Tight End Blocking

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The requirements for blocking by a tight end are much more complex and varied than those of a wide receiver. Often the tight end will find that he is at the exact point where the ball is being run and his block will determine the success or failure of the play.

Angle Blocking

Whenever a tight end is called upon to execute an angle block, the first thing he must do is square up his stance on the line of scrimmage so that he can step with his inside foot as he initiates the block. On the snap, the tight end takes a short, three inch angle step down the line of scrimmage, with the foot that is closest to the man he is assigned to block. This short step not only allows the blocker to get his head in front of the defensive man's charge, stopping penetration, but it also opens the blocker's hips, making it possible for him to attack the defender with a low, square blocking surface.

Double Team Blocking

This block is similar to the angle block in that the tight end will be blocking on a defensive man who is lined up to his inside. However, for the double-team block the tight end will be joined by the offensive tackle who is lined up next to him.

Drive Blocking

The drive block drill begins with one tight end playing a linebacker and lining up in a two-point stance, feet spread the width of his shoulders, knees slightly bent, back straight, head up, and the palms of both hands open facing the offensive man at a position just even with his jersey numbers.

A coach should give the tight end the snap count to start each drill and call out a cadence when he sets at the line of scrimmage. It is also very important for the coach to position himself correctly so he can observe the blocker, making certain that the tight end is using proper blocking technique.

The defensive man should merely react to the block and not attempt to charge across the line of scrimmage. That way, the tight end is not worried about penetration from the defensive man, and he is free to concentrate on rolling off the front foot and taking a good short power step, straight at the defender, with his back foot as he starts the drive block. The blocker must also concentrate on making certain that he does not raise his upper body straight up into the air. Keeping his shoulders low, his back straight, and his head up is very important for the tight end as he moves into the block.

When the actual contact is made, the tight end must have both feet on the ground shoulder width apart and be prepared to take short, powerful steps as he drives the linebacker backward. The blocker must explode with his legs in a forward and upward motion. Using the palms of both hands, he should strike the linebacker in the numbers, extending his arms as he feels the contact of his hands on the defender's jersey.

Finally, the tight end must finish off the blocking by thrusting his hips forward, driving his feet, extending and pressing up and back with his body, arms, and hands while attempting to drive the defender off the line of scrimmage.

Hook Blocking

In practicing the hook block, the linebacker first lines up head-up on the tight end. Later, he shifts into the more difficult position to block, which is slightly to the outside of the offensive player. The defensive man should play without penetration as he did in the drive-block drill.

Short Yardage/Goal Line Blocking

Tight ends also become very important blockers for all goal line and short-yardage running plays. Often, when blocking on these types of plays, the tight end will want to completely adjust his stance prior to the snap of the ball. Because a majority of his blocks will be straight ahead on a defender lined up directly in front of him, the tight end must get into the best stance for exploding across the line of scrimmage.

"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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