How to Best Assess Linemen

Linemen are the foundation of a football team. Linemen are the only players guaranteed to engage in hard contact on every down and they are responsible for the overall development of a play on offense or destruction of a play on defense. Linemen are typically the largest players on the team but they also must demonstrate speed, endurance and athletic ability. Assessing lineman is not an easy task but several specific features are important for every player on the line.

Instructions

  1. Offensive

    • 1

      Assess the lineman based on quickness. Offensive linemen do not require tremendous speed but short, quick steps are necessary to gain position against the defenders. Use timed drills such as short sprints, rope ladders and tire courses to improve and judge quickness.

    • 2

      Assess offensive linemen based on body type. Linemen are typically large and the mass is necessary for holding the inertia of large defenders. Long arms are also an advantage for blocking and pushing against defenders.

    • 3

      Assess the linemen based on the ability to follow directions and learn the plays. The best athletes are not qualified to be linemen unless they know and follow their responsibility on each play. The linemen must pass block, trap block, pull to block on the outside and block straight ahead. Blocking in the wrong direction will hinder the success of the designed play.

    • 4

      Assess the linemen based on the overall attitude and physical and mental toughness. Linemen are subject to hard contact on every play and the best linemen are consistent and play without complaint.

    Defensive Linemen

    • 5

      Assess defensive linemen based on speed in short and long bursts. Defensive linemen must be quick to gain a positive position against the offensive linemen. Defensive linemen also must be fast to catch the quarterback or running-back in the open field. Time long and short sprints to assess the overall speed and quickness of the linemen.

    • 6

      Assess defensive linemen based on body type. Defensive linemen require mass to push against offensive linemen but the defender also requires long arms for swim moves and shedding the blocker. Tall lineman are also capable of blocking passes and reaching over blockers to grab the ball carrier.

    • 7

      Assess defensive lineman based on mentality. The defensive line does use coordinated plays but the responsibilities are more flexible than the offensive line. Chaos is often the desired effect for breaking plays and confusing the offensive. The defensive linemen is less calculating and always prepared to make an aggressive play.