Sharpening Your Blocking Ax: A Drill Series for Mastering Blocking Schemes and Techniques
This drill series goes beyond basic blocking mechanics and delves into the heart of offensive line strategy: executing various blocking schemes and techniques. Through focused partner work and simulated blocking scenarios, linemen can refine their understanding of different blocking assignments and develop the teamwork and communication skills necessary for a dominant offensive line.
Purpose
- Mastering Blocking Schemes: This drill series equips offensive linemen with the necessary skills to execute various blocking schemes effectively. By working on specific combinations like G-Block & Fold Block, Double Team Block, and Scoop Block, linemen gain a deeper understanding of their role within the larger offensive line strategy.
- Developing Technique Refinement: The drill environment allows linemen to practice proper footwork, body positioning, and hand placement within the context of specific blocking schemes. This focused practice helps them refine their technique and ensure they are performing each block with precision and power.
- Building Teamwork and Communication: Working with partners in a simulated blocking scenario fosters communication and teamwork. Linemen learn to anticipate each other’s movements and react accordingly, ensuring a coordinated and effective block against the simulated “defender.”
Description
Drill Setup
- Blocking Scheme Selection: Choose a specific blocking scheme to focus on for the drill session (e.g., G Block & Fold Block, Double Team Block, etc.).
- Shield Holder Positioning: Assign several offensive linemen to act as “shield holders.” These linemen will position themselves strategically within the chutes, holding hand shields to simulate defenders in the targeted blocking scheme.
- Shield Holding Technique: Instruct shield holders to hold the shields with both hands, maintain a low stance to challenge the block, and actively “fight” the block by pushing back against the blocking linemen.
- Blocker Positioning: The remaining offensive linemen will act as the blockers, working in pairs.
- Three-Point Stance: Instruct blockers to assume a proper three-point stance at the entrance of the designated blocking zone within the chute.
- Body Positioning Variations: Depending on the chosen blocking scheme, blockers may need to adjust their body positioning to face different directions:
- Straight ahead (offset to the left or right) for down blocks.
- 45-degree angle to the left or right for reach blocks.
- 90-degree angle for pull blocks to the left or right.
- Communication and Execution: Emphasize clear communication between partners before each rep. On the coach’s call, blockers “fire out” of their stance, utilizing proper footwork and technique to execute the designated blocking scheme against the shield holders simulating defenders.
Drill Progression
- Start with Basic Blocks: Begin with simpler blocking schemes like down blocks or reach blocks, allowing linemen to solidify their technique before moving on to more complex schemes.
- Introduce Variations: Once linemen demonstrate proficiency, introduce variations within the chosen blocking scheme. For example, practice the G Block & Fold Block with different angles of attack for the fold block.
- Transition to Multiple Schemes: After mastering individual schemes, progress to rotating through a sequence of different blocking schemes within the drill session. This helps linemen develop the versatility and adaptability needed to excel in various offensive formations.
Coaching Points
- Footwork and Body Positioning: Continuously emphasize proper footwork, including short, choppy steps, and maintaining a low center of gravity throughout the block.
- Eyes on Target: Remind linemen to keep their eyes focused on their target (the shield holder simulating the defender) throughout the block.
- Delivering the Blow: Coach linemen on proper hand placement, forearm strike technique, and driving through the block to maintain leverage and control the defender.
- Continuous Movement: Stress the importance of keeping their feet moving throughout the block, ensuring they can adjust to the defender’s movements and maintain control.
- Fighting Through the Freeze Point: Many blocks involve a brief “freeze point” where contact is made. Encourage linemen to push through this freeze point and continue driving the defender back.
- Dominating Leverage: Reinforce the concept of “low man wins.” Linemen should strive to maintain a lower body position than the defender to gain leverage and control the block.
- Hand Placement and Technique: For blocks utilizing a forearm strike, instruct linemen to drop the elbow of the blocking arm, creating a powerful “bench press” motion to drive the defender back.
- Maintaining Footwork: Even after initial contact, remind linemen to keep their feet moving and chopping to adjust to the defender’s movements and sustain the block. This ensures they can react to any changes in direction or counter moves by the defender.
Equipment
The Blocking Schemes & Techniques Drill Series is a valuable tool for developing a well-rounded and effective offensive line. By incorporating this series into their training program, linemen gain a deeper understanding of various blocking schemes, refine their blocking technique within a specific context, and build the teamwork and communication skills necessary for a cohesive offensive line unit. As linemen progress through the drill variations, they develop the versatility and adaptability to excel in different blocking situations, ultimately contributing to a dominant offensive attack that controls the line of scrimmage and unlocks the full potential of the team’s running and passing game.
