How to Be the Best Lineman on Your Team

Linemen on a football team are often seen as unheralded role players, especially to the casual fan. Thanks to momentum-shifting tackles and quarterback sacks, defensive linemen do get a bit more attention than their counterparts on the offensive line. In fact, the less you hear the name of an offensive lineman mentioned in a game broadcast on television, the better the job they are doing, since the only time their number is called is usually for a penalty. However, linemen on both sides are integral to a team's success, and while becoming the best requires dedication, it is an achievable goal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Master the fundamentals. The position of lineman isn't known as a skill position, as quarterback, running back and wide receiver are. The mastery of fundamentals is therefore more important, especially for offensive linemen. For linemen, the big play is to not allow the big play. For example, on offense, you should know the snap count and have a good stance that doesn't leave you vulnerable to getting knocked off balance. On defense, turning the lineman's shoulders and exploding off the ball are keys to standing out and making a difference.

    • 2

      Eliminate penalties. It's one thing to get beat by a superior athlete, but mental errors on that cost your team are inexcusable. Nothing kills momentum faster than costing your team yards or giving the other team good field position. On offense, master the snap count so as to not be affected by crowd noise and commit a false start. On defense, watch the ball and avoid jumping offside.

    • 3

      Keep your cool. If the game is hotly contested or emotional, the last thing you need to do is get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct or a personal foul. Also, keep in mind that other players may try to bait you into throwing a punch, and the referees almost always penalize the guy who responds to an invitation to a fight, and not the guy who instigates it.

    • 4

      Study your opponents. Use game film, if available. The more you know their tendencies, the better you will be. For example, if you are an offensive lineman and see that the defense is lined up in a 3-4 scheme, you may know from your study that it means they are anticipating a run. You can then signal the quarterback so that he can to audible to a pass play.