Wedge Blocking Progression

Application: Wedge blocking should be run behind the strong side guard if the line is unbalanced and behind the center if the line is balanced. The following progression assumes an unbalanced line being led by the strong side guard. This progression should be fit, finished and perfected using a two point stance before progressing to a three point stance.. 1. Footwork: a. b. lineman man to his inside. Coaching Points: a. down the fit. b. Make sure that the first step is with the inside foot and that it lands behind and to the inside of the outside foot of the player he is pushing. . 2. Shoulder and Head: a. b. As the first step is landing, the inside shoulder of all linemen go to the back of the The head should rest on the outside shoulder of the player to his inside and shall be Linemen must stay as low as possible during these movements. Standing up slows Strong side guard steps forward with two short steps leading with the left foot. At the same time, all other linemen take the first step with the inside foot (foot

closest to the ball) towards the inside, putting that foot just behind and to the inside of the outside foot of the

rib cage of player to his inside. at a at a slight outside angle with the facemask up. The players eyes should be looking forward. Coaching Points: a. Linemen must stay as low as possible during these movements. Standing up slows down the fit. Make sure the linemen go directly to the player to the inside and that they do not stand up before placing their inside shoulder into the ribcage. 3. Arms and Hands. a. b. The inside arm stays in, hanging to the side. Once the shoulders are properly fit, the The outside arm crosses in front of the chest and goes to the front of the outside

inside arm should be hanging behind the outside leg of the inside man you are pushing. shoulder of the inside man you are pushing.

c.

The outside hand should remain open and palm down at all times. The player

should imagine that he is squeezing the inside players shoulder between his palm and his facemask. Coaching Points: a. b. The palm is placed on the shoulder without any grasping of the jersey. Arms cannot be interlocked. As players become more experienced, the inside hand

can ride up to the inside players outside hip for better leverage. 3. Once tightly fit, have the entire line slowly take three steps forward. Steps should be on your

count. This forward movement is only allowed to illustrate the feeling of the wedge and should not be done until such time as fitting up is done as tightly and as quickly as possible. Coaching Points: a. 4. The entire line should be moving forward as a solid unit. No gaps, no lags.

Transition to three point stance.

Proper Head Position

No Gaps and No Daylight

Proper Hand Position

Bad Footwork Not In Step

Good Footwork All In Step