Coach Kyle McElvany

OFFENSIVE LINE MANUAL 2008

Those who stay, will be champions
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OFFENSIVE LINE MANUAL

Goals and Objectives Requirements

Film Study Worksheet Splits and Demeanor Stance Steps

Line of Scrimmage Terminology Defensive Fronts

Fundamentals Of The Pocket Pass Protection Fundamentals

Common Pass Protection Mistakes Pass Blocking Counters Pass Protection Schemes Run Game Terminology Zone Blocking

Weekly Skills Checklist Sample Meeting Agenda Expectations

Contact Information

Last Revised: February 1 2009

GOALS AND OBJECTIVIES

OFFENSIVE GOALS 1. WIN! 2. SCORE 28 POINTS OR MORE 3. COMPLETE 60% OR MORE OF ALL PASSES ATTEMPTED 4. 20 FIRST DOWNS 5. 4 DRIVES OF 8 PLAYS OR MORE IN A ROW OR A SCORE 6. NO TURNOVERS- END ALL DRIVES WITH A KICK (EXTRA POINT, FIELD GOAL OR PUNT) 7. CONVERT 80% OF ALL THIRD DOWNS 8. ALWAYS SCORE ANYTIME WE HAVE A FIRST AND GOAL OPPORTUNITY 9. 0 DRIVE STOPPING PENALTIES

10. 20 TO 1 PASS TO SACK RATIO 11. 50% OF TOTAL PASS YARDS ARE AFTER THE CATCH (YACS) 12. MOMENTUM FACTOR! ANY BIG PLAY, SERIES OR DRIVE THAT RESULTS IN CHANGING THE COMPLEXION OF THE GAME.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

BE A CHAMPION
There are moments in our lives when we are given opportunities that can influence the course of our destinies. These moments come along and allow us to be a part of something special, something that you can carry with you forever. Playing high school football is one of those opportunities. It challenges you to commit yourself to the habits of a champion. Form Champion habits and your habits will form you. Being a champion means an unconditional, everyday, commitment that you make to be the best player and person you can be. It means consistency and toughness. Champions have big goals and the guts to punish themselves to get there. Being Champions means paying the price. The bigger the challenge the bigger the price. Being a football Player is not an easy task. But what thing in life that makes us proud comes easy? Champion Teams are teams that prepare together, work together, and play together. They have that special bond, that trust that each individual is going to do their part, to the best of their ability. Champion Teams do not accept mediocrity or excuses. They demand effort and loyalty to one another and the team. Champion Teams understand the concept of family and that each member is a valued and respected member of that family, to be supported. Football is the greatest team game around because it cannot be cheated. A team and it's members get out of it exactly what they put in. Talent alone without character and hard work gets you nowhere. Each year the state is filled with talented losing teams. Our football teams have traditionally had men of character and a tradition of guts and toughness in preparation that helps them win games. Football calls on you and challenges you to demand the best out of yourself and each other. It will be one of the most demanding and rewarding challenges you take on. It helps you to find the formula for success, not only in football but in life. That formula at here in our program includes hard work and commitment. The following is a part of a letter from legendary Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond to his players before the season. "The course content of football is a program that includes loyalty, discipline, and a physical test of your strength, endurance, and courage. It is an experience in sacrifice where you will be asked to sublimate personal goals for team objectives. Football represents a special opportunity for all with enough guts to participate. Your football experience will be a fleeting one, and I urge you to recognize that it is an unforgiving experience in that each game is played just once and the results are invariably related to the extent of your effort in preparation and playing. The game is totally objective. It ignores the spoken work and cares only for what you do as it deals its rewards. It may require an adjustment of your priorities, but I would like to remind you that all of the things that conflict with football can be done repeatedly the rest of our life, but you have only one opportunity to experience the game of football." The pieces are in place, the plan is laid out for you to succeed, now develop yourself, demand more of yourself, harden yourself, through pain, commitment, and sacrifice.

"If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."

Last Revised: February 1 2009

OFFFENSIVE LINE REQUIREMENTS

ATTITUDE You must be businesslike and never let emotion cause you to deviate from your technique. Emotion does not win football games. Proper execution, consistency, smart mental approach, and hard work win football games. You must be unselfish, the team is more important than you are. You must demand of yourself and your teammates. You must possess volition. Your mentality should be described as fiery patience. If you possess the proper attitude, you will attempt to FINISH every block. As the whistle blows, you give the defender one last shove. You must try to put the defender on his back every play. This will ultimately lead to your total domination of the defender.

