Offensive line terminology

Stance:

• I. Feet- Toes pointing downfield, shoulder width apart, weight on the balls of the feet.
• II. Knees- Bent facing forward at over producing angles.
• III. Back- Flat back, hips slightly higher than shoulders.
• IV. Head- Head up and relaxed
• V. Arms- Reach out with down hand in front of corresponding leg, up forearm resting on thigh of the opposite leg.

Keys to being a successful lineman

• Burst off the ball with quickness, power and speed.
• Lead with either foot.
• Set for all required pass protections.
• Pull in either direction.
• Lead at various angles.
• Never take false steps.
• Lead with head and shoulders into ever block.
• Keep your body in line thru the aiming point.
• Be disciplined and always get in a good stance, even when you are tried.

 Basic Alignment

I. Basic alignment is to have our down hand on the rear tip of the football.  We will crowd the football.  The guards are always playing at the same level as the lineman.  By crowding the line of scrimmage, we limit the room the defenders have to angle or penetrate.  By alignment it gives us the ability to get our hands on the defender faster in pass protection.   

II. Splits-  Basic split will be 1 ½ feet between lineman.  Never less than that unless you are near or at the goal line.

 Drive Blocking

• 1. Turn the shoulders to the defender away from the ball.
• 2. Stop or cut off any movement of a defensive lineman.
• 3. Maintain leverage underneath and inside each defender.

Drive Blocking Technique

I. Takeoff-  Explode off the toes and balls of your feet.  No false steps.

II. Approach-  Flat back, come off hard, eyes up and look the block in.

III. Contact-  Head placement is very important. Make contact with the top of shoulder pad.  Get the second foot down as fast as possible before contact.  Hit with head up and both hands hitting at the same time, elbows in.  Focus all of your strength through the aiming point.

IV. Follow through- Run through your opponent, keep arms and hands inside while driving and lifting for leverage.  Keep shoulders under his, keeping hands inside. The feet must accelerate as the weight of the defender changes.

Pass Blocking

Fundamentals of the Pocket

In order to have a  productive passing attack, the Quarterback must be able to take the snap, retreat into the pocket, be able to see the field, and step forward, and throw without being under duress.

Each lineman must know:

1. Depth of the Quarterback’s drop
2. The spot where the quarterback will throw the ball from
3. Type of protection
4. Where your help, If any,  May come from
5. Any specific routes that may cause the quarterback to hold the ball longer

Blocking Technique

I. Set

1. Quickness

2. Body position                

• a. Head up
• b. Back straight
• c. Hands up         
• d. Feet flat and parallel
• 3. Leverage

II. Mirror

1. Moving the feet to keep the feet parallel to the line of scrimmage

2. Never turn your shoulders

III. Punch

• 1. Stifle the defenders forward movement
• 2. Short, 6 inches in punch to lock out
• 3. Hands inside body
• 4. Never wind up
• 5. Quick forceful punches
• 6. Do not over extend

IV. If you lose position on your man

• 1. Keep your head back
• 2. Drive hips to get back in front
• 3.lock out your arms in the direction he goes
• 4. Turn head in the direction he goes

Offensive line Terms

Leverage:

I. Run

• a. Helmet play side
• b. Stay lower than the defenders pad level
• c. Butt, leg and torso in line through target
• d. Keep body headed toward the goaline

II. Pass

• a. Hands inside
• b. Pressure on the near point
• c. Stay between the defender and the QB

Movement Terms

Explosion- be sudden in your movements

Burst- The ability to go from a complete standstill to a dramatic increase of speed to keep up with a faster defender to get in position to block him

Near point- The area of the defenders body as he turns that ends up closest to you and is the easiest to reach

Finish- Maintaining leverage and effort on your assignment the entire length of the play.