WR Stalk Blocking Drills

It is simple to drill. When you are working on plays at a play strip (AKA: hose, belt, etc.) with QB's & RB's (steps, handoffs, pitches, etc.) - we simply add the WR's & DB's LIVE! CP: Throw an occassional PLAY ACTION PASS so DB's won't "cheat up too fast" in the drill!


ANGLES
Next to his start, the receiver's angle off the LOS is the most important part of run blocking.

The WR must attempt to get an inside-out (1/0) leverage block on all run plays. That means the WR must keep his backside between the ball and the defender. Coaching point: The WR's angle off the LOS may vary according to his position -- play-side or backside.

A play-side block does not require as severe an angle as a backside block, as the outside 1/3 DB is responsible for outside contain. As a result, the DB's inside number can provide a good aiming point for the play-side WR.

But on the backside, because the play is going away from the outside 1/3 DB, the backside DB will shuffle on the snap and get to his pursuit angle recovery lane. Therefore, the backside WR must take a severe inside leverage angle to get his backside between the ball and the DB.

With proper angles off the LOS, a WR can ensure proper positioning for the breakdown position and the block.

BREAK-DOWN POSTION
The break-down position occurs after the WR has achieved an inside angle on his path to block the DB. The question now is when does the receiver break down the block? As he releases off the line on an inside leverage path, the receiver must train his eyes on the DB. If the DB is in his back-pedal or has turned and is running with the WR, the block does not have to be made while the DB is occupied.

Occupying or running off the DB is as good as a block, but if the DB takes a bucket step or drop step, the WR must realize that the DB has read run and the WR must break down and block. The rule for a receiver is to achieve 1/0 leverage and buzz his feet when the DB takes a bucket step or drop step.

STALK
The stalk block is achieved while in the breakdown Position (as Previously described). This is an athletic position with the thumbs together near the breast plates and the feet buzzing. The WR does not go to the DB. He lets the DB come to him. As the DB establishes contact, the WR must keep I/0 leverage and punch the DB's outside number, then retreat back into his breakdown stance.

As the DB creates contact again, the WR must punch and retreat again. If the WR cannot keep 1/0 leverage and the DB gets head up to the WR, the WR must press the DB's outside number to set up the block for the running back.

The WR will be able to make the stalk block as long as he breaks down, remains patient, and does not over-extend.

JESSIE HESTER AND I COACHED STALK BLOCKING AT A CLINIC ONE YEAR IN FLORIDA AND GOT IN THE HABIT OF COACHING ONCE CONTACT IS MADE, TO DO YOUR BEST TO MAINTAIN IT. Main reason is that with the strict enforcement of the 5 yd rule for contact, if you pull off and then try to reestablish contact, you often times get beyond the legal depth in doing so.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

quote:

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Originally posted by: TIGER ONE
JESSIE HESTER AND I COACHED STALK BLOCKING AT A CLINIC ONE YEAR IN FLORIDA AND GOT IN THE HABIT OF COACHING ONCE CONTACT IS MADE, TO DO YOUR BEST TO MAINTAIN IT. Main reason is that with the strict enforcement of the 5 yd rule for contact, if you pull off and then try to reestablish contact, you often times get beyond the legal depth in doing so.

Coach Easton-TIGER ONE

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Coach Easton,

That is the way I prefer too. It is hard enough to get good position on an athletic DB, we are not going to give that up. I AM NOT TRYING TO INSINUATE THAT ALL OTHER WAYS ARE UNSOUND.

Here is a nice article on this method:

I have always taught my WR's to run the DB off as far as he wants to go, then when he breaks down you break down and begin your stalk blocking tech.