DESIRE There is a quote by Vince Lombardi that states Mental Toughness is essential for success and we will abide to that belief. We must all posses the desire to be the best at everything we do. We must want to win in everything we do on and off of the field. You must attempt to win every individual battle, we must attempt to dominate every defense, you must attempt to win in every class with an A and when you get knocked down, get back up. With the proper desire and attitude you will find success in everything you do.

PROTECTOR Our job is to protect the skilled position players on offense. You will not allow cheap shots, or unnecessary contact displayed on any of your teammates. We get our guys out from the bottom of the pile, off the sideline and back to huddle.

- We have to be the closest group on this football team in order for the team to have success. We will do whatever is necessary for the team to achieve success.

"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."

Last Revised: February 1 2009

FILM REVIEW WORKSHEET Name and Position: Opponent:

Grading Scale
1Excellent 2-Above Average 3-Average 4Poor

5. Pass Rushing A B C D
Does he fire out or stand up when rushing ? What is his favorite move ? Does he sustain blocks ?

1. The Basics
Who are you facing?

Does he have any noticeable weaknesses?

Does he have a good punch ?

6. Stopping the Run A B C D

Does he have good initial contact ? What must you do to beat this player? Does he tackle well ? Is he disciplined, does he lose his temper? Does he put his head down when firing out ?

2. Agility- Body Control A B C D

Does he play with good bend of knees ? Can he maintain his balance when rushing? Any other comments or notes:

3. Speed / Quickness A B C D
Does he have a quick first step ?

4. Strength / Explosion A B C D
Does he have a good initial punch? Does he jam blockers well? Does he have good lower body strength? Does he have good upper body strength?

Last Revised: February 1 2009

DEMEANOR
BODY POSTURE You must maintain a certain body POSITION on every block, run, or pass. Your feet should be under your armpits. Always bend at the knees; never bend at the waist, to help maintain the proper power angles in your knees and ankles. Your shoulders must be behind your knees putting a slight arch in your back. Always keep your eyes and head up.

NASTINESS Offensive Linemen need to be the most physical, most nasty players on the football team. With that in mind we will play with class & at the same time we will be sure to dominate the man across from us. It takes a special type of person to play offensive line. I believe there is no other position on a football team that is more blue collar than us and we will take pride in that. You must take it as a personal challenge that the 11 men across from you are trying to defeat you.

SPLITS
-Our basic split between linemen will be 1.5 feet. We will line our heads parallel to the centers hip.

W E
2 Feet

M N T
1.5 Feet 1.5 Feet

E
1.5 Feet

1.5 Feet

-However, there are times when we need to adjust based on the defense or the play called (example trap, uncovered in zone). If we adjust to our advantage on runs and passes, the defense will be unable to pick up any keys.

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STANCE
THREE POINT STANCE FEET The feet should be a little wider than your armpits or slightly wider based on body size. Your feet should be parallel to one another or a slight stagger with your outside foot. No more than toe to instep. Your stance should be balanced enough to be able to pick up your hand without falling forward. You must keep your knees aligned with your hips and toes pointed forward to maintain proper power angles. DOWNHAND All fingers and the thumb should be touching the ground in a claw like form. Place hand in the spot where you would have to pick up your eyeball if it fell out of socket. Maintain a slight bend in your elbow. UPHAND Keep the elbow of your up hand outside your knee to keep your shoulders square to the L.O.S. Hand should be relaxed. EYES You must see the defense by looking through your eyebrows with your neck slightly bulled. CONSISTENT Your stance must be the same on every play. We cannot allow the defense to gain an advantage by reading our stance before the snap. No leaning!

