Kickoff Return Blocking Box Drill: Mastering the Front Line Blocks
The Kickoff Return Blocking Box Drill is designed to refine the fundamental techniques and physicality required for effective kickoff return blocking. By simulating one-on-one blocking scenarios, this drill emphasizes leverage, hand placement, and finishing blocks.
Purpose
Blocking Technique: Develops and refines proper blocking techniques, including hand placement, footwork, and leverage.
Physicality: Enhances the physicality and aggression necessary for winning one-on-one blocking battles.
Unit Cohesion: Promotes teamwork and communication within the kickoff return blocking unit.
Description
Drill Setup
Create multiple 10-yard by 10-yard boxes on the field using cones or markers.
Pair up blockers and defenders.
Drill Execution
Box Formation: One blocker and one defender enter a designated box.
Initial Stance: Both blocker and defender assume a ready stance within the box.
Engagement: On command, the defender sprints towards the blocker, trying to evade him while staying in the box and getting to the other side of the box as fast as possible, without leaving the box on either side. The blocker initiates contact with the defender, aiming to gain leverage and control.
Sustained Block: The blocker maintains contact with the defender, focusing on proper hand placement, footwork, and physicality. And tries to drive him off his desired path, ideally out of the box to either side.
Drill Progression: After a designated time or number of reps, rotate players through the boxes.
Coaching Points
Hand Placement: Emphasize proper hand placement, using a strong base and leverage to control the defender.
Footwork: Encourage quick, explosive footwork to gain leverage and maintain balance.
Physicality: Foster a mentality of aggression and physicality, aiming to overpower the defender.
Pad Level: Stress the importance of maintaining a low pad level to generate power and control.
Equipment
Cones
By consistently practicing the Kickoff Return Blocking Box Drill, players will develop the physicality, technique, and mental toughness necessary to excel in kickoff return blocking.
Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Randy Hedberg, at that time Head Coach at St. Cloud State University – The St. Cloud State Huskies are playing in the NCAA II North Central Conference (NCC). Randy Hedberg is now the Associate Head Coach at the NDSU Bisons, which play in the NCAA Div I MVFC
