GANNON UNIVERSITY

WING-T LINE BLOCKING

DRILL ORGANIZATION

by:
Tom Herman
 INTRODUCTION
..
The intent of this booklet is to explain and teach to you how we coach our lineman to
shoulder block. Since the Wing-T Offense is so multiple in nature it is very important that you
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understand the special practice organization and drill progressions that are used to make our
practices more efficient. It is also important that you understand the base principles of the Wing-T
Offense and why we use the shoulder as our main blocking surface.
'1
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The Wing-T is a philosophy of offense, not just a Wing formation. We coach the Shoulder
for initial contact and the Shoulder Block as a base way of blocking because of the nature of the
offense. Our base schemes are not designed to knock people off the ball with a base one-on-one
block. Our p r i m w schemes involve angle blocking, trapping, logging, and double teaming. In my
opinion, the best way to use your power in a run and hit or angle block situation is by using your
shoulder as the base implement of contact.

When you develop aprogression oriented method to teach Wing-T hlncking to your players%
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n.
further UI itand that the three rinci les of tl
P P fense
are,based on:
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1. Angle Blockinp (Crack, Trap and Fold Blocking)
a. The base Wing-T scheme consists of a block in
LI
:hole, block out at the hole,
and someone lea$ing through the hole.
b. Examples of this are the Buck Sweep, Cross Block, and our off Tackle play.

1. 121 (Buck Sweep Right)

2. 187 XI3 (Belly Cross Block Left)
2. Shoulder Blockin . .-r,... i . :
a. It is the co2erstone offhe w%-T ~ h i l o ~ p h yI am
. not sure what is good for
other offenses, but I am sure that shoulder blocking is the best way to block in
the Wing-T.
b. It is the best way to use your pow^ in a Run and Hit Situation. It is also the saf-
est way to use your power in a run and hit situation. If you were to coach your
players to use their helmets as the primary point of contact one of your players
could make contact d become permanently injured.
You put your players in 2 you coach them to:
1. Pull to trap.
2. Pull to kick out on Sweep.
3. Pull to log on yaggle and Keep Pass.
,. , .,
4. Pull to wall 0.k
5. Crack block on the SS or OSLB on Sweeps and Option plays.

a defender to the inside.,

3. Wken yau' ajg+$&.L&ad.&ock&sn
' . . . -.*
a double team block.
-.-_:_.__-.~

3. The Wing-T is a Muiti~leand Flexible Offense.

a. It is a multiple offense because of:
1. The large,c~yt@e;&~'w h?ke.~ff-e.
a. There may be ( 3 e Buck, Belly, Counter and
Power), but w i i each series you have an inside play, an outside
play ,a counter and a play action pass:
b. With each play there is a large number of alternative plays a coach
can run. Each alternative play is run to take advantage of a
defensive adjustment to stop a base play.
c. In recent years the split side Belly and Read Option series have
been added to th% offense. This has given the Wing-T a better split
side attack and added even more plays to the offense.
2. Its multiple blocking schemes.
a. The offense is made up of plays that use a large variety of blocking
schemes.
b. Most base and alternative plays can usually be blocked by using a
variety of blocking schemes. Each scheme again taking advantage
of a defensive adjustment.
3. Its multiple techniques and footwork.
4. Its multiple formations.
5 . Its multiple shifts.
 b. It is a flexible offense because of:
1. The Efficiency and Sim~licitvof its Call System.
a. It allows the offense to align in almwt any W&Eivable formation
,
. ...- .. " '
and backfield set.
b. It allows you to use any type of 'motion and shift.
c. It allows'you to easily adapt to almost any offense. You can begin
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' by running the Base Wing-T plays and as your personnel changes
.
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- . : you can add portions of and in some cases go to the following type
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@?., of offenses: .........

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1. T
,:i'T 1. neR~ and Shoot. $Oi C ;i!. ;.!:,I
...........
.,. :. . . ![i;,. . . .? ;.t~.!,qi.:~'. . : :,;.+j 2. A Multiple drop back'bassing attac1
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.,I- - : IC'y. v - . . .. . . - I..... , , . .

:,:. 3. A Wishbone or Option type offense
I. Any combination of the above.
n e Wing- L s multiple and
,:>',% , series of plays that is best
suited for your personnel better than any de
. . This keeps y o ~ f i o mhaving to change. B..a,&,.! ~ e~ ~ S
,or get a talente@htiing Back.
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bou can run more h

)t more of a Run and Sh
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traditional.Wing -
type of line would be
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%!. ., cr,6? :>!-: : ,:!.. :> ::.!;I. .:::; , best suited to pull on the Sweep, Waggle, and Traps. It
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wodd also be good forquick hitting plays, Options, and
down b l o c k i n ~ l a yi s ~,, >. ~:,. ~

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g[une. TPeis .,
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::' the ball by rum our Po

also best suited for the drop back<~ ?passes rather

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than Boots, "
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'you : a great &ng ba ,u c& stikl get the ball in
.<,* his hands as many times : ;?re.
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 1. Wing-T Practice Philosophy and O r g a n b t i o n

iy of coac md players moving through practice,

2. Since the Wing-T offense is multiple in nature there is a lot more that needs to be
, , . accomplished during each practice than most other offenses. Even though it is
necessary to accomplish more during each practice, it is not in the best interests of
yo& players to extend practice for more than two hours. Therefore, during
practice you and your players must move along at a fast pace, while still getting
quality repetitions. Each coach is expected to be enthusiastic, up beat (positive),
and extremely efficient in his usage of time.
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. . .,.I:., jj,w a. Be Organized and efficien@ . ,~ . ~ ... r ~ ~ ., & l ~ ~ e
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1. Everyone works with a partner &d there must be one bag for every
. > . -.: ,. ..*. . .:r two players.
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I 2. ~his,@ansthat every time we perform a base drill at least half of

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: .-:$ the lineman will perform the drill at a time.
3. This allows us tdget a lot of quality repetitions in a shorter amount,
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. - .. . .. . . .. . 4 . Our players must get enough repetitionsat every technique so they

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~ . . ~ .can execute their blocks with the utmost of efficiency.

,-j I. 11 we &e to be more efficient teachers we must have a lot of carry

over between our blocking techniques, our first step, and our rules.
2. In our organization every first step we take coincides with our rule,
and the corresponding type of block that will be performed.
J. An Exam~l-qf the above would be:
= Rule for blocking the person aligned directly
over you.

:
- -z I c. Proper Progression of Drills
. 2;.
I . - 'echnique used to block the defender aligned
directly over you.
The name given to the first step of an On Block
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,
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. r.r i . I . We must have a teaching progression that makes our system of

.
blocking easy to learn.
. We must take the time to set our drills up in a easy to learn
sequence ,so that, you work from most simple to most complex.
d. Pattern of Movement
1. Our main goal is to have a short progression oriented set of drills
 that will develop our p l a r - - ---- " i y we want them to
- 5:, . . , hnC*,:. :, ':.move. We are trying to I specific pattern of
movement within each of. our players so they can perform the
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2. DU
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. -, - ., , . , ..-,::w, must Coach your players to have the pnde to pertorm each dn
perfectly. There w*I% tiinem* will have to physically hel-
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, , ei them get into the perfect fit or execute a drill perfectly. Insist on
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.c., , ,::perfection with each drill and by the time they play their first game
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. they will perform each block more completely in games because it
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.-<I will become a habit or a part of their normal on the field movement

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1. I rery important to b~ down the various phases that are necessary in
performing a block for two basic reasons: i

.t. It is necessary when you are developing your drill progression. .'
). It makes it easier to identify, locate
%,
cking probled .
once the phases are identified.

