Offensive Line Progression Drill

We use this offfensive line progression drill a lot to make sure our team knows that offensive line play is very important to us as a team. Everyone understands the concept and can substitute when required-even if they are a defensive player.

Offensive Line Progression        
-Discussion:   Reason “O” line is so important – can’t move ball without good offensive line. Discuss that a perfect stance required.   (Discuss stance if necessary, etc.) Discuss Speed off ball is important.

-Coach tell all team count. – go through cadence.   Have team clap at the correct snap count.   If someone claps early, explain off-sides – (or late) – explain missed opportunity to get out ahead of ball, etc.   Goal is everyone claps at same time.

-Then-everyone down-test their “perfect stance.”   (push and pull to assure good base, etc.)

-Speed off ball – give snap count, test speed off ball (3 yds) with no block. – make sure all coming out low, as fast as possible out of stance. After satisfied with that.

-Block on dummies – (as many as have) – teach your “perfect” blocking technique on the dummie – we use the “flipper” / head around technique so players have to “get into” their defender”¦   Have each kid demonstrate several times on dummie.

-Match up kids with other same ability kids.   Ball behind offense on ground.   Game of protecting ball by offense and getting to ball by defense.   Offensive line practice using above blocking technique. (head on blocks for now – no gaps”¦)   Give offense count.   Watch!   See who needs help! – (We work at Offensive line maintaining 3 seconds before defense gets to ball – then moving to 5 seconds.)   Then rotate – Defense now on offense and vice versa.

Team that holds defense off the most times wins.   Loser has to (fill in the blank) – That way defense doesn’t “sand bag.”

After doing this a few times, you can go through full progression in 10 minutes.   Allow a lot of time (we use 30 minutes / practice) when beginning to assure everyone blocking correctly and gets the concept.   A lot of “1 on 1” in the beginning.