How to Coach an Offensive Line

Football games are won or lost based on the ability of the offensive line. With proper training and tough attitudes, the offensive line can improve an average team, and make a good team great. Follow these instructions in order to create a dominant offensive line.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch football training videos and professional offensive linemen on television. Understanding the preferred methods and techniques of successful offensive linemen can enable the offensive line coach to effectively prepare the unit.

    • 2

      Contact a team in the area that has a quality offensive line or coaching staff. Most coaches willingly share tips and strategies with fellow coaches. It is a good idea to ask local high school and college coaches first as a primary resource.

    • 3

      Assess the individual and group abilities of the offensive line. Identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to design an offensive game plan focusing on their strengths. It is also important to assess the abilities of the opponent. A successful coach can put their offensive line in a position to win against an inferior player or defensive alignment.

    • 4

      Drill the offensive line daily in practice. Focus primarily on their footwork, aiming point and punch. Repetition can create smart, confident players focused on their technique and not on unnecessary distractions. Create a structured practice plan that also focuses on weight training and aggression.

    • 5

      Praise loudly and correct quietly. During practices and games, all players on the offensive line make mistakes, even at the professional level. Concentrate on praising the positive plays with encouragement and privately correcting miscues one-on-one. The offensive line can play harder for a coach that teaches that way.

    • 6

      Simulate game speed and conditions daily in practice. Show the offensive line individual blocks as well as combination blocks with two or more of the offensive line. Start slowly at first, but increase tempo to condition the players to game speed. When the offensive line has mastered their technique, practice the plays with the entire team.