C. Our Basic Breakdow ndividual Period and The Drills Performed

1. Shoulder Skills
a. Drills that are primarily focused at the Contact and Approach phases of
blocking.
b. The drills performed in this phase of practice are listed below in sequential
order.
G B1;
 2. Routine
h i s part of practice concentrates on the Stance and Approach phase of
. .. . . docking.
. The drills performed in this phase of practice are listed below in sequential
;@order.
, . - '
1.-Stance ment ( Includes horizontal, and vertical alignment)
I . i . . . _ . ~

a.
m
Duriilg u~isperiod you drill the Offensive lineman's 1st step
D
or initial approach phase of a block.
b; The steps practiced during this period are:
1. Straight Ahead ( On )
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4. Pull ;.j<-f;&i!zr>3s;. =. i! *.
3. Take Off ; i :- . ..,.I,
4. Eleven Step Pull Drilf L-<>A-; sli; s;.:;:
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3. Group work or Individual Specific
a. Single Blocks and Technique ..
1. Fit and Drive 6. Down 11. Log
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2. On 7. Wheel$Cond.) 12. Evasive

3. Fire 8. p . ( t Z w n ) 1;- Area U

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4. Reach

5. Gap 10. 1
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b. Combination Blocks
i. ,;.iit!.?.:;: 1. Post,Lead (Double Team]
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a. Conditional
b. Conventional
@own the Line Double Team)
(Off the Ball Double Team) 'i
2. Cross Block Drill
a. Down and KiCk
b. Gap and Kick Out
R! :a.
3. GapandGut
4. B U Lead
~ Drill
5. Scoop Drill
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c. Sweep and Waggle Dril-
 D. Drill Organization

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, As pictured in the diagram above each bag should be on lines 5 yards apart
and 5 yards form the bag on either side of it. If it is possibie line the Offensive-
Line area in 5 by 5 yards squares. Each bag should be laced where each line
intersects.
Align the bags 5 across in accordanceto their positioni
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. The coach then can stand behind the players performing each drill and be in
perfect position to see each mistake and correct each player more effectively
and efficientlv.
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do we use aranalne uurnmies (Bags)? , : , , . : ; ,::-:,,,
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1. More efficient : . ,. ~. . .
2. It allows players the perfect feel of a fit positiodbi the block.
3. It is the best way to establish the proper patterns 6f movement or habits that are
necessary when coaching someone to block.
4. You have a lot less injuries when you practice on bags.
11. Shoulder Skills

Shoulder skills are performed during the very first part of individual. On the first day
of camp it will last 15 minutes, and on the second day it will last 10 minutes. We will cut it
back to 5 minutes on the third day and keep it lasting from 3 to 5 minutes every day for the
rest of the year. Even the last week of the season we will do Shoulder Skills at least once
that week. , . . .: ..
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A, Surface

teach and drill the surface of a shoulder block.

b. To teach and drill the perfect fit of the blocking surface on the bag.
c. To give the blocker the feel of how his hips roll into the block.
d. To teach the proper 6 point stance.
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T @ F l o w n O n the gro@$.
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touching,t b .gpnd,
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b. yaw: h e d & up;, and your' && $flat wi& , .a, t t in the smdl of the
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back.
c. it is extremely
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h your -
mur hips can't ro, -
gets over extended 1
&en you fit into the bag and you may have trouble reaching the -
-
d. Your, '~hovlrlhe ihn Form an I not a V with
4 ,
your knees as touch the ground.
a
and J u . . .
o that, your knees stay on the ground
....,
akes the legs out of the drill and

-
allows you to isolate on bringing your hips through more easily.

4. Coaching points for the surface

a. Makinv the surface
lave your players m a e ie top of the fist slightly
with the palm side facing the body. The top of the
fist is touching the body and the bottom part is pointed toward the
ground, so it normally has a slight separation from the chest.
2. We want the surface to be as big as possible so make sure that their
elbows are pointing straight out from the body. If the player poin&
his elbow down, up, back, or forward he will reduce the size of the
surface.

2. The front of the shoulder and top of the chest.

3. The top ofthe arm.
4. The forearm and fist.

5. Fitting your players into the bag.

- the drill with each layer in a 6 point stance . Their face masks are
a. Begin
touching the midd

--
On command have your player slide or mold his face and cheek around the
bag. The entire time he slides around the bag his head is facing north and
south; and his shoulders are parallel to the L.O.S. (bag) and the ground.
1. I call this melting or molding around the bag because your players
slide into the fit position. Your players never lose contact with the
bag.
2. As your players slide into the fit position more and more of their
surface makes contact with the bag until the entire surface is on the
bag.
I

with the palm of the hand into

the ground. This allows your shoulders to remain parallel to the
bag.
 4. Your head is up wit
plvers toaueeze ti
and their'yorea hey 1
- I. Coach your
=d, fhe nape of their neck
]to-the fit position). This in Greg
Perry's words i- -.,~lding
'
6. Drill Command and Proc

2; '1 41
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,*,,, ,,, & ,- , with the right shoulder.
The coach then hustles around making sure that everyone has fit into the
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I q a l t e r n a t e procedG
1. The first day or ach feels the -players
-.; aren't
executing a proper surface you can go back to the basics and Bird
Dog the drill in two steps. The command and procedure is as
follows. :,. ..-*
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2. "Right Shoulder Surface, ~ i r Dog d on Sound".
...
a. On "Set" Tde players - make their surface. This allows~
- . just
ustle arowd and adjyst,eve
co~m$$~i?'ihk
 w ~~-11u ~ dd r mt~ :-?per techniques necessary to deliver a perfect .
houlder forearm blow. .% .
b. To drill the contact phase of performing a shoulder forearm block.
c. To develon more power in the execution of a shoulder forearm blow.

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s his knees have a tendency to come off the ground maki
for your players to role their hips through the block.

~dand Procedure
Strike A Blow ~i~hT~hould:r Sound" 6n
)n the Command "Set" Your player will cock his right arm back as far as
ossible behind him, then execute a perfect shoulder forearm blow.

:hing the players to cock th&

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b. You are coaching them to bring their arm back so they can create as much
prestretch as possible. This will allow your players to generate the
maximum amount of power into the bag (or man if you were blocking
live).
c. As his ann comes forward your plaver should make contact on the t
with an upward movement and the
 7
1 . Coach your players to make con
2. Sometimes I refer to the conta
3. Your players must understand
located on & ima inary line tl
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help you ta.&te more power. Movement that is wide and ouside
or acr~ss'your~ower line will reduce your poww potential and
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: lesson your impact on the bag or a defender. -11
3- Y Qplayers
~ head wilI slide ~o the side as conabt is being made to ,I

'. . &bW the bloc&-g surface ~ o t i g x".. . ' ..,: ... " ^ . " i
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5, Throughout the entire drill your playerq -,E

pedectly vertical to the ground ( the sidr
parallel to the bag) and
. ,., 6. As contact is made tk &ei I,- :
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shouId be,in a perfect fSt
the bag b a ~ k' *
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C. Step And Hit

bbjectives k*-,
a. To teach and drill the proper approach phase of performing a shoulder
block.
b. To teach and drill the same foot, same shoulder concept.

