Mastering the Waggle: A Waggle Drill Series for Precise Pulling Technique
The Waggle Drill is a cornerstone for developing a well-oiled offensive line execution on waggle plays, a run scheme known for its misdirection and potential for big gains. This drill series focuses on the proper pulling technique and path for both the playside guard and the backside guard, ensuring they effectively clear defenders and create running lanes for the ball carrier.
Purpose
- Develop Pulling Technique: The drill isolates and refines the pulling mechanics for both guards, emphasizing proper footwork, body positioning, and aiming points to effectively block defenders and create cut-off lanes.
- Path Refinement: Linemen practice their designated paths on the waggle play, ensuring they take the correct angles and depths to reach their blocking assignments and maintain proper spacing within the offensive line.
- Waggle Play Execution: By practicing their individual pulling techniques in a controlled environment, linemen gain a deeper understanding of their roles within the waggle play scheme, ultimately contributing to a more coordinated and successful execution on the field.
Description
Drill Setup
- Explain the Waggle Play: Briefly explain the concept of the waggle play and the importance of precise pulling technique by both guards for its success.
- Mark the Puller’s Path: Using cones, mark the intended path for each guard on the waggle play. One cone should be placed approximately 3 yards off the inside foot of the tackle, representing the target area for the backside guard’s block.
Drill Execution
- Playside Guard: On the coach’s call, the playside guard explodes off the line of scrimmage, executing the pulling technique emphasized in the coaching points. They utilize proper footwork, body positioning, and aiming points to deliver a cut block on the bag simulating a defender and then transition to an aggressive log block if necessary.
- Backside Guard: On the coach’s call, the backside guard executes the pulling technique outlined in the coaching points. (see below) Following the kick-out block, the backside guard should maintain their block and work slightly back towards the inside of the field. This ensures they contain the defender and prevent them from pursuing the ball carrier. The coach can use a hand signal or whistle to indicate the end of the rep, allowing the backside guard to reset to their starting position.
Progression
- Individual Refinement: Initially, focus on individual guard technique. Have linemen work on one side (playside or backside) at a time, allowing them to refine their footwork, body positioning, and aiming points before progressing to working together.
- Synchronized Execution: Once both guards demonstrate proficiency with their individual techniques, progress to full waggle drill execution with both guards working simultaneously. This allows them to practice timing and coordination, ensuring a smooth and effective pull on the waggle play.
- Introduce Defenders (Optional): For a more advanced challenge, consider introducing coaches or other players acting as defenders during the drill. This allows linemen to practice reacting to defender movements and adjusting their blocks accordingly.
Coaching Points
Playside Guard
- Limited Shoulder Turn: Emphasize pulling aggressively but avoiding a complete turn of the shoulders. This maintains core strength and body control for effective blocking.
- Low and Fast: The playside guard should stay low to the ground and explode off the line of scrimmage, focusing on speed to reach the defender quickly. Depth is not a primary concern in this scenario; clearing the down block for the tackle is the priority.
- Flat and Aggressive Block: The block delivered by the playside guard should be flat and aggressive, aiming to displace the defender and create a cut-off lane for the ball carrier.
- Cut Block Aiming Point: The target point for the cut block is the outside foot of the tackle, placing the playside guard’s inside shoulder directly onto the defender’s outside leg for a powerful cut block.
- Aggressive Log Block: Following the cut block, the playside guard must come back (or upfield) hard for the potential log block on a linebacker. This often involves attacking with the left forearm when logging to the right side of the field.
- Hip Rotation and Fit: As the playside guard transitions to the log block, emphasize proper hip rotation to generate power and a secure fit with their inside shoulder on the outside leg of the defender. The head should be kept upfield, maintaining awareness of the play.
Backside Guard
- Elbow Throw and Angle: The backside guard initiates the pull by “throwing their elbow,” opening their body to a 90-degree angle. This allows the fullback to pass by them on the waggle play.
- Depth on Second Step: The first step should be relatively flat, allowing the fullback to clear. On the second step, the backside guard gains depth, moving laterally away from the line of scrimmage.
- 45-Degree Angle for Block: The third step involves a push-off at a 45-degree angle towards the cone positioned 3 yards off the tackle’s inside foot. This sets them up for their blocking assignment.
- Pass the Cone: The backside guard should aggressively pass in front of the cone, ensuring they reach the designated blocking area.
- Pick Up First Force: On the fourth step, the backside guard levels off and prepares to pick up the first defender they encounter (often simulated by a bag in this drill).
- Kick-Out Block: Utilizing proper footwork and body positioning, the backside guard delivers a kick-out block to displace the defender (bag) and seal the edge of the running lane.
Equipment
- Heavy Stand-Up Bags (2)
- Cones (2)
The Waggle Drill Series is a valuable tool for offensive linemen to develop the precise pulling technique and pathing necessary for successful execution of the waggle play. By incorporating this drill series into their training program, linemen gain a deeper understanding of their roles, refine their individual blocking mechanics, and learn to work together to create a coordinated and effective pulling scheme. This ultimately contributes to a more dynamic and successful offensive attack that can exploit the misdirection of the waggle play and create big plays on the ground.
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