Youth football players likely dream about becoming the star quarterback, running back or wide receiver on their team without realizing that the offensive linemen make it possible for these skill position players to succeed. Although it may not seem glamorous, playing the offensive line is at least as important as any other position. Youth coaches should help their offensive linemen understand this fact and conduct drills during each practice session to make them better blockers.
Drive Blocking Drill
Offensive linemen need to drive block to open up holes along the line of scrimmage for backs to run through. This drill teaches them how to execute this block properly and safely. The offensive linemen line up as they would in a game, each directly across from a defensive lineman. On a coach's command, each offensive lineman drives his shoulder into the defensive lineman's abdomen, pumping his legs to drive the defensive lineman backward until the coach blows a whistle. The offensive linemen keep their heads up, hands inside and feet wide throughout the drill. They should alternate shoulders with each repetition. Once the offensive linemen learn the proper technique, the defensive linemen can provide resistance to simulate a game.
Second-Effort Drill
This drill is an extension of the drive-blocking drill that teaches offensive linemen to keep blocking until the whistle blows, signaling the end of each play during a game. This can make the difference between a running back gaining just 5 yards or springing a long run to the end zone for a touchdown. After an offensive lineman drives the defensive lineman past a cone positioned 5 yards in front of the line of scrimmage, he drops to his belly, stands back up quickly, sprints 5 more yards and blocks a second defensive player standing 10 yards from the line of scrimmage until a coach blows a whistle. The defensive players should provide moderate resistance.
Blocking Sled Drill
A blocking sled is an L-shaped metal contraption with a smooth surface on the bottom, allowing it to slide easily along the ground, and a well-padded bar running diagonally upward, nearly perpendicular to the ground. Offensive linemen can use these sleds to practice their blocking technique and strengthen the muscles they use to block during games. Some sleds have a platform on which a coach can stand to provide extra resistance and feedback to the blocker. To perform the drill, an offensive lineman assumes a three-point stance in front of the padded bar and, on the coach's command, drives his shoulder into the pad, sliding the sled forward for a specified distance or until the coach blows a whistle. Some blocking sleds have a wide platform on the bottom and five or more padded bars, allowing multiple offensive linemen to practice at the same time.
References
- "Coaching Youth Football"; American Sport Education Program with Joe Galat; 2010
- "AFCA's Offensive Football Drills"; American Football Coaches Association; 1998
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