2. Stance
a. You can use either a 2 or 3 point stance.
b. Two ~ o i Stance
d
1. We begin teaching step and hit frum a two point stance.
2. The players have the same natural knee and waist bend as if they
were in a 3 point stance except they lock their power in with both
forearms rather than putting one of their hands down.
.
c. I will discuss teaching the two point stance in the Routine Phase of
practice.

3. Alignment
a. Have your players align head up on the bag, then have them reach out until
they are an extended arms distance from the bag.
b. Your players should reach out and extend their arm for the proper
separation from the bag after proper knee bend is obtained. If your player
reaches out while he is standing he will end up to close to the bag..

4. Drill Command and Procedure

a. "Step And Hit Right Shoulder On Sound"
b. On "Set" The player will step with his opposite foot first, in this instance
it is the left foot. Then he will take his second step with his right foot as he
strikes the bag. Immediately after contact bring his third step so he can
square his feet up.
c. Following the third step the blocker should finish the drill with a perfect
 . . ,. ...,.. . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
fit on the bag.
d. When first teaching this drill it is common to Bird Dog it.
1. On sound have your players take a perfect step straight ahead and
stop. The coach can now check everyone's first step and body
position.
2. On the second command have your player take his second step,
deliver a perfect shoulder forearm blow, a ~ finish
d the drill by
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bringing his third step and fitting into the bag.
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5. Coaching Pohts - : . ~

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ked dd so youcan
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b. Make : R G g h ' t on and dide lqeir hedd to
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c. For ma ih.
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at ct you
.~Av; k @ ~ k ~ M t h m a : h under
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you
,&wer. Wlien your right h t is down when you use your right shoulder
you have more power. iji,:r 1

d. your p . ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ; ~ &face.
&theireiren&e ~ * ; ~ b ~
e. YO& playEr~~ $ ~ & d . ~ ~ l ~ d ~ e . &e&ugh
& ~ : to. hknock
~ . ~the bag
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D. Run And Hit

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1. Objectives
a. To teach your players how to strike a perfect shoulder blow in a run and
hit ,situation.
b. To teach and drill the proper way to time your contact in a run and hit
situation.

2. Stance
We use a tgee point stance.

3. Alignment
a. Align head up, but five yards off the bag.
b. Sometimes we choose to align them three yards from the bag.

4. Command and Procedure

a. Commands
1. The Proper command is "Run and Hit Right Shoulder On
Sound".
2. Since we coach our players that their first step will always be with
the foot opposite the shoulder they make contact with the command
I normally use is "Run And Hit Right Shoulder Left Foot On

Sound".

b. Procedure
1. On "Set" the players take off low and hard for the bag and execute
a perfect Right Shoulder block on the bag.
2. As the player makes contact with the bag he simultaneously drives
the bag 5 yards down the field, swings his tail and finishes by
driving 5 yards more down the line or until the whistle blows.
 'L
5. Coaching Points
a. Use the same approach and contact principles used in "Strike A Blow" --,-

and Step And Hit". t

1
b. As your players make contact make sure they:
1. Hit the bag at a full speed run knocking the bag off of the line. -
2. Your player should have their entire surface on the bag, their heads
should be up (eyes to the sky) ,and they should squeeze the bag
with a tight neck squeeze. -..
3. Accentuate to your players that they must accelerate their feet on
contact. Normally at the point of contact their is a slight pause or
as Greg Perry says it, "a slight freeze" where neither players feet
are moving. This is because at the normal contact phase both feet
are on the ground for balance and power. The player that can begin
moving his feet (with Power) the fastest during this pause (all
factors being equal) will win the battle.
4. Your feet will be fairly close together on contact, but your players;
must immediately work to get width or they will lose balance and
fall off the block.

c. As your players drive the bag make sure :

1. Their toes are slightly pointed outward and their feet should be
shoulder width apart or wider. If you let them point their toes
stfaight ahead and push off their toes they will have a narrow base,
their feet will have a greater tendency to cross over, and their body
has a greater tendency to get to far out over their center of gravity
to remain on blocks.
When you point your toes slightly outward and you push off of
your insteps you will create a naturally wide base, which will be
about at shoulder width apart. In my opinion, this is the most
powerful and natural foot width to attain, in order to, drive a man.
You are also coaching your players to use their power while
blocking with almost the exact same body position strength coaches
teach squats (Feet shoulder width apart and toes slightly pointed
outward). This gives you a direct cany over from the power gained
through strength training to the power used while blocking.
2. They keep their man (bag) between your legs.
3. They keep their Butt over their heels.
4. They pump their off arm as they drive the bag. When you coach
your players to pump their off arm it forces them to perform all
phases of the block properly. They must have their entire surface
on the bag or they will slide off the bag. It forces them to have a
wide base or they'll fall down. When you allow them to hold on to
the bag with their off arm they normally turn their shoulders side
ways, and they acquire a narrow base.
IU 111. Routine (Group Work Fundamentals)

A. When you give the command to begin Routine the players should run to the prescribed
area and align in the formation shown above. The center align as if the ball were on the
line (their elbows on their knees). The rest of the lineman establish their vertical and
horizontal alignment, thdn set there feet, and they stand upright waiting for the first
command.

B. Stance and Alignment

1. Objective
a. To coach and drill a stance that will allow you to take off in all four
directions.
b. To coach a stance that will not give away a presnap read.

2. Feet
a. You set your feet while you are standing upright.
b. Your feet are no wider than shoulder width apart.
c. We coach a bunched stance so we can lock our power in.
d. Your feet are parallel to each other and without any stagger.
e. After you set your feet turn your toes in slightly. This makes sure that
when they bend their knees their knees don't point outward. If they turn
their toes in it also helps to lock their power in and as their knees bend
their toes will straighten out naturally and become parallel.

3. Proper Knee Bend in Your Stance

a. Once your players set their feet have them shake hands with themselves
 and then bend their knees until their elbows are on their knees.
b. Next, have them establish a flat back while keeping their head up, and
their shoulders square to the ground and the line of scrimmage.
iA.
4. Heel Level !

a. Off the ground about an inch

b. This establishes better knee bend. If you have your players hold this
position for a while they will feel a bum in their thighs.
I I
- A

5. OffArm
a. Have them wrap their off arm around their knee, in order to hold their
power in.
b. Have them place the muscle part of their forearm on the hinge of their
knee while their arm is pointing North and South.
.,,.
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6. DownHand I .]

a. Have them reach it out& far as they can and not put any weight on it. k..
. .. .- b. Coach them not to change the amount of weight on the hand according to
r
the play.

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C. Bird Dog

1. Objectives
a. To teach and drill the proper first step for the approach phase of the block.
b. To teach and drill opposite arm action and its importance to your take off
and your running.

