Lead blocker basics

Coach,

We had exactly the same problem with our FB's 4 or 5 years ago. We'd go flying up into the hole like a bunch of madmen, and we'd hit nobody!

Now, we spend a great deal of time working on "form blocking" on our isolation and kick-out blocks. I take my running backs aside and teach a step-by-step approach and form fit to the block, just like you would for a form-tackle drill. In fact, we coach the RB vs. LB or DE block just like we would coach an open field tackle up until the very last step.

There's three main reasons we like to coach it like an open field tackle:

1. This helps us to gather ourselves under control so that the defender cannot easily escape.

2. This also aids in getting us into a good "coiled" or "gathered" position from witch to strike.

3. It is "additional repetition" of a critical skill. We use the exact same approach, form, and body positioning in tackling as we do in RB blocking (up until the point of contact).

We coach a gathered 6-inch step, aiming directly at the landmark. We are going at "just below" full speed, as we coach it (what that really means, I don't know...but it seems to keep the kids under better control, so I keep saying it!). We have the blocker keep his feet under him in short, choppy steps as he runs through the hole. As he approaches contact with the defender, he throttles down, sinks his hips under him, and widens his base (feet) while keeping his head up and his neck bulled. We tell them to get low and look up into the defender's nostrils. Then, we step into the crotch of the defender and punch up and through the base of the playside number at roughly 45 degrees. All the while, we maintain a low, wide base and NEVER stop moving our feet.

I put two lines of running backs facing each other (designating one side offense and the other defense) and we work this drill on the first day as a "step by step" drill. In other words, I break the entire approach down by each step, and then I have them execute it from their stance. I literally yell "HIT!" and watch the offensive side take their first step and hold it, then "HIT!" again and watch them take their second step and hold it...etc. As they are within about 2-3 steps from the defender the "hit" command becomes "WIDEN!" to remind them to sink their hips and widen their base, getting ready to "STRIKE", which is the next command I give, once the blockers are right on top of their men. Again, the strike is a violent punch with both fists through the base of the numbers and up through the defender at 45 degrees. The final command is, "DRIVE!" and the backs fit into the defender, maintain a low base for superior leverage, and drive him back and out of the point of attack.

We run this drill several times with each side, then we have them take 3 or 4 big steps to the right and we run the same drill as a kick-out block, showing them that the technique is really the same even though the angle has changed.

Once our form is correct, we go "half speed" without the step-by-step commands. Next is a full speed progression against shields. Finally, we put it all together and line up on the spacing hose and run with QB's and ballcarriers.

You have to be willing to repeat this drill during the preseason and regular season periodically if you want to be good at it. We rely a great deal on blocking from our running backs, so if we notice in film that our form has deteriorated, we'll run this drill in practice during the following week.

Coach, I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions!