Building the Foundation: The 3-Man Kick and Punch Drill for Powerful Offensive Linemen
The 3-Man Kick and Punch Drill is a cornerstone for developing strong and effective offensive linemen, particularly tackles. This drill focuses on refining three crucial elements for successful offensive line play: achieving proper depth and width on the initial step, maintaining an upright body position, and delivering powerful punches to control defenders.
Purpose
- Establishing Depth and Width: This drill trains linemen to explode out of their stance with a powerful kick, creating necessary depth and width to effectively engage defenders. This initial step sets the foundation for controlling the defender’s position throughout the block.
- Maintaining Upright Posture: The drill emphasizes maintaining an upright body position throughout the kicking motion. This allows linemen to generate more power for their punches and maintain better leverage throughout the block.
- Developing Punch Technique: By punching hand shields held by defenders, linemen practice delivering powerful and accurate punches. This translates to effective hand placement and technique for controlling and disengaging from defenders in live situations.
Description
Drill Setup
- Offensive Lineman Stance: The offensive lineman assumes their usual stance (two-point or three-point stance) at the line of scrimmage.
- Defender Positioning: Three defenders stand shoulder-to-shoulder, approximately 1-2 yards apart, facing away from the line of scrimmage. Each defender holds a hand shield to simulate the target area for the lineman’s punch.
Drill Execution
- On Coach’s Command: On the coach’s signal, the defenders begin walking briskly or jogging in a straight line away from the line of scrimmage. The speed can be adjusted based on the lineman’s skill level.
- Offensive Lineman’s Action: The offensive lineman reacts explosively, driving out of their stance with a powerful kick towards the first defender. While kicking, they should maintain an upright body position and focus on reaching their target landmark (typically the defender’s chest plate) with proper footwork. Upon reaching the first defender, they deliver a forceful punch using proper hand placement on the hand shield.
- Footwork and Punch Progression: Following the initial punch, the lineman immediately recovers and focuses on quick footwork to reach the second defender. They maintain an upright posture and repeat the kicking motion, aiming for their designated landmark and delivering another powerful punch on the hand shield.
- Drill Completion: This process continues as the lineman kicks and punches their way through all three defenders, emphasizing proper depth, width, and punch technique on each step.
Coaching points
- Footwork Efficiency: Stress the importance of quick and efficient footwork. Linemen should focus on driving off their heels and utilizing short, powerful steps to reach each defender efficiently. They should avoid lunging or taking overly large steps that can disrupt their balance.
- Upright Body Position: Continuously remind linemen to maintain an upright body position throughout the drill. This allows for optimal power transfer during the punch and better leverage for controlling the defender’s movement.
- Landmark Targeting: Emphasize the importance of aiming for specific landmarks on the defenders (chest plate) with their punches. This translates to proper hand placement and technique for effectively controlling defenders in live situations.
- Punching Technique: Focus on proper punching mechanics. Linemen should retract their punches after each strike and maintain a strong hand position throughout the movement.
- Defender Consistency: Ensure the defenders maintain a consistent pace throughout the drill. They should not stop walking until they are punched, simulating the continuous movement of a defender during a live play.
- No Cross-Body Punching: Remind linemen to avoid reaching across their body to deliver a punch. They should focus on moving their feet to reach their target landmark before attempting to punch the defender.
Equipment
- 4 Players (Offensive Lineman, 3 Defenders [can be substituted with 12th man players or assistant coaches])
- 3 Hand Shields
The 3-Man Kick and Punch Drill is a valuable tool for developing well-rounded offensive linemen. By incorporating this drill into their training regimen, linemen can refine their initial step, maintain proper body positioning, and develop powerful punching technique. This combination of elements translates to improved performance in live situations, allowing linemen to effectively gain depth and width, control defenders, and create running lanes for ball carriers.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Tom Langton, at that time Offensive Line Coach at Kean University – The Kean Cougars are playing in the NCAA III – New Jersey Athletic Conference.
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