2. The steps that we bird dog for Offensive lineman are:

a. Straight ahead ( On step for On block)
b. Fire step
c. Reach step
d. Pull step

3. Command and procedure

a. You perform each step from a perfect stance. On command your players
will take a perfect step with the proper foot and hold it until the comman~%~
to return to their stance is given.
b. Command
1. The base command is "Right Foot S t r a i ~ hAhead
t on Sound ".
You will say "Set" and your players will take their first step and
hold.
2. The other command given can also include the name of the arm
thht will come forward. It would sound likc this "Straight Ahead,
Right Foot Left Arm on sound"

4. The steps that we bird dog. (The Right foot is used for all examples)
a. Straight Ahead (On Step)
%

Stance Right Wrong

1. On Command have your lineman take a short six to eight inch step
straight ahead with their right foot.
2. The right heel after the step should be even with the left toe.
3. Emphasize the following coaching points after they have taken
their first step and are in the Bird Dog position.
a. Opposite arm and leg action.
b. That they should remain as low as they were in their stance.
 7
They should be able to touch the ground with their left hand ,I
and look as though they were in a left handed stance.
c. They should have a flat back and butt at the same level as 1
their helmet. 1

d. Their head should be up and their eyes to the sky.

4. After they have properly learned the mechanics of the drill you can
have them rapid fire each step. "Rapid Fire" means that as soon as
- I
they complete one perfect repetition (with a weight transfer) they
immediately get back in their. stance A.S.A.P. This is generally -.
performed in sets of three repetitions. When they complete the 3rd
repetition they hold in a perfect Bird Dog position.
-

b. Fire Step

RIM
0 Toe I s por '-

-
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1. Command = "Fire Right, Left Arm On Set".

2. On set have your players take a short six to eight inch step with -

their right foot at a 45 degree angle with their toes pointing north
and south.
3. Their right heel to instep area should be even with their left toe..
4. Emphasize all of the same fundamentals as straight ahead plus:
a. As they finish their step they should feel that the weight
transfer is over their left knee.
b. They should visualize that their nose is in the play side
arm pit of the imaginary defender over them. -
c. Their shoulders are still parallel.
d. If Their toes are north and south their shoulders will be
north and south.

C. Reach Step ;;. .. , : ;, . , r ;

STANCE RIM
 1. Command = "Reach Right, Left Arm On Set".
2. Take a short 6 to 8 inch step laterally with your right foot.
3. After your players finish taking their step their right toe should be
even with their left toe. Their step should not gain or lose ground.
4. Emphasize all of the following fundamentals as a straight ahead
step plus:
a. As they finish their step they should transfer their weight
over to their right knee.
b. Their toes and shoulders are pointed north and south, but
their head is turned to the right. They should visualize a
defensive lineman covering the adjacent offensive lineman
to their right. They should be mentally ready fo pick this
imaginary lineman up if he slants his way.

d. Pull Step

STANCE RIMT kRONG '(Gained Gromd)

1. Command = "Pull Right, Left Arm On Sound".

2. When you coach them to pull to the right have them pick their
right foot up and put it down pointing their toe to the sidelines.
As you pick you right foot up and turn it you will pivot on your
left toe until your left foot is also pointing to the sidelines. While
your feet are turning swing your left arm forward.
3. Points of emphasis:
a. Right Foot
1. Your play side foot when pulling should never lose
ground or gain ground
2. Always coach your player to point their play side
foot in the direction of the pull.
3. The play side step should create a natural (6-8 inch)
base between your feet, so that, you don't look like
you are walking on a tight rope.
b. You should emphasize to your players that they should look
like they are just turning their bodies to run to the right. If
you over emphasize their opposite arm action their left toe
will turn more fluidly and they will look and be more
 comfortable when they pull.
c. You must emphasize that they maintain the same posture
and that they remain as low as they were when they
practiced their On step.

-
D. Take Off
1. Base organization and implementation
a. The players are aligned exactly the same as they do in "Bird Dogs".
b. On set all of the lineman will execute the proper step and follow through
by sprinting five yards then jogging five yards. As soon as they get to ten
yards they will immediately turn around and get into their stance. On the .-
next command of set they will all execute the same step with the other
foot, sprint five yards jog five yards, turn around get into their stance and
wait for the next command.
2. Base Command and execution.
a. " Fire Right, Left Arm On Sound"
1. On "Set" everyone takes off low and hard.
- I

2. Make sure that you emphasize that they keep their chest to their
knee as they come off.
3. They should execute a perfect Fire step as they come off. I
4. They should also execute opposite arm action to help them take off 1
faster.
i-
5. Perform Take Off drill with all four of your base steps. 1r
b. You can also coach your players to Duck Walk this drill after there proper
first step.
i
D. Eleven Steu Pull Drill
1. The purpose of this drill:
a. To Teach your players how to Bird Dog a Perfect Log Block.
i,
b. To practice with your players the Bird Dog Technique.
2. The Base Command and Execution of Eleven Step Pull Drill 4"
a "Eleven Step Pull Drill to The Right On Set" I
1. On "Set" everyone will take a Pull Step to the right and hold
2. This drill is set up exactly like Bird Dog and Take Off Drills.
-
I
b. The Execution of the Drill is performed in the following way.
1. On the first command everyone will flat pull step to the right as
explained above.
- I
2. On the commands of Two and Three all your players will Bird
Dog flat down the line toward the imaginary end they are going to
Log Block. After each number you will pause and your players will
will not take the next step until you give thz next numbered
command.
c On the command Four your players will take another step with their left
foot and dip their left shoulder to get ready to deliver the blow.
1
 d. On the command Five you coach your players to imagine that they are
driving off their left foot to deliver a hip high shoulder blow, as they step
with their right foot. It should appear that everyone performing this drill
is delivering a block as they take their fifth step.
e On the Command Six have your players step with their left foot back in the
exact place they started the drill form.
f. On command 7,8, and 9, they should be taking three steps back to their
original alignment.
g. On command Ten your players should be back in their original alignment
and on the command Eleven Their hand should go down in their stance.
Your players if they were to performed this drill perfectly will end up in
the exact spot they began this drill.
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IV. Group Work Specifics (Work All Specific Blocks)

A. The specific blocks performed during this period are divided into two groups. The first
group deals with individual or single blocks. Each player works with one partner. The
second group deals with four or more players working together to execute a blocking
scheme. The specific single and combination blocks are listed below.

