The quarterback is often considered the most important player in football and usually gets the majority of headlines. Other skill-position players, including running backs and wide receivers, score the majority of touchdowns. However, the fundamentals of blocking and tackling well are usually the keys to whether a team wins or loses.
Run Blocking
The most basic plays in football are running plays. In order to run the football well, the offensive linemen have to play with leverage when they block opposing defensive linemen. They must get their shoulder pads under their opponent's pads and drive forward or at an angle to create a hole for the ball carrier. The offensive lineman can use his hands to help steer the defensive lineman backward or to the side, but he can only take hold of his opponent inside the frame of his body. Grabbing an arm or outside the shoulder pads will result in a holding call. The key to being a successful blocker is using your strength and neutralizing your opponent's strength by getting the first shot in and continuing to move your feet until you hear the whistle.
Pass Blocking
No quarterback would be able to throw the ball downfield if he didn't get protection from his offensive line. This is a more difficult block than the run block because the pass blocker wants to provide a pocket for the quarterback to throw the ball without being harassed. To do this, he will take a drop step, form a solid base and then punch out with both hands to stun the onrushing defensive lineman. The offensive lineman will often have to accept one or two blows as he protects the quarterback and this can be painful. However, he must do it to give the quarterback time to find an open receiver and deliver the ball accurately.
Tackling
Tackling is the key to playing effective defense. In order to tackle successfully, you must drive your shoulder into the ball carrier or receiver's midsection with force and then wrap your arms around him and drive him to the ground. You must wrap up the tackle or your opponent could get away and gain more yardage, even if you hit him hard. You can never lead with your helmet -- only your shoulder -- when tackling. Leading with your helmet is illegal and it is also dangerous. Both the tackler and the player he hits could suffer catastrophic injuries when the helmet is used as a weapon for tackling. "Tackling is perhaps the most underrated aspect of the game," said Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott. "A lot of players want to register a knock-out type hit and don't wrap up. This leads to big plays. You always have to wrap up."
Oklahoma Drill
The Oklahoma Drill is one of the most basic drills in football. It puts blocking and tackling to the test and it is often done throughout training camp before the start of the season. In this drill, an offensive lineman and defensive lineman are facing each other at the line of scrimmage. A running back has the ball about 4 yards behind the offensive lineman and a linebacker is four yards behind the defensive lineman. On the coach's signal, the offensive lineman will attempt to drive block the defensive lineman backward, leaving the running back to try and run past or through the linebacker. The linebacker's job is to bring the running back down and avoid getting faked out or run over.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- "Inside the Helmet"; Peter King; 1993
- Ronnie Lott; Hall of Fame Defensive Back; Chicago
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