1. Brain Over Braun
Most football linemen are roughly the size of a small bus, even at the high school level. However, imposing size does not necessarily equate being a good blocker. Size is only a small part of blocking in football. The other determining factors are leverage, technique, footwork and offensive scheme. There have been many undersized blockers who utilized these other blocking factors to best much larger opponents.
2. The Low Man Wins
When blocking in football the low man wins almost every battle. A primary skill in blocking is getting lower than your opponent gets and using the leverage to push this player in the desired direction. To gain this leverage a blocker must have excellent footwork. The feet should never be less than shoulders' width apart, with the pressure on the front of the foot. If a blocker allows his weight to shift back to the heel he is beaten. Body lean and short choppy steps are also necessary components of proper blocking technique. Do not take long steps or raise the feet too high off the ground during a block or the leverage and balance are lost.
3. Blocking Schemes
While there are many technique differences within each, there are two primary blocking schemes in football: man-to-man blocking and zone blocking. Man-to-man blocking is just what the name suggests-the play call assigns to a lineman a certain defender or defensive position to block, and his only intent is eliminate that person from the play. In zone blocking it is his responsibility to block any players in that area.
4. Run vs. Pass Blocking
Running and pass blocking require two different sets physical movements. Run blocking requires forward movement blocking and pass blocking forms a wall to protect the quarterback. The goal for a running play is to move the defender backwards or to one side or the other so a teammate can run through the area vacated by the block. Run blocking is aggressive and powerful while pass blocking is more about grace of movement and positioning.
5. Strong and Explosive
The squat is a staple for any person looking to become a better blocker in football. The power in blocking comes from the lower body and the squat lift is one of the best lifts to improve this power. One the most important skills for a blocker is reaction time and the ability to explode off the line. To improve this reaction time get in your offensive line stance and power out the stance and run five yards. Have someone time you.
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