1. single Blocks and Techniques 2. Combination Blocks

a. On Block (Conventional Post) a. Ld. Post Inside Out -
b. Fire Block b. Cross Block Drill
c. Reach block c. Gap and Gut
d. Gap Block d. Scoop Drill
e. Down Block e. Bump ~ e a d
f. Wheel (Conditional Post)
g. Post (Conventional)
h. Trap Block
I. Log Block
j. Hook Block
k. Area Technique
1. Evasive Technique

B. Single Blocks
1. Drill Command and Procedure
a. The Command for all drills in this period is Set.
b. Procedure
1. Drill organization for all of the single blocks is exactly the same as
it is when performing shoulder skills. You should have one bag for
every two players for maximum repetitions and efficiency.
2. All drills are performed from a three point stance
3. Alignments on the bag will vary according to the drill performed.
c. Bags and Shields.
1. When coaching these drills you can use the same bags that you
used during shoulder skills.
2. If you wish to give your players a more realistic feel for the block
have the bag holders use hand shields.
a. When using shields coach your players to hold the shield
properly. If the blocker is going to attack the left side of
shield holder coach the shield holder to put his right hand
through the right handle and grab on to the left handle.
b. Then coach the shield holder to face the blocker, put his left
leg slightly fonvard, bend his knees until they are as low as
the blockers, and put his left hand at the base the bag to
support the bag.
2. "On Block" (Right Shoulder)

a. Objectives
1. To instruct your players that this is our base way of blocking. You1
players should be instructed that the base fundamentals that are
taught to perform an On block are the same fundamentals used in
all blocks.
2. ~dinstructyour players that the On Block is used when someone
is aligned directly on you and the point of attack of the play is
also directIy over you. An example of this is 87 XB and you have
an On assignment.

b. Drill Organization and procedure. %

1. Block Left Foot Rieht Shoulder On Set"

2. Have your players align directly over the bag an arms distance from .
the bag. Align the same distance from the bag when performing an
On block as you did when you were performing Step and Hit.
3. On Set step with your left foot, and strike a blow with your right
right shoulder. As you make contact with the bag accelerate your
your feet and drive the bag 5 yards off the ball to the next line.
line. Once you have driven the bag 5 yards work your tail and drive
the bag 5 yards down the line. When the whistle blows fit into the
bag and wait for your coach to release you.
4. You block the bag Right Shoulder Right when using your right
shoulder. This means that when you block the bag with your right
shoulder you will finish the block by driving the bag in a right
direction as shown in the diagram above.
 1
't.
c. Coaching points ?*,.,;,:., ~~ , ; ; . < , i ! j :
! A ,-:!

1. Emphasize to your players that they must cock their arm back
before they strike the bag with a perfect shoulder forearm blow.

4- ., ..+
2. Emphasize that your players accelerate their feet on contact. Beat
the freeze. *
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a. Have them keep the man they are blocking between their 1
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legs.
should keep their butt over their heels ,so they don't
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over extend. I
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c. Coach them to point there toes slightly outward like they do
when they squat.
d. They should push off their insteps, so that there whole foot
7
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e. While they drive the bag they should pump their"'offarm in 7

this case their left arm. When you coach your players to .~ 1'.
pump their off arm you force them to maintain a large
surface with their forearm and a large base with their feet
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3. "Fire Block"

a. Objectives
1. To teach and drill your players on the base fundamentals of a Fire
Block.
2. To teach your players that "Fire" stands for three things. First it
stands for the first step of a Fire block which was discussed in thei
routine section of this booklet. Next, it stands for the Fire Block,
which is the type of block used when your rule is Fire, On,, Backer
.and you are covered by a down lineman. Thirdly, Fire stands for a
blocking rule that tells you to step to your play side gap and block
the first person that would threaten that gap.

b. Drill Org&zation and Procedure

1. " Fire Block Right Foot Left Shoulder" on Set.
2. Coach your players to offset their alignment on the bag or shield, so
that, the middle of the bag is directly over their play side shoulder.
I also coach them to align in a position where their play side
foot is dissecting the middle of the bag.
3. On command they will take a Fire Step, their second step is to the
middle (crotch) of the defender, and they will make contact on the
play side hip. If the play is going to the right and the defender is
offset to the right your blocker will Fire step with his right foot, his
left foot will step down the middle of the defender and your blocker
will strike a left shoulder blow. Your players should strike the bag
(Shield) with a rising blow through the play side hip.
4. On contact coach your players to accelerate their feet, swing or
work their tail to the hole, and drive the defender in a 45 degree
angle away from the play. If you wish you can coach the players
to finish the block with their hands.
c. Coaching Points
1. You will use the same base coaching points as On block drill.
2. If you coach them to finish with their hands make sure they thrust
their hands up and out together at a 45 degree angle.
4. "Reach Block"

a. Objectives
1. To teach and drill the base fundamentals of a reach block. -
2. To teach and drill the type of block used when you are uncovered
and have a Fire, On, Backer rule.
3. To teach and drill that the word Reach has three meanings.
a. First it means the type of step taken when performing a
reach Block.
b. Secondly, it stands for the type of block performed when
you are uncovered, you have a Fire, On, Backer assignment
and someone slants into your play side gap.
c. It is part of a rule that tells me to step to my play side gap
and block the first defender to enter that area.

b. Drill Organization and Procedure

1 . "Reach Block, Right Foot Left Shoulder on Set"
2. Drill Organization
a. Place the bags(Shie1ds) to the right of the blocker either
over the imaginary adjacent blocker or in the play side gap.
If you want your blocker to get the feel that the defender is
either place the bag in the gap or have the defender use a
shield and move from a position over the imaginary
adjacent lineman to the gap on command.
b. The bag should be placed on the line and your blocker
should now be an arms distance form the line ahead of him.
3. Procedure
a. On command your player should execute a reach step, then
execute a fire block on the bag or shield. The second step is
like a cross over step.
c. Coaching points
1. Emphasize that your players still keep their shoulders square.
5. "Gav Block"

-
a. Objectives
.. of block used by an offensive
1. To teach and drill the +me
- -

lineman that must prevent a charging defender to his

inside from crossing the line of scrimmage and penetrating into the??
backfield on the snap.
2. To teach and drill that a penetrating defender doesn't necessarily
have to be aligned in their inside gap, but also could be aligned
over the adjacent offensive lineman to their inside.
3. To teach and drill the concept of putting your head between the
defender and the backfield, so that ,they can prevent penetration.
b. Drill Org&ization and procedure
1. " Gap Block Left, Right Shoulder on Set"
2. Drill Organization
a. Place the Bag (Shield) on the line or in the neutral zone in
what would be the adjacent inside gap. Since some
defenders penetrate from a headup position sometimes put
the defender in a area over the imaginary lineman to his
inside.
b. Your blockers shoulder align with his down hand on the
line and an arms distance from the bag.
3. Procedure
a. On set your linemen will pull step to the left, step with their
right foot, and strike the bag with their right shoulder
executing a perfect right shoulder block.
b. They will accelerate their feet on contact and drive the bag
down the line 3 or 4 yards or until the whistle blows.
4. Counters
a. Why teach counters
1. Many times when your lineman blocks down and
makes contact with a penetrating defender the
the defender will spin out or lose ground and get to
the play. If your blocker is going to be able to block
 down aggressively enough to cut off penetration and
still prevent the defender from spinning out and
getting to the play, he needs a counter move to allow
.- him to maintain his block.
b. Reverse Crab
- ...
1. If you coach your players to gap block low and
:
through the hip you should use this technique.
., . 2. On contact, if the penetrator spins out ,your player
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must drop immediately to all fours, and swing his
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must coach them to execute this quickly. This move

will resemble a twisting backward bear crawl.

c. Basketball Boxout Technique

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T !I;:>."- out technique I believe it is important to raise the :

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.:. for your players to pivot and spin when they initiate'
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I believe you should also alter the forearm blow to
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hand . shoulder blow.
and Coach the contact
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% - - . . normal surface open your hand and jam him up
* y ! L , the upper lat or back area. This will allow you to
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. . .=,; ~ 2 c::. : K ; : ~ . ~ ~ : : : ~ - T ~ : , >:;.> your player to pivot off of his up field foot ( In this
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him put his elbows out and mirror the defender.
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c, &a&g I : L _ ~ points
I. You should use a pull step because this will allow your players to
open their hips to the defender and give them more power into the
. .
.. .. block.
2. Over coach to the players that they must get their second step off
and on the ground as fast as they can if they want to prevent
penetration.
3. You must emphasize to your players that when they have a gap
assignment their most important duty is to prevent any type of
defensive penetration into the offensive backfield. To often your
. . ..
players will wony so much about the defender spinning out on
... . . - z,. , on them that get set for a counter move before they stop penetra-
. . . tion and
,., the penetrator run in you backfield and stops the play.
6. "Down Block"

a. Objective
1. To teach and drill a blocking technique your Offensive lineman 7
will use on a defensive lineman that reads and reacts to offensive
schemes, and not versus defenders that want to penetrate into the
backfield.
2. To teach and drill the concept of putting your head between the
defender and the ball carrier.

b. ~ r ~ a n i z a t i band
n Procedure
1. " Down Left, Steppinp Left Foot. Left Shoulder on Set"
2. Organization
a. Coach your players to put the bag to the left of the blocker,
as if it were covering the adjacent blocker to the left. The
middle of the bag should be on the line.
b. Coach your offensive lineman to reach out and be a long
arms distance from the line. This will put the bag at almost
a perfect 45 degree from the offensive lineman.
3. Procedure
a. On set coach your linemen to step with their near (left in
this example) foot to the crotch of the man. In this instance
the middle of the bag.
b. On their third step they will make contact on the bag with
their left shoulder, they will accelerate their, swing their
tail and drive the bag down the line.
c. Coaching points
1. Your players must understand that this technique is not used to
block a penetrator, and only used to block a defender that reads.
2. It is important that your players understand that when they use a
down technique they want to put their head between the defender
and the ball carrier.
7. "Wheel Block (Conditional Post)"

BEFORE AFTER PFrER

~.T

a. Objective p?
1. To teach and drill the basic techniques involved in executing a
conditional post.
2. To teach and drill the proper footwork necessary, so that, the .
Conditional Post blocker knows when to wheel or turn his bun. r
3. To teach and drill the proper.footwork necessary to execute a wheel
. block

b. Organization and Procedure

1. 'L Wheel Block Stepping Left Foot Right Shoulder on Set"
2. Organization
' a. Drill organization and bag set up is exactly the same On
block drill.
3. Procedure
a. The initial first step and contact phase of a wheel block is
exactly the same as when they are performing On Block,
and Step and Hit drill.
b. You must coach your players to come off the ball as hard as
they did when they performed an On block, but once they
get into the defender and stand him up, they turn their tail
to the lead blocker instead of knocking the defender off the
ball. If everything worked out in perfect sequence the Post
Blocker will work his tail to the lead blocker slightly after
the third step.
c. This drill allows you to coach the technique that is needed
by the Post Blocker of a down the line double team, and
also the technique needed by the wheel blocker when he
will only get a bump lead.
c. Coaching points
1. When finishing the Conditional Post part of the drill make sure that
the blocker makes contact and works the bag as he turns. Watch
that he doesn't shuffle behind the bag on contact . If he shuffles
behind the bag he is not being physical enough on the defender.
 8. "Trap Block"

a. Objectives
1. To Teach and drill the proper pull step necessary to create a tight r,
trapping path.
2. To teach and drill the perfect inside out path necessary to execute
a perfect trap block.
3. To teach and drill the proper side of the defender to put your head
and work your tail when executing a trap block.

b. organization and Procedure

1. "Pull Left T r a ~Left, Right Shoulder On Sound7'
2. Organization
a. All of the bags should be aligned in their normal 5x5 yard
'.
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b. If you are coaching them to pull left and trap with their left
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shoulder have them align four yards to their right or an arms
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..
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from the adjacent bag to their right.
8 . > . . .
c. Have the bag holder put the bag on the far tip of the line and
~

have the blocker put his hand on the near tip of the line.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the blocker will pull step to the left, establish an
inside out path, contact the bag with his left shoulder, and
drive the bag down the line. Remember half of your player
should be executing the trap block at a time.

c. Coaching points
1. When you coach the pull step for a trap block:
a. Your pull step shouldn't gain or lose ground.
b. Your play side toe should point to the play side toe of the
adjacent line to the side of the play. This will keep your
trap path nice and tight to the power block.
9. "Log Block"

a. Objectives
1. To teach and drill the proper path necessary to execute a log block.
2. To teach and drill the correct techniques needed to consistently log-
a contain player to the inside . %

b. Organization and Procedure

1 . "Pull Left Lop Left, Right Shoulder on Sound"
2. Organization
a. Use the exact organization as trap drill except align the bag
and the blocker on the near tip of the line.
b. The bag hold in both drill should turn the bag and face the
blocker.
c. This is also an excellent drill to use shields to make it more
realistic.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the blocker will pull step flat down the line as if he
were going to trap the defender. At the last minute the
blocker will slide his head to the outside, make contact with
his right shoulder, and swing his tail to pin the defender to
the inside.

c. Coaching Points
1. It is very important that you over emphasize to the blocker to make
their path appear to the defender that they are going to be kicked
out. As the players are performing the drill I am usually saying
the words "kick him Out". If the path is tight the defender will
close down so tight he will log himself because of his fear of being
kicked out.
2. Also emphasize for them to keep their heads up, swing their tails,
and use their off hand to help pin the defender to the inside. 1
3. When performing a log block you want to make contact with the I
defender first then work for position.
10. "Hook Block"

- a. Objective
Same as Log Block.
-
b. Organization and Procedure
1. "Pull Left, Hook Left. Left Shoulder On Sound"
2. Organization is the same as Log Block.
3. Procedure
a. On Set pull to the left for a point one yard deeper than your
+
initial alignment and one yard outside of the Defensive End.
2. Once you get to your aiming point one yard outside the end
man and one yard deep, pivot to the inside without gaining
any ground toward the line of scrimmage, and Hook the end
to the inside.
c. Coaching Points
1. Emphasize to your players that when they pivot to log the End if
they shuffle into the line they will end up to close to the End to
react to his pursuit to the ball
2. When you Hook block you are establishing position first then
making contact with the defender.
11. " Area Technique"

- a. Objective
1. To teach and execute a perfect Area technique.
2. To discipline your players to gain an appreciation that if they stay
in their area, even if they don't attack a defender to block him,
they are doing what is best to make the play work.
-
,
.

b. Organization and Procedure

1. "Area Drill Stepping Left Foot Jamming Right Hand On Set"
2. Organization
a. Have the bag holder place the bag on the middle of the line.
b. Coach the blocker to get into a stance to the left of the bag
an arms distance from the bag. When in your stance your
hand should be touching the line.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the blocker will take a 12 to 14 inch step with his
left foot, bring his right foot to a position to his
left foot, bend his knees and be ready to block anyone that
enters his area.
b. Coach the blocker that as he finishes his second step he will
simultaneously jam the bag with the heel of his right hand.

c. Coaching Points
1. Emphasize to your players that your first step is always with your
play side foot.
2. Make sure your players understand that the bag represents a down
Defensive Lineman that is aligned over an Offensive lineman that
is adjacent to you and pulling toward the point of attack. Their
area steps forward are allowing the adjacent Offensive line room
to pull past him, but not enough room for the defensive lineman to
follow without running into the Area Blocker.
 12. "Evasive Technique"

-. - a. Objective r-

1. To Teach and drill your players to be able to release inside a %

Defensive Lineman effectively and efficiently enough to block
a linebacker before he can scrape to the play.