Last Revised: February 1 2009

STEPS
The following steps are all shown with the right foot. They are the same with the left foot.
LEAD- This step is straight forward, toes pointing up field. A Lead Step is short and fast, the heel of foot should replace where the toe use to be

REACH- This step should be short and quick at a 45 degree angle, elbows back on first step. Depending on play called, aim point is either defenders hip or crotch. The Backside foot remains pointing forward until taking 2nd step. The 2nd step will gain ground, and you will deliver a blow with 2nd step. If your backside knee finishes in front of the crotch of the defender, this block will be a success

LATERAL Step is short (6-8 inches) and quick to the play side, same length of step as a lead step but you are slightly gaining ground. - As you are taking the first step, your shoulders must remain square to line of scrimmage. On the 2nd step (gather step) should also gain ground (68 inches)

Last Revised: February 1 2009

FLAT PULL Mentally shift weight to backside leg. As you are taking the initial step, throw pulling side elbow back. Play-side foot / toe should be pointing in intended direction. You must maintain a low position (common problem is blocker popping up as he takes step). If pulling to the right, trap with right shoulder and forearm. If pulling to the left, trap with left shoulder and forearm. Your head needs to be on the inside at point of contact. Most importantly, run through the defender, not to him!

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE TERMINOLOGY

HOLE NUMBERING:

X 7 5

LT 3

LG 1

C 0 2

RG 4

RT 6

Y 8

DEFENSIVE LINE SHADES and GAPS:

Last Revised: February 1 2009

DEFENSIVE FRONTS
W E M N T S E W E N M S T E

(4 3 OVER)

4-3 CORNER WALKED

W E T N

M E S

W E

M N

S T E

(5 2 Shade)

(4 4)

M E T N

W T ES

W E

M N

S T $

(46 Bear)

(3-3 Stack)

T (6 2)

B B T N (34)

B T B

Last Revised: February 1 2009

FUNDEMENTALS OF THE POCKET

In Order to have a consistent and productive passing attack, the quarterback must be able to take the snap, retreat into the pocket, be able to see the field, step forward, throw and follow through to get enough zip on the ball to make all the necessary throws. Protecting the passer is a combination of: 1. Technique 2. Communication 3. Timing 4. Leverage and angles 5. Blockers working as a unit 6. Equal Contribution: -Help by uncovered linemen -Always be physical when you have the opportunity. -Physical help can help deter or demoralize a rusher. -Be specific on defensive personnel. -Know if a back is involved in help. Each lineman must know: -Depth of the quarterbacks drop -The spot where the quarterback will throw the ball from -Types of protection -Where your help, if any, will come from - Down and Distance (Scouting Reports will show particular blitz situations)

AVERAGE PROTECTION TIME NEEDED Protection: Time: 61/62 Quick Game 1.8 61/62 5 Step Game 2.4 51/52 5 Man 2.1 67/68 Sprint Out 3.4

Last Revised: February 1 2009

PASS PROTECTION FUNDAMENTALS

FEET The feet must be flat with your weight on your insteps. Toes will point forward to maintain the power angles. Our feet will be no narrower than our armpits and no wider than slightly outside our shoulders. This will give us the best combination of balance, strength, and the ability to move quickly. The feet will be even to a slight toe to instep stagger. Only the outside foot can be staggered. The inside foot must be up at all times. KNEES It is necessary to keep the knees bent. Our knee bend will enable us to move quickly and react to the movement of the defender. Knee bend is the way we lower our center of gravity, which is essential in all of our blocking. WAIST We can never bend at the waist. When linemen get tired they begin to straighten their knees and so they bend at the waist to stay low. However, this does not lower their center of gravity. It does not matter how low your helmet is, it is your center of gravity which is important. Bend in the waist makes you more susceptible to being pulled forward and beaten. No bend in the waist will keep your chest up and form a slight arch in your back. ELBOWS We want our elbows rolled inside. From behind, you should not be able to see your elbows. This will help us to get inside hands and keep the defender from getting into our chest. HANDS Hold your hands chest level in ice pick position. When defender comes near we deliver a blow and continue to deliver blows until we hear the whistle. Keep hands moving like a boxer. The #1 problem I see by linemen in pass protection is dropping their hands after the initial punch SHOULDERS A linemen's shoulders must remain parallel to the L.O.S. for as long as possible. If they are not parallel you will not be able to stop the defender from getting up field. Turning your shoulders will also shorten the path to the QB. So often a tackle has a fast speed rusher to the outside. He is afraid he will get beat around the corner so he turns his shoulders thinking this will help when actually it aids the speed rusher. If the defender makes a move back to the inside when you have turned your shoulders you must drop your inside foot back which opens the door to the QB. Keep your shoulders parallel. CHIN Pull your chin in against your chest when you punch. This will help prevent you from overextending. MOVEMENT You must be able to move and change directions quickly and at the same time maintain your demeanor. For example, if you are moving to Last Revised: February 1 2009

