Mastering the Shoulder Block: A Shoulder Block Progression Drill Series for Offensive Linemen
The Shoulder Block Progression Drills are a valuable addition to your offensive line (OL) training program. This series focuses on developing the proper technique for executing a powerful and effective shoulder block, a fundamental blocking technique used in various run blocking schemes. By incorporating a clear progression with three distinct stages, the drill allows linemen to build confidence and proper mechanics as they progress from stationary drills to more dynamic movements.
Purpose
- Develop Shoulder Block Technique: This series guides linemen through the essential steps of the shoulder block, focusing on proper body positioning, hand placement, and powerful delivery of the blocking force. By emphasizing proper technique from the beginning, the drill helps linemen avoid bad habits and develop a solid foundation for effective blocking.
- Progression for Skill Development: The drill incorporates a logical progression, starting with stationary drills that isolate key elements of the block. As linemen demonstrate mastery, they progress to more dynamic movements, ultimately transitioning into applying the shoulder block in a simulated blocking scenario.
- Building Confidence: The progressive nature of the drill allows linemen to build confidence in their shoulder block technique at each stage. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to refine their skills, ultimately becoming more reliable and effective blockers.
Description
Drill Setup
- Explanation: Explain the importance of the shoulder block in run blocking schemes and how it effectively displaces defenders.
- Partner Up (Optional): For initial stages of the drill, consider pairing linemen with partners holding tackling shields to offer slight resistance and simulate contact with a defender.
Drill Progression
Stage 1: Fit Drill (Stationary)
This stage focuses on proper body positioning and hand placement for delivering the shoulder block.
- Reps: Perform 3 repetitions on each side (left shoulder and right shoulder).
- Group Rotations: After completing reps on both shoulders, rotate to the next station or group if utilizing multiple bags.
Step 1: Get in Position
- Six-Point Stance: Instruct linemen to assume a six-point stance directly in front of the bag or tackling shield.
- Facemask Placement: Emphasize proper head position with the facemask centered on the bag, approximately 6 inches away.
Step 2: Prepare to Deliver a Blow
- Arm Cocked Back: Guide linemen to cock their blocking arm back slightly on “Ready,” simulating a readiness to strike.
- Slight Tension: Remind them to maintain a slight tension in the arm, avoiding complete relaxation.
Step 3: Deliver the Blow
- Coaching Cue: On the coach’s call of “Set/Go,” linemen explosively deliver the shoulder block.
- No Fist Contact: Stress the importance of avoiding contact with the fist. The forearm and shoulder should be the primary contact points.
- Hand Placement: Instruct linemen to tuck the fist inside on the chest with the elbow elevated, creating a flat surface of the forearm for delivering the blow.
- Shoulder and Ear Contact: Emphasize making contact with the top of the shoulder and earhole area on the bag.
- Pinching Technique: Guide linemen to “pinch” the defender (bag/shield) with their shoulder and forearm for maximum leverage and control.
- Body Mechanics: Reinforce the importance of proper body mechanics throughout the delivery:
- Roll the Hips: Hips should rotate forcefully to transfer power from the legs to the blow.
- Belt Buckle on Ground: Encourage linemen to keep their center of gravity low by maintaining their belt buckle close to the ground.
- Eyes Up: Head and eyes should be kept up, maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
- Hold the Block: After delivering the blow, linemen should maintain the extended position for a brief moment, simulating controlling the block.
Stage 2: Two-Point Drill (Stationary with Footwork)
This stage introduces a basic footwork element while maintaining a stationary torso position.
- Reps and Rotations: Maintain the same repetition structure (3 reps per shoulder with group rotations) as Stage 1.
Step 1: Get in Position
- Two-Point Stance: Instruct linemen to transition to a two-point stance, maintaining proper body positioning and head placement from Stage 1.
- Football Ready Position: Emphasize a good football posture with a slight bend in the knees and back straight.
- Butt Down: Remind linemen to keep their hips low, with their “butt down” creating a strong and stable base for generating power.
- Facemask Distance: Maintain the 6-inch distance between the facemask and the bag/shield.
Step 2: Deliver the Blow
- Footwork Cue: On the coach’s call, linemen perform a quick “step” with the opposite foot of the blocking shoulder. For example, if blocking with the right shoulder, they would take a small step with the left foot.
- Block Delivery: Following the footwork cue, linemen explosively deliver the shoulder block using the same mechanics and hand placement emphasized in Stage 1.
- Body Mechanics: Reiterate the importance of proper body mechanics throughout the block, including hip rotation, low center of gravity, and maintaining eyes up.
Stage 3: Three-Point Drill (Dynamic with Footwork and Drive)
This stage incorporates a full three-point stance and footwork to simulate a more dynamic blocking scenario. You can introduce a blocking sled at this stage for a more realistic feel (optional).
- Reps and Rotations: Maintain the same repetition structure (3 reps per shoulder with group rotations) as the previous stages.
Step 1: Get in Position
- Three-Point Stance: Instruct linemen to assume a three-point stance approximately one yard away from the bag or blocking sled.
- Eyes on Target: Emphasize the importance of keeping their eyes focused on the target area (center of the bag/sled) throughout the drill.
Step 2: Deliver the Blow
- Footwork Sequence: On the coach’s call, linemen take a controlled 6-inch step with the opposite foot of the blocking shoulder (same as Stage 2). This step initiates movement towards the target.
- Prepare to Block: As they close the distance, linemen get ready to deliver the shoulder block, maintaining proper arm position and body tension.
- Block Delivery on Third Step: On the third step with the same foot (opposite of blocking shoulder), linemen explosively deliver the shoulder block using the techniques practiced in Stages 1 and 2.
Step 3: Drive the Bag/Sled
- Maintain Leverage: Following the block delivery, emphasize the importance of maintaining low body position and driving through the defender (bag/sled).
- Body Mechanics: Remind linemen to keep their “butt down” and back straight while driving their legs to maintain control of the block.
- Eyes Up and Finish the Block: Instruct linemen to keep their eyes focused forward and maintain leg drive until the coach signals the end of the rep.
Coaching Points
- Simultaneous Impact: Throughout the drill progression, emphasize the importance of the shoulder and forearm hitting the defender (bag/shield) simultaneously. This ensures a powerful and effective block.
- Straight Back and Leg Power: Continually remind linemen to maintain a straight back throughout the block. This allows them to transfer power from their legs more effectively, maximizing the force of the shoulder block.
Equipment
- Heavy Stand-Up Bags (Initially)
- Blocking Sled (Optional – for later progression)
The Shoulder Block Progression Drills offer a valuable and versatile tool for developing strong and effective shoulder blocking technique in offensive linemen. By incorporating this drill series into their training program, linemen can gain a comprehensive understanding of proper body positioning, hand placement, and powerful delivery mechanics. The progressive nature of the drill allows them to build confidence and refine their skills, ultimately becoming a reliable force in various run blocking schemes, paving the way for a dominant offensive line that controls the line of scrimmage and creates running lanes for ball carriers.
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