-
b. Organization and Procedure
1. "Stepping Left Ripping Right On Set"
., - .:- : . .-.dl.i: 2. Organization
.;:.)+> #.% ::;, -ip ;.
,c.~: >..! -;,i
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r,. ,: . ,~
a. Bag set up is exactly the same as On Block drill.
b. Your -players
- will align
- in the manner as On Block driI1.
., . . . . . .
F,; <;?<:!:.; ;,.. . , ><>.~.
3. Procedure
. ., :,+L~.....*;;
,,-'.:,> ~
. .,
I. .: p!, a. On Set your lineman will take as long and as flat a step with
.,,;:
.
their left foot as they can handle.
b. As they take their second step they will rip their right arm
past the defender and climb to linebacker level as fast as
they are able.
c. Coaching points
1. Make sure that you emphasize to you players that the object of this
. , ~,
technique is to get away from the defensive lineman and up field
so quick that he can't lay a hand on him.
. .!:..!.., j , .,.. . ,: , ..,,,.. . 2. When your players rip make sure they thrust their arm and hand to
the sky. This gives them more power through the rip and it also
turns their body, so that, only the tip of the shoulder is facing the
.. . . . defender. When their body turns this reduces the amount of surface
the 'defenderhas to jam the blocker and preventing him from
getting around and up the field.
C, Combination Blocks I . ' . ,I

1. Objectives
a. To teach and drill more than one technique at a time.
b. To teach and drill the techniques in a more realistic setting.
c. To teach and drill the timing and cooperation that is necessary to block
the various blocking schemes and techniques practiced.

2. "Bump Lead"
n

a. Objective
1. Td drill the Wheel block with the addition of the Bump Lead, in
order to, give the line lineman a more realistic feel of how they
must work together.
2. To give the Wheel blocker a better feel of how to finish the block
when he is getting help with the bump.
b. Organization and Procedure
1. Organization
a. You need two blockers and two bags.
b. Place the first bag head up on the post blocker and the other
one stacked behind the post bag or slightly inside.
2. Procedure
a. The left blocker executes a Wheel block, works his tail and
drives the bag down the line.
b. The right blocker executes a Down block, then climbs to the
linebacker and blocks him.
c. Coaching points
1. The Down blocker when he uses a Bump Lead Tech. makes contact
with his hands and climbs to the linebacker. He should jam the
defender aggressively before climbing to the backer.
2. The Down blockers first step should be a reach step. You must
coach him to keep his shoulders as square as possible when using
a Bump Lead tech. or he will have trouble adjusting to the Lb.
3. "Cross Block Drill"

a. Objectives
1. To teach and drill the trap block in a more realistic setting.
2. To teach and drill the timing and execution necessary to execute ;
a Cross Block.
b. Organization and Procedure
1. " Cross Block Right On Set"
2. Organization
a. You need two blockers and two bags.
b. The bag covering the left lineman is on the line and the
:
lineman align head up on the bag is an arms distance away.
c. The right lineman will align even with the left and he will
take a two foot split.
d. The bag holder on the right will place the bag on the right
lineman's outside shoulder a yard back from the line. This
alignment forces the trap blocker to take a more
exaggerated inside out approach.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the right blocker executes a perfect Down or Gap
block technique.
b. The left blocker will pull step, let the Down blocker go first,
and then trap the right bag with his right shoulder.
c. Coaching Points
1. It is important to emphasize to the trap blocker that his first step is
the most important part of the block. His first step should be with
his right foot and it should point directly at the right lineman's play-
side foot. His hips should also turn as if he is going to run through
the down blocker. this will give him a tight inside out path.
2. Coach the trapper to keep his hands off of the Down Blocker. This
could knock the Down blocker off of his block.
3. On contact the trapper must work his tail through the hole and drive
the bag gradually back to the line.
4. "Gut Block Drill"

1. To execute the timing and techniques necessary to execute a Gut ;

block.
2. To teach and drill the techniques used when pulling to block a
Lber.
Organization and Procedure
1. '' Gut Right Gap Left On Set"
2. Organization
? a. This drill is set up exactly like Bump Lead drill.

b. The only difference is that the gap blocker will align with
his hand on the line an arms distance from the bag.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the right blocker will execute a perfect gap block
on the bag and drive it down the line.
b. The Gut blocker will initially take the same pull step that
he took when he trap blocked. He will then time it to let the
Gap blocker go first. He will then release tightly off of the
Gap blocker, drive up the field and block the linebacker.
c. We normally give the linebacker a shield so he can scrape
exactly like a linebacker. This makes the drill more
realistic because the Gutting lineman must block someone
on the move.
Coaching points
a. The Gutting lineman should be so tight to the Gap blocker that the
left side of his hip brushes against the Gap blockers butt. Again,
remind him to keep his hands off of the Gap blocker or you may
interfere with is block.
b. If you coach there first step like you coach the pull step you won't
have to worry as much about them bumping into one another. The
timing will take care of itself.
5. "Lead Post Inside Out" (Double Team Kick Out)

a. Objective
1. To teach and drill the base techniques of the trap scheme. c-
P,
2. To teach and drill the base fundamental and team work necessary
to execute a double team.
3. To teach and drill in a more realistic situation the exact pulling
techniques necessary to execute a trap block.

b. Organization and Procedure

1. "Double Team Kick Out Right On Sound"
2. Organization
a. Align the bags exactly the same as cross block drill.
b. The middle or Post blocker aligns on the left bag head up
and an arms distance from the left bag. The blockers on
both sides of him align at the same vertical split and both
have a two foot horizontal split.
3. Procedure
a. On Set the middle and right blockers execute double team
on the left bag.
b. The left blocker will pull step to the play side toe of the
Post blocker and trap the right bag inside out.
c. Coaching points
1. You emphasize all of the same coaching points listed in the single
or combination blocks above.
6 . "Scooa Drill"

a. Objective
1. To teach and drill the techniques used in scooping a defender. .
2. To teach and drill to your players that this scheme is used wheneve:
they have a Fire, On, Backer assignment and the covered offensive
lineman can consistently Fire block the down lineman over him.
This scheme makes it easier to block the scraping linebacker.
b. Organization and Procedure
1. "Scoop Right On Set"
2. Organization
a. The bags are set on Scoop drill exactly the same as they are
in Gap and Gut.
b. It is best to use shields when practicing this drill because
it will give your players a more realistic feel. The main
reason for this is because the down defensive lineman that
your blockers are scooping can be coached to resist and
move in a more realistic manner naturally giving your
blockers a more realistic feel for the scheme.
c. Your right lineman will align head up on the bag an arms
distance from the bag. Your left lineman take a two foot
split and get in a stance even with the right lineman.
3. Procedure
a. On Set The right lineman executes a Fire technique and
once he gets into the block rips through the play side arm-
pit of the defender, gets his eyes on the linebacker and runs
his feet up field.
b. The left lineman executes a reach technique, and drives for
the playside armpit of the play side down defender. He w ~ l l
work in front of the down defender pushing the Fire blocker
off the down defender to the linebacker if needed.
c. Coaching Points
1. The Fire blockers job is to get his head in front of the down
defender. In other words execute a perfect Fire block. Once his
head is in front he should rip through the defenders play side arm
pit with his left arm and accelerate his feet to the linebacker.
a. The Fire blockers job is to bend the defender back to the
reach blocker, not to try and run around him to get to the
linebacker. When the Fire blocker attempts to run around
the defender it makes it almost impossible for the Reach
blocker to get in front of the down defender and block him.
b. As soon as the Fire blocker engages and gets his head in
fiont of the down defender his eyes must on the linebacker.
Since the Fire blocker is already into the down defender we
tell him to braille the down defender and keep his eyes on
the linebacker.

