Mastering the Reach Block: The Footwork Drill for Powerful Outside Blocks
The Reach Block 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 first step of the reach block, a fundamental technique used to block defenders who are positioned outside the offensive lineman’s shoulder. By incorporating key coaching points, variations, and a clear progression, this drill equips linemen with the explosive footwork and powerful body positioning necessary to effectively seal defenders off outside and create running lanes for outside zone runs or sweep plays.
Purpose
- Develop Reach Block Footwork: The drill isolates and refines the first step of the reach block technique. Linemen practice exploding out of their stance with proper footwork placement to gain leverage and control the defender’s outside shoulder. This ensures they can effectively wall off the defender and create running lanes on the outside.
- Explosive Movements: The drill emphasizes the importance of generating power through the legs and core to propel linemen forward with a forceful first step. This allows them to quickly reach the defender and establish control of the blocking assignment.
- Maintain Leverage: The reach block requires proper body positioning to gain leverage against the defender. The drill reinforces the importance of low pad level and proper hand placement to ensure linemen can dominate the block and prevent the defender from disrupting the play.
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.
- Footwork Focus: Explain that the drill focuses on the initial footwork for the reach block. Emphasize the importance of proper stance technique before initiating the drill.
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 reach block 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 a successful reach block.
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, allowing linemen to refine the entire initial footwork sequence of the reach block.
- Target Introduction (Optional): As linemen become comfortable with the footwork, coaches can introduce a target such as a hand shield or a defender with a hand shield positioned on the lineman’s playside shoulder. This variation allows linemen to practice their footwork while visualizing contact with the defender, but the focus should remain on proper mechanics rather than striking the target with full force.
- Defender Reaction (Optional): For an advanced progression, coaches can introduce a defender who reacts to the lineman’s first step. This simulates a real-game scenario where the defender might try to counter the reach block. Linemen must then adjust their subsequent steps to account for the defender’s movement and maintain control of the blocking assignment.
Coaching Points
- Explosive First Step: Emphasize a powerful and wide lateral step of approximately 45 degrees, with a slight upward angle. This initial step should be forceful and propel the lineman towards the outside shoulder of the defender.
- Back Foot Slide: The back foot can slide in the direction of the first step to maintain balance and power during the movement.
- Outside Shoulder Control: Stress the importance of reaching the defender’s outside shoulder with the first step. This ensures the lineman can gain leverage and effectively wall off the defender, preventing them from setting the edge and disrupting the play.
- Maintain Stance Width: Remind linemen to maintain a wide base with their feet shoulder-width apart throughout the drill. This ensures proper balance and allows them to react quickly to the defender’s movements.
- “No Cross Over” Rule: Emphasize the importance of avoiding situations where the defender “crosses your face” and gains inside leverage. The first step should be angled outwards to prevent this from happening.
Equipment
- None Required (Initially)
- (Optional) Hand Shield (for optional defender)
The Reach Block Footwork Drill is a valuable tool for developing dominant offensive linemen who excel at outside blocking techniques. By incorporating this drill into their practice routine, linemen can refine their initial reach block footwork, master the techniques for gaining leverage and controlling the defender’s outside shoulder, and build the explosive movements necessary to create running lanes for outside zone runs or sweep plays. As linemen progress through the series of footwork drills, they will develop a comprehensive skillset to dominate various blocking techniques and become a reliable force on the offensive line.
|
|
|
