SO GOES THE OFFENSE; SO GOES THE OFFENSIVE LINE. “THE LITTLE THINGS”
OFFENSIVE COMBINATION BLOCKS & TECHNIQUES
This is part 2 of this article. Click here to read Part 1
A.Combination blocks can be between any two offensive lineman responsible for blocking two defenders in a specific area. All combo blocks start as a double team on level one – as movement begins either the POST MAN or the DRIVE MAN (outside blocker) will control the defender, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. It is important to create movement on level one or at the point of attack before one man leaves to handle the linebacker (have patience while looking for level two).
1.POSTMAN (Inside Blocker) – You are responsible for stopping penetration and for preventing the defender from “splitting” the initial double team. Step with the near foot using a flat lateral step to insure all the good elements of a base block. Aiming point for both hand and foot placement is the inside number of the defender.
2.DRIVE MAN (Outside Blocker) – Power step with the inside foot by taking a flat lateral step to the inside with your aiming point being the playside number. The aiming point for hand placement is the play side number. If the defenders playside number starts to disappear inside, punch and push the defender inside and look for the second level with patience, so to allow the second level to come to you (don’t open any doors).
The following calls are the different COMBINATION BLOCKS used between adjacent offensive linemen when installing the running game.
A.”ACE”: A combination block between the CENTER and GUARD In order to handle nose tackle all the way over to a playside 3 technique. The CENTER will make the call to re-affirm the blocking assignment Center also will use a Ram (Right Guard) and Lion (Left Guard) call to alert which guard he will be working with.
B.”DEUCE”: A combination block between the GUARD and TACKLE in order to handle a defensive tackle and middle or playside LBer. The guard will make the call to re-affirm the blocking assignment and the technique.
C.”TREY”: A combination block between the TACKLE and Tight End in order to handle the defensive end and playside LBer or strong safety. The playside tackle will reaffirm the blocking assignment and technique.
OFFENSIVE COMBINATION BLOCKS & TECHNIQUES
A.Combination blocks can be between any two offensive lineman responsible for blocking two defenders in a specific area. All combo blocks start as a double team on level one – as movement begins either the POST MAN or the DRIVE MAN (outside blocker) will control the defender, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. It is important to create movement on level one or at the point of attack before one man leaves to handle the linebacker (have patience while looking for level two).
1.POSTMAN (Inside Blocker) – You are responsible for stopping penetration and for preventing the defender from “splitting” the initial double team. Step with the near foot using a flat lateral step to insure all the good elements of a base block. Aiming point for both hand and foot placement is the inside number of the defender.
2.DRIVE MAN (Outside Blocker) – Power step with the inside foot by taking a flat lateral step to the inside with your aiming point being the playside number. The aiming point for hand placement is the play side number. If the defenders playside number starts to disappear inside, punch and push the defender inside and look for the second level with patience, so to allow the second level to come to you (don’t open any doors).
The following calls are the different COMBINATION BLOCKS used between adjacent offensive linemen when installing the running game.
A.”ACE”: A combination block between the CENTER and GUARD In order to handle nose tackle all the way over to a playside 3 technique. The CENTER will make the call to re-affirm the blocking assignment Center also will use a Ram (Right Guard) and Lion (Left Guard) call to alert which guard he will be working with.
B.”DUECE”: A combination block between the GUARD and TACKLE in order to handle a defensive tackle and middle or playside LBer. The guard will make the call to re-affirm the blocking assignment and the technique.
C.”TREY”: A combination block between the TACKLE and Tight End in order to handle the defensive end and playside LBer or strong safety. The playside tackle will re-affirm the blocking assignment and technique.
A.ACE JACK / JILL – Exchange between CENTER and GUARD. This call can be made by either the center or guard and will depend upon the play that is being run. The Center will block back first with the guard stepping around and up through the hole to the second level.
