powerful pivot on the backside foot to generate momentum and efficiently transition into the lateral movement of the pull.
- Low Pad Level: Reinforce the importance of maintaining a low pad level throughout the drill with “chest on thigh” posture. This ensures linemen can stay under control and maintain leverage during the pull.
- Head Position: Linemen should keep their eyes focused upfield, maintaining awareness of defenders and potential targets for the pull block.
- First Step Focus: During the first step, emphasize proper alignment and depth into the backfield. Avoid “cheating” sideways and ensure the pull stays on a designated path.
- Second Step and Beyond: As linemen progress to the second step and subsequent steps, remind them to “rip” through with the backside arm and leg, maintaining a tight path behind the lineman they are pulling behind. This ensures they stay on track and effectively seal the defender at the second level.
- Stay Low: Throughout the entire pull sequence, emphasize the importance of staying low with “chest still over thigh.” This ensures linemen can maintain power and leverage throughout the pull, driving defenders back and creating running lanes for the ball carrier.
Equipment
- None Required (Initially)
- (Optional) Cones (to mark the pulling path)
The Pulling Footwork Drill is a valuable tool for developing dynamic and effective pulling guards. By incorporating this drill into their practice routine, linemen can refine their initial pulling steps, master the footwork mechanics for various pulling techniques, and develop the explosive movements and body control necessary to dominate their assignments and pave the way for offensive success in outside zone runs and other run blocking schemes. As linemen progress through the series of footwork drills, they will develop a comprehensive skillset to excel in various blocking techniques and become a reliable force on the offensive line.
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