2. The uncovered blocker or Reach blocker after his reach step has to
focus on the play side blockers Fire block. -
.-
a. If the Fire blockers head is in fiont of the defender the
Reach blocker will continue to drive his head into the
play side arm pit of the defender. As he approaches the
defender, if the Fire blocker is having troubIe releasing to
the linebacker the Reach blocker should drive through him
on the way to the defenders arm pit and actually knock him
'
through to the linebacker. This many times may appear to
look like a backside double team on the defender.
b. If the Fire blocker can't get his head in front of the defender
and you have trouble reaching the down defender adjust to a
cut off angle that will take you to the linebacker.
=
D. Sweep and Waggle Drill

1. Sweep Drill

a. Objectives
1. To teaih and drill the front side and the backside guards techniques for the
Buck Swsep.
2. To teach and cross train all the lineman in the fundamental pulling
techniques of the Buck Sweep.
3. To teach and drill the pullipg techniques of the Buck Sweep in a more
realistic setting.

b. Organization and Procedure

1. "21 Or S w e e ~Rieht On Set"
2. Organization
a. The base organization of the is pictured above.
b. Placing the cones
1. The cones are place at a 45 degree angle back from the
guards alignment. When you set up the cones you can
either step them off or you can place them two yards pack
from the outside half of the tackles area on the spacing
board.
2. The second set of cones are placed on the outside tip of the
tight end area on the spacing boards. They represent the
play side halfbacks tail as he is blocking down.
c. Placing the bags
1. The first bag is laid down parallel to the spacing boards
a yard off of the center area.
 2. The second set of bags are aligned on the same line as the
spacing boards about three yards from the tight end area.
These bags represent the defender the play side guard in to
kick out.
3. The third set of bags are set one yard off the L.O.S. on the
defensive side directly over the tight end area. These bags
represent the scraping linebacker that the back side guard
is to wall off.
d. Both of the blockers will align over the guard area on the spacing
board. Their down hand should be touching the near tip of the
spacing board. -.-- . .-- -
3. Procedure d t ~ S YI E ~ : L ,
a. On Set the right g&"d wiilpull2 steps on a 45 degree angle toward
the right cone. On his third step he will level off, so that his foot is
parallel to the line of scrimmage. The foot will also be directly
behind and almost touching the cone. After he levels off coach him
attach the outside hip of the down block which is represented by ;
the other cone and kick out the first he defender he comes to which
which is represented by the bag.
b. The back side guard will pull flat to his right until he passes the
the center guard gap. He will next work for depth to the near side
of the cone drive through the outside hip of the down block, and
perform a wall off block on the scraping linebacker, which is
re'presented by the bag aligned directly over the tight end area.

c. Coaching Points
1. The play side guard
a. As you coach him to pull make sure his eyes are always on the
flank.
b. He must be constantly reminded that the bag he is blocking
represents the first man outside the right halves block, and not the
comer. He must understand that he is blocking an area not a man.
We will many times give bag holders shields and stack them
outside the cones representing the halfbacks block. I will direct
them to run to different areas after the snap so we can condition
pulling guard to block an area and not a man.
c. We pull with depth for two reasons:
1. To get away from any penetration that may knock me off
my kick out path.
2. To set up a better angle for my block. If I were to pull flat
it would be harder to kick out a blitzing comer or see and
react to block the first man outside the right halves block.
2. The backside guard
a. Must also focus his eye on the play side linebacker as soon as he
starts his pull. If he keeps his eyes on the scraping linebacker.
 the linebacker will take him to the proper area.
b. He must pull flat at first or he will collide with the illback.
- F
I

I
c. The backside guard must also get depth on his pull for the same
1
reasons as the fiont side guard. If he pulled flat to wall off the a

linebacker he would have a poor angle to wall off the linebacker

if he attacked the alley quickly and with force. If the backside
guard gains depth to the cone he will have a great angle to meet the
linebacker with some force.
d. To keep the drill moving we alternate the side of the drill every
other play. Once we run 21 Sweep right, as I am correcting the
two that went the next two sprint up to the line and get ready to
run 29 or Sweep left. This give time for the guys on the right to
switch bags and set them up before I turn to my right to practice
21 or Sweep right again. Once they block a bag they then switch
with the person holding the bag and the person who was holding
the bag goes to the end of the line. -
2. "Waggle Drill"

0
-
a. Obiectives
1. To teach and drill the front side and back side guards pull
technique for Waggle.
2. Tp teach and cross train all lineman on the pulling techniques
thk Waggle.
3. To teach and drill the pulling techniques of Waggle in a more
realistic setting.
b. Organization and Procedure
I. "29 W a g g l e or W a g g l e Right On Set"
2. Organization
a. Almost like sweep drill except that the cone and bags are set
in different areas.
b. Placing the cones
1. You place the cones directly behind the centers feet
one foot deeper than the guards feet.
2. This works out to be 4 feet from the boards.
c. Placing the bags.
1. The first set of bags (shields) are placed directly
over the tight end area. They represent the defensive
end that is to be logged.
2. The second set of bags are set 2 yards by 2 yards
from the outside of the spacing board. They
represent the man the backside guard is to block.
3. The third set of bags are set a few inches behind the
guards as they are in their stances. It is only there to
keep the backside guard from pulling with depth.
 3. Procedure
a. The play side guard will pull flat and execute a perfect log
block on the bag or the shield. The techniques are explained
in the log blocking section of single blocks.
b. The backside guard:
1. Take a flat pull step to the right on set. Your second
step will be a cross over step, which will take you
around the cone, and your third step will square you
up. You will then continue pulling and block the
bag accordingly. In this instance you will kick out
the bag because it is representing a blitzing comer.
c. Once they finish there block the next two linemen will step
up and they will perform the block to the left. The drill
procedure in this area is the same a Sweep drill.

c. Coaching points
1. The backside guard: -
a. He must understand that his second step must be a cross
over step to lose ground or he will collide with the Fullback.
The cones are there to remind him of his footwork and
of the fullbacks path.
b. The backside guards job is to lead the quarterback. He must
try to log the first defender he comes to if he is able. If
the first defender he comes to is penetrating up the field
kick him out and the quarterback will be trained to step
inside of you and continue outside.