The Running Drive Block: Pulling Block vs. Linebacker

Photo by Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

In this drill, the offensive guards and tackles pull long and then turn upfield and block on a linebacker.

The offensive men playing as the linebackers should focus on the man in front of them and, as they see the play develop, move forward, attacking the blocker who is moving toward them.

If the offensive player who is lined up in front of the linebacker is blocking beside the pulling lineman, it may become necessary for the pulling blocker's first step to be a short, two to three-inch drop step. At the same time, the pulling lineman should slightly raise his lead shoulder higher than he normally would on a trap block. This technique will allow his teammate to move to his block and, at the same time, gives the blocker a greater clearance when pulling and driving up toward the linebacker. By the second and third step, the pulling lineman should bring his shoulders down into a low blocking position.

With the exception of plays where it becomes necessary to use the drop step, the offensive lineman should use the same pulling technique as in the previous drill. Because of the proximity of the linebacker, great emphasis must be placed on immediately finding and focusing on the target. Failure to instantly locate the linebacker often is the biggest reason for missing this block.

It is essential that the pulling lineman understand where the ball is going in the drill so he can get proper relative position on the defender. At the point of the actual block, the blocker should employ the technique of the running drive block.

Only one offensive lineman pulled each time in the previous drills, but in the next drill, both the guard and tackle from the same side of the ball will pull.

The pulling guard will trap the linebacker at the end of the line of scrimmage and the tackle will pull up through the hole and block the linebacker who is pursuing from the inside.

Both linebackers should focus on the man in front of them and then move into position to take on a pulling lineman.

The guard's technique is the same as the one he used on a long trap play. The tackle also uses a long-pull technique and then turns upfield, locating, focusing on, and blocking the linebacker who is moving from the inside.

Both offensive players must be reminded to move to the defensive side of the ball as soon as possible, to concentrate on having a wide base on contact, and to run through the defender, always completely finishing the block.

Only one offensive lineman pulled each time in the previous drills, but in the next drill, both the guard and tackle from the same side of the ball will pull.

"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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