Dale Williams, O-Line Coach, Syracuse
Watch the entire presentation on O-Line Drills & Techniques for Running 1 or 2 RB Power on Glazier Drive.
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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Key Concepts:
Guard-Tackle Double Team (Deuces)
- Setup: Guard and tackle work together to double-team a defensive 3-technique to the backside linebacker
- Hand Positioning: Three hands on the down defender (guard’s outside hand + tackle’s two hands)
- Technique:
- Guard takes a 45° first step to protect the A-gap and chops half the man with outside hand
- Tackle places helmet screws on defender’s hip
- Goal is to displace defender two gaps laterally (collapse technique)
- Tackle comes off to block linebacker after seeing first jersey number
- Guard maintains control of defender after tackle releases
Center-Guard Double Team
- Setup: Center and guard working together against nose tackle (0-technique)
- Technique:
- Center uses “pick it up, put it down” (clamp) step, followed by vertical second step
- Guard approaches at 45° angle, not flat
- Center “owns” the nose tackle while guard provides help
- Guard must quickly work vertical to reach backside linebacker
- Block happens faster than guard-tackle combination
Coaching Points
- Double team must displace defender before releasing to linebackers
- Maintain proper gap responsibility (especially A-gap protection)
- Syracuse runs primarily A-gap power (both 1-back and 2-back)
- Drill defensive players to give appropriate looks during practice
- Practice these combinations daily in individual drills
This technique creates the foundation for Syracuse’s power run game, emphasizing physical play and proper footwork to create running lanes.