Rubber handcuffs for offensive lineman

I am very grateful to oneback for putting me on to the JOE BUGEL tape that he expounds on his technique of keeping the hands close together (handcuffs). I introduced it immediately to my linemen and the results are truly gratifying. I do not use the rubber cuffs, but rather just work with the line in punch drills and driving home the coaching points of the hands being together, and lifting them out of their socks after the punch phase. This is one technique that really works!!!

Coach Easton

TaftEagles,

Thats a new one on me, what does that accomplish in teaching the stalk block? Not being crtical now, just curious as to the purpose of taping their hands behind the back. It would appear to me, to be extremely hard to run and keep your balance. Please expound a bit on the technique and it's designed purpose. Thanks for your time in advance.

Coach Easton

i have never used any kind of device for that myself

working on the punch thumbs up, heels together aiming through gets it done, if you do it enough

Use Bicycle tire tubes!

I've used some Zip cord but I like the inner tubes from Bicycle Tires better - they provide more resistance.

Cut the air nozzle out of them, and use electrical (or duct) tape to hold them together in the middle. They work GREAT up around the elbows to keep the arms together, or you can double them for 'handcuffs'.

These are a GEM in my opinion - we had a guy transfer in college to us from a VERY large NCAA school - he was basically a grizzly bear but for the life of him couldn't keep his hands inside on pass pro. The bicycle tubes cured him.

They work better than zip cords and are MUCH cheaper than what you're going to get in a catalgoue.

You may also want to have all your guys take their helmets off during pass pro technique - this REALLY teaches the inside hands, and for them to keep their head out of the defender (or they tend to get bashed faces). It's a little old school - but works.

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Originally posted by: TaftEagles
Coach, zip cords may be the cheapest and quickest route to use. I have to say that when I have trouble teaching WR's to stalk block properly I use athletic tape to tape the hands behind their backs. Its a little rough on the first time through the drill but the next time through(with tape off) you'll be amazed at the results.

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This might work proper footwork more than anything. As a line coach most blocking is footwork anyways - getting in the right position. I can see that blocking downfield as a WR, you might be trying to get in the guys way and shield him from the ball carrier more; as opposed to worrying about the punch phase and lifting a guy out of his shoes onto his back.