Flipper vs Hands when trap blocking??

Hey john

I've always taught olinemen to hit with the shoulder/forearm of the arm to the side they are pulling (ie if pulling right, hit with the right shoulder). I think it helps the lineman get his head on the proper side and is more powerful. Also make sure the trapper starts gaining ground into the LOS on his second step, so he isn't too flat down the line (especially important on short traps) and that he waits to throw the block until he is "stepping" on the def lineman's toes so he is not lunging with his head down.

Personally, i think extending the hands is asking for trouble...the kids either overextend and lunge, slow down to "fit" up into the defender and lose a lot of power, plus the temptation to hold when those hands are extended is much greater.

On most traps, even if the shoulder/forearm blow is glancing, as long as their head is on the right side, it creates enough space for the back to get through cleanly.

Rob

On any block where you inside/out, or outside/in, you can drive the hand (corresponding to the shoulder you would NORMALLY use on a TRAP OR REVERSE SHOULDER BLOCK) into the rib cage of the defended. Head placement would not change!

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Originally posted by: Oneback
On any block where you inside/out, or outside/in, you can drive the hand (corresponding to the shoulder you woyuld NORMALLY use on a TRAP OR REVERSE SHOULDER BLOCK) into the rib cage of the defended. Head placement would not change!

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I have my guys target the ARMPIT as opposed to the ribcage. I know it sounds higher, but I've found that when we target the ARMPIT the upwards motion causes the defender to become offbalanced, and often gets knocked over.

When you use the punch in a rising manner, targetting the armpit really gets his shoulders off balance. With the eyes targetting the throat area, and getting a knee into crotch (figuratively, not literally). We can stop penetration. More times than not we sent the guy for a little trip to the ground.

It's worked for me, but the shoulder method is solid as well.

75
that is how I teach it as well. i don't talk about hand placement at all on traps or counter kick outs.
Just the aiming point, head on upfield side, and run through it.
We practice running through it.
We take great pride in our guards making people just quit even trying to dig things out because they will get drilled into the ground.