Coming off the ball

Coach,

Coach,
I actually have been talking to some o-line guru's about this and am waiting on some game tape to analize the footwork.

Here are a few pointers that add up to DLS O-line play.

1.The OG's and OT's line up pretty close to the LOS. It would seem that their hands are just behind the back point of the ball to no more than 6 inches behind the back point of ball. So no DW type alingment. They don't want to give an inch. The TE does line up at times a bit farther back but that may be for arc blocking or to facilitate release on patterns.

2. The snap count must be very fast because the o-line always sets up by putting their hands on their knees. They hold this stance (except center) untill they go to set amd then explode immediatly on a quick count, It must be "set-go". BTW, this is probably why ECA got all those encrotchment calls. It alsmost seemed like a catch 22. They either exploded with the count or got rocked back. Nice, very nice.

3.Splits seem to be a standard 2-3-3 but their coach has said that they will get tighter 1-2-2 on some plays.

4.They work on getting that second step down faster as explained in this article by their coach that I posted bellow..

Here are a few links that will get you on your way.

Here is what Coach Lad has to say about motivation and line play at DLS.

www.nikecoyfootball.com/pdf/ladabob.pdf

Here is the source of the "sophisticated speed" used by DLS to overpower larger opponents.

www.speedcity.com/endorsements/Mike_Blasquez.php

check out there two videos on O-line and football speed.

www.speedcity.com/Catalog/Football/Instructional/Item/139/Trench-Warriors-Video-Manual.php

www.speedcity.com/Catalog/Football/Instructional/Item/140/SAQ-Attack-Football-Video-Training-Manual.php

Hope it helps,

John

We are an option team, and we want to focus more on blowing people off the ball this year. Our head coach wants us getting into the waist of the defender and driving him back. Last year we used more finesse and zone schemes, and we often allowed too much penetration on the L.O.S. and caused problems with our QB/FB mesh. Our head coach told me to come up with a new blocking style (I am the O-Line coach) for this purpose. One that came to mind involved using a shoulder blocking scheme. Block with the right or left shoulder in the waist and use the forearm shiver with the forearm of that arm. Take the off-hand and place is on the outside number and just drive as hard as we can. However, when we went over this with the rest of our staff, there was a lot of grumbling and tension. They feel that shoulder blocking is obsolete. However, my head coach supports me. I am looking for some advice on what type of blocking style I should use for my purposes, or if the style I am suggesting could be effective. Also, am looking for any type of video that De La Salle has put out on O-Line play. Have already ordered the "Trench Warriors" Video. Thanks. Clipper Coach.

I am glad we are talking oline in January. I think the C.O.O.L. (coaches of offensive lineman) clinic is a must for anyone serious about coaching the toughest men on the field. Generally, I do the same basic drills every day: 1) warm up drill that the lineman fire out forward, right, left and pull in both directions. 2) two step fire out and chop their feet for five yards (I stress a wide base) 3) 1/4 eagles and 1/4 turns 4) 5 good minutes on the sled (we have a 3 man sled but I only use the outer two pads and we make it a contest as to who will out drive their teammate). I think these basic drills warm up the lineman and all focus on fundamentals of o-line. I also instill pride into my players through these drills, motivational sayings, and discussions I have with them.