Mastering the Block: A Shoulder Blocking Drill Progression
The Shoulder Block Drill Progression is a fundamental set of drills designed to teach and refine the proper blocking technique for offensive linemen. It emphasizes key elements like proper body position, leverage, and power generation to create a strong, effective block.
Purpose
- Develop Proper Blocking Technique: This drill progression focuses on building a solid foundation for shoulder blocking. It isolates specific aspects of the block, allowing players to refine their form and build muscle memory.
- Improve Leverage and Power: By emphasizing proper footwork, body positioning, and driving mechanics, the drills enhance the offensive lineman’s ability to leverage their bodyweight and generate maximum power through the block.
- Promote Good Posture and Balance: Throughout the progression, the drills emphasize maintaining good posture (back straight, core engaged) and stable balance for optimal blocking effectiveness.
Description
Drill Progression:
Finding the Blocking Surface:
- Players assume a comfortable standing position next to the blocking bag.
- Coach guides them to identify and feel the ideal blocking surface: shoulder, chest plate, and forearm.
- Players press their shoulder and forearm firmly into the bag, maintaining a low posture (butt down) and a straight back.
Coaching Point: Eyes should remain up, maintaining awareness of the play.
Striking a Powerful Blow
- Players assume a 6-point stance (hands on knees) directly facing the bag, with their helmet approximately 6 inches away.
- Coach emphasizes keeping the back straight for optimal power transfer from legs to upper body.
- Players explosively push off the ground with their legs, simultaneously delivering a powerful blow with their forearm and shoulder, sliding their head slightly to the side of the bag.
- Hips should roll as the block is delivered, ensuring the belt buckle hits the ground first.
Coaching Point: Maintain eye contact throughout the drill, reinforcing good head position.
Step and Hit with Precision
- Players transition to a 2-point stance, standing one step away from the bag, opposite foot to the intended blocking shoulder.
- They take a powerful step with the foot closest to the bag, ensuring proper footwork for leverage.
- Simultaneously with the step, they deliver a forceful block with their shoulder and forearm, keeping the block sustained for a moment.
Coaching Point: The coach checks for proper body position: butt down, back straight, and eyes up.
Run and Hit with Momentum
- Players assume a 2-point stance approximately 5 yards from the bag.
- They explosively sprint towards the bag, maintaining low body position throughout the run.
- Upon reaching the bag, they deliver a powerful shoulder block, driving through the bag with their entire body.
Coaching Point: Emphasize staying low throughout the entire run and block to maximize power transfer.
Repetition and Progressions
- Aim for 3 repetitions per shoulder on each drill variation.
- As players demonstrate proficiency, gradually increase the intensity and speed of the drills.
- Utilize shields held by teammates as an alternative to blocking bags, introducing a more dynamic blocking surface.
Coaching Points
- Footwork Focus: Emphasize the importance of proper footwork for creating leverage and power. Each step should be explosive and drive the player into the block.
- Simultaneous Impact: Ensure the shoulder and forearm make contact with the bag simultaneously for a more forceful block.
- Core Engagement: Remind players to maintain a tight core throughout the drills, providing stability and maximizing power transfer.
- Pad Level Consistency: Stress keeping the pad level (knees and hip bend) consistent throughout the blocking motion.
Equipment
- Blocking bags (or players holding shields)
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