your outside to cover up your target and you take a step with your right foot and then your target moves back inside your next step cannot be with your left foot. If it is, you will have to drop your left foot back, opening the door to the QB. Your footwork must be right , right, left, and right. If you move to your outside to cover up your target by taking a right step then a left and your target moves back to the left your next steps would be left, right or you will narrow your base to much. Remember we must always step parallel to the L.O.S. when we move to the inside. We can give ground to the outside particularly at the tackle position but never give them the inside path to the QB. Depending on scouting analysis, we may widen the tackles splits for certain types of protection. TARGET We must have a target on our pass protection. Most of the time, our target will be a small area above the inside the jersey numbers of the defender. This will enable us to cover up the defender keeping him from getting up the field. By moving our target slightly off the midline, we eliminate the potential to be beat with a quick move to that side. Below is a visual of the intended target area

PUNCH The power from our punch must come from the Lats. The punch itself will only travel six inches. Make contact with the heel of the hand instead of a flat palm. Your hands should be around 5 inches away from each other (imagine having handcuffs on). The heel will serve as a more penetrating punch. If you pull your chin in against your chest it will keep you from lunging. The punch should travel slightly upward in direction. Once you punch, you want to snap your hands back to you as quick as possible and NOT drop them. The tackles should use a one handed punch vs. a wide speed rusher.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

COMMON PASS PROTECTION MISTAKES

A. Not establishing the proper relationship with the rusher. Cover up, Foot to crotch, V of neck. Not concentrating on the target. B. Failure to set quickly. Move feet first-The hands will follow. C. Over aggressiveness- Trying to knock him out instead of punching him. Bend at your knees, not at your waist. D. Dropping your head and losing your balance. E. Too wide of a base, toes pointing out, or straightening the legs and losing mobility. F. Dropping the hands after the initial punch. G. Turning your shoulders parallel to the sideline giving the rusher an open inside lane. H. Widening the elbows, losing your ability to deliver a solid punch. I. Jumping on outside fakes or giving ground too rapidly. J. Being surprised by a change in a rushers technique. Through film analysis, scouting reports, and meetings, we will put you in a position where nothing should be a surprise. K. Allowing the rusher to keep his hands on you. L. Pass protection is not a matter of catching the defender, do not be passive. Take it as a personal challenge of defending your teammates. M. Bending at the waist. By doing so, you are setting yourself up for a swim move by the defensive linemen.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

PASS BLOCKING COUNTERS TO DLINE MOVES

SWIM Swat the defender's club hand with your outside hand. Punch your inside hand through the defenders inside number. RIP Clothesline defender with outside arm and punch inside arm in the lower back of the defender, or punch your outside arm on defender's inside hip and run him past QB. Keep outside hand in a fist to prevent a face-mask penalty. BULL Use an uppercut, lifting style of punch, to lift his head and get separation. If his head is really low on his rush, snatch the top of his shoulder pads and snap the defender to the ground. If the defender's arms are locked inside of yours, pop the defender up, pushing up underneath his forearms near the elbow. SPIN Important to stay square and keep your hands on the defender. When he initiates the spin, keep your hands on him and maintain separation. Mirror defender with your feet. Give a little ground if you have to but d ont lose contact. PULL- If you make contact with your helmet and lose your demeanor it is more likely that the defender will use this type of pass rush. Snap your head back on contact and give the defender nothing to grab. Sink your butt down and get separation. DELAYED RUSH Do not overextend or lunge at defender. Be patient. Let the defender make the first move. Let him come to you, even if that means taking a step backwards. This pass rush is common with line stunts.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Pass Protection Introduction

Depending on defensive personnel, defensive structures, blitzes, dogs, line stunts, slants, twists and personnel match-ups, it is important to incorporate half and full-line slide protection schemes into the 3 and 5-step passing game. Slide protection is a zone protection scheme. This means we dont chase defenders. Offensive linemen must be very efficient when they execute the slide protection scheme as it relates to the 3-step or 5-step launch point of the quarterback. Half-line slide protection is a zone protection scheme to the slide (or call) side. The center will make the call and the guards will echo the call. Each offensive lineman to the call side is responsible for blocking a specific gap. It is crucial the offensive linemen to the call side maintain the proper spacing in order to decrease the pass rush lanes for the defense. Most of the time we will slide away from the tight end; however, that may vary depending on our opponents defensive structure and blitz package for that week. If you pay attention in position group meetings, give your best effort in practice, study film and this manual, and most importantly ask questions, I have no doubts that you will succeed as an offensive linemen in our program.