B.DUECE JACK / JILL – Exchange between the GUARD and TACKLE. This call will basically be made by the tackle when the defender aligns on the inside eye or shoulder in a shade technique. The playside tackle will block back first with the guard stepping around and up through the hole to the second level.
C.TREY JACK / JILL – Exchange between the TACKLE and TIGHT END. This will basically be made by the Tight End when the defender aligns on the inside eye or shoulder. The Tight End will block back first with the tackle around.
DOWNFIELD BLOCKING (LOOKING FOR A GOOD RELEASE & CHASING LEVEL 2 TO LEVEL 3)
DESIRE, HUSTLE, AND DETERMINATION are the key ingredients in becoming a successful downfield blocker. Locate the defender you are to block on your first two steps and focus your eyes on him all the way. Convince yourself that YOUR BLOCK is the key to the success on each and every play. Lay your “ears back” and go all-out till the whistle blows and you will be a GREAT ONE because when advancing to the next level of football it will be the determination shown here that scouts are most interested in.
A.BLOCKING OUTSIDE ON SUPPORT – As you start your approach get width and depth as if you are going to “HOOK” the defender. Make him think that the play is going outside of him. When you are approximately four to five yards from the defender – get INSIDE-OUT position on him giving the defender only one way to go. Since most secondary people are smaller than you, they will try and “JUKE” you in order to get you out of position. Once the defender has committed himself, get close enough so you can step on his “toes” and explode up through him kicking him into the “CHEAP SEATS”.
B.BLOCKING DEEP SECONDARY – When blocking downfield on deep secondary people, you want the offensive blocker to stay on his feet and run through or over the defender. Never look back for the ball carrier – it is his job to run off the offensive linemen’s block. As you approach the defender, step on his “toes” dip slightly at the waist, and explode up through the man. A cross body block may be used if you are not in a position to use your helmet and shoulder pads. Concentrate on driving your inside arm and shoulder (like throwing a right and left cross) through the outside hip of the defender. Aim high at the defender’s numbers and roll him up by whipping your legs and hips through him. If you cannot get ahead of the ball carrier, “PEEL BACK” on pursuit. Always use good judgment – NEVER CLIP or throw a block when the ball carrier has scored or is about to score.
PULLING TECHNIQUES
I install several different types of pulling techniques that will basically can be used by your offensive Tackles, guards and/or center in order to clear an area preceding a ball carrier. Determining who will pull be written into the rule for each particular play. It is extremely important to be in a good stance so as not to tip off your anticipated technique. Speed and quickness are of the utmost importance when pulling, but getting your body into the proper position is just as important.
A. PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT – This will be called a DROP WHIP and PIVOT. We want the offensive lineman to push off his extended fingers, whipping the play side arm back rapidly (slap the dog). This is important, as this will help you get your body into the proper position. Upon whipping your arm, you want to pivot on your up foot while taking a short directional step with your right foot. This must be one CONTINUOUS MOTION. It is important to stay low and to keep your head-up and eyes focused on the direction you are pulling.
B. PULL AND LEAD TECHNIQUE – This technique will be used when pulling to block a linebacker or pulling to block support. Use the proper pull technique getting width and some depth. Depth is especially important for the backside tackle when pulling to run the COUNTER. The trail blocker must get depth in order to spy and read the location of the LBer in order to block of the linebacker.
C. PULL AND TRAP TECHNIQUE – Use the proper method to pull and take an inside-out approach. This is called a TRAPPER’S ARC. Immediately focus your eyes on the defender to be trapped and stay low as you explode towards your target area. Explode up and through the man on contact by whipping your arms and moving your feet like pistons. Drive the defender out of the hole. Don’t try and turn him or work your “butt” into the hole until you have established movement and this is accomplished by getting your base big on contact. Most defenders are taught to play underneath any type of kick-out block, so by allowing your base to get big on contact will eliminate any defender the opportunity to play underneath. Use all the good elements of a BASE BLOCK – especially the short power steps, HELMET ADJUST
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.