Pass Protection Drills: Part IV

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The following covers the technique needed to block a pass rusher who attacks the target area from a wide, or three, location. Remember that in this type of defensive location the blocker sets up by kicking back with his outside foot at a 45-degree angle. This should be reviewed prior to starting the drill.

As with the other drills, there are two men work at a time. The key to pass protecting against a wide rush is that the offensive man must, on the snap of the ball, turn slightly toward the defensive pass rusher.

As the blocker moves off the line of scrimmage, he must drop in a straight line, staying perpendicular to his original alignment and fighting the tendency to move to the outside, away from the ball and into the defender.

Another tendency is to give ground too quickly. When the blocker retreats off the line of scrimmage, he gives the defensive man an opportunity to rush straight to the target area by coming to the inside. The blocker must constantly maintain a position directly between the pass rusher and the target area.

As he moves off the line of scrimmage, the lineman must slide his feet, never crossing over, and shuffle back in quick, short steps. It is important that the feet stay low to the ground so the blocker is always in position to gather himself and strike the pass rusher as he attacks the target area.

When the defender moves toward the target area, the blocker must gather himself and prepare to strike with his outside arm. If the defender continues to rush upfield, the blocker should maintain contact, riding him up the field and past the target area.

The blocker also must be prepared for the defender to rush over him or to the inside. If the defender attacks straight into the blocker, the pass protector should gather himself and strike out, stopping the defensive man's momentum. He must then extend his arms and, if possible, disengage from the defensive player's body.

It is important for the blocker to realize that the defender generates more force and momentum rushing from the three position than he does from a one or a two location. Because of this, the blocker must be sure he is in good hitting position, physically striking out at the defender. He must not get caught merely absorbing the rush of the defensive player.

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.