WE WILL PUT YOU IN A POSITION TO SUCEED BUT YOU MUST EXECUTE !

TEACHING PROGRESSION WE WILL BE UTILIZING:

We will be filming and reviewing as many practice sessions as possible for further evaluation and teaching.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

PASS PROTECTION TERMINOLOGY AND CALLS

Last Revised: February 1 2009

60/61 Quick Pass Protection Slide Protection Tips:

Eyes must always be in your gap NEVER give inside leverage to the defender Know where your help is The length of the slide step should be in accordance with the alignment of the defender Stab and ride with inside hand and always keep outside hand/shoulder open SLIDE SIDE FOOT ALWAYS MOVES FIRST BALANCE It is imperative that you keep your weight centered between their ankles and hips; on the insteps of feet. Leaning too far forward or backwards is a recipe for defeat

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Last Revised: February 1 2009

67/68 Sprint Out Pass Protection Rules:

Back will go to the call side D gap (7 left, 8 right) RB is also responsible for recognizing +1 rush threat (defense is bringing 1 more than we can block= scat release) Line will also slide step to call side BST (and BSG if uncovered) will step and hinge but still protection their inside gap Do not just step and catch the defender. We want to step and attack the defender.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Last Revised: February 1 2009

51/52 5 Man Pass Protection Rules:

Man Protection Scheme 51= QB is responsible for 6th rusher from left 52= QB is responsible for 6th rusher from right 5 on 5, QB is responsible for 6th defender OL is responsible for down linemen and most dangerous LB Covered OL= Man on Uncovered OL= Post step inside then vertical set with eyes open

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Last Revised: February 1 2009

RUN GAME TECHNIQUES AND TERMINOLOGY

Blue- Combo block between the FST and TE n a DT working to the assigned LB . Both players should have eyes on LB to determine who will come off the combo block.

Boss- A tag on counter plays, signaling that the backside tight end or H back instead of backside tackle will be pulling. Bucket- Taking a 45 degree drop step with playside foot, then on 2nd step with backside foot, take a 45 degree step towards play side , trying to gain ground laterally and vertically, trying to seal off defender. Primarily used on toss and sweep. Bronze- Snap count is on three Carolina- Call used in zone scheme by center for help from backside guard Cut (KNIFE)- Fire backside shoulder through defender between his playside hip and knee. Aim for a yard behind him. Once you hit the ground roll into the legs of the defender to insure he goes down. Cutoff - Primarily used by backside tackles, it is a quick, 45 degree reach step towards play side but instead of sealing defender, you cut him off from play side and continue on your rail until you reach a defender. Do not let the defender cross your face. (SEE EXAMPLE BELOW)

Dave- Used to make a down block call on a defender to the inside of you DART- Dip and Rip Through technique. Step aggressively with the inside foot for the outside armpit of the assigned LB (Use lateral 1st step). Square your second step up the field as you Rip your off arm through. If the defensive

Last Revised: February 1 2009

lineman crosses your face drive him down allowing no penetration. Work up to assigned LB, if he is not there work to backside LB. E.M.O.L.- The last man on the line of scrimmage on defense Fold- Call made for a block by two adjacent linemen where the outside blocker blocks down and the inside blocker will step behind and move up to linebacker (SEE EXAMPLE BELOW)

Georgia- Call used in zone scheme by backside guard to backside tackle Gold- Snap count is on one Greg- Call used in zone scheme by playside guard to an uncovered center Influence- Guard shows pass, or fakes reach, to trick defender, setting him up to be trapped. The guard must then attack the inside number of the defender to his outside. Inside Drive- Quick lateral step towards backside, then with playside foot step towards defender and block him north-south. Pull and Seal- The guard or tackle will pivot and use drop step to clear penetration, at the same time throwing the inside elbow back (Playside elbow to hip pocket). Move quickly to the playside tackle area keeping shoulders at a 45-degree angle to the LOS and eyes on the frontside LB. Read what has transpired and duck upfield to block the playside LB. Move tight off the block of the playside T or TE. Get shoulders square to L.O.S. and attack frontside LBs outside number to seal inside, if frontside LB is wide drive him out. Pull and Trap- The guard will pull at an upfield angle in order to anticipate a quick pinch by the man who is to be trapped. The guard will pivot and push on his backside foot, at the same time throwing the playside elbow back (Playside elbow to hip pocket). The front side foot should gain ground up and into the line (The shorter the trap the sharper the angle). Trap the defender with the same shoulder as the direction you are moving, making contact with the same shoulder, same foot technique to ensure maximum power. The

Last Revised: February 1 2009

aiming point should be the near hip of the defender. If no defender shows or runs upfield, turn towards the goal line and look for another defender. (SEE

EXAMPLE BELOW)

Rail- Your blocking path on a particular play. Red- Combo block between the Center and FSG on a NT working to the assigned LB . Both players should have eyes on LB to determine who will come off the combo block. RED/WHITE/BLUE COMBO BLOCK *- Used to control a down lineman and LB. The outside (drive) man will step laterally with his inside foot for the hip of the defender to his inside. If he slants out or plays straight, drive him by working him up field.. If he slants away, your next step will be up field for the play side armpit of the linebacker. Stay 1 yd. underneath LB, shoulders parallel to L.O.S. never take on LB on other side of center . The inside (post) of the two lineman will step with the backside foot and rip the down defender with his playside arm on the defenders inside number. He will get movement with the outside blocker to linebacker depth and then come off to the assigned LB. If the down defender slants to the backside gap, the inside lineman will continue on his track and take him down, not allowing penetration. If a LB should step up and blitz into the inside gap, the inside lineman will come off the combo and block the LB (Dave call). (SEE EXAMPLE BELOW)

SCOOP- Used in outside zone blocking scheme plays (toss, sweep). The covered or outside lineman will step with his play side foot getting width and depth, taking a 45 degree angle (Reach Step). The second step will be Last Revised: February 1 2009

tremendously aggressive, with the shoulders square and directly upfield. The covered mans initial aiming point must be slightly to the outside of the defenders play side number. If the defender stays, work off the block as you feel the uncovered lineman take over the block. If the defender slants inside, stay square and work upfield to the LB. The uncovered lineman will step with his play side foot, getting width and depth up the field, keeping his shoulders square as he attempts to read the play side number of the down defender. If the number stays there, or comes to him, he will take over the block. If the number goes away, he will stay on track upfield and block the LB. The inside lineman must eyeball the LB as he steps to the defenders outside number. If the LB fills or blitzes, he will take the LB right now . (SEE EXAMPLE BELOW)

Silver- Snap count is on two Smoke- Call made by lineman notifying lineman next to you of a linebacker creeping up to the line of scrimmage Solo- Call used by blocker when no help is needed to base block a defender. Texas- Call used in zone scheme by backside tackle to backside Tight End Ted- Call used in zone scheme by playside tight end to an uncovered playside tackle Tom- Call used in zone scheme by playside tackle to an uncovered playside guard White- Combo block between the FSG and FST on a DT working to the assigned LB. Both players should have eyes on LB to determine who will come off the combo block.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

ZONE BLOCKING
WHAT IS ZONE BLOCKING ? Zone blocking is a style of blocking that allows for those blocking to block an area and not be specifically tied to a particular defender. Two players work in unison to block an area for the ball carrier, rather than working alone. WHY USE ZONE BLOCKING ? Great for teams with depth issues on the offensive line Very little adjustments need to be made week to week Less pulling and individual blocks, more combo blocks= better execution in the 4th quarter The desire of the line is more important than the scheme The Zone play is an attitude play, if you do your job, we will never have runs for negative yardage FOOTWORK: The initial movement of the lineman begins with two steps. If a lineman is covered, there is a lead step and a gather step If a lineman is uncovered, there is a lateral step (gaining ground) and a gather step WHAT THE TAILBACK IS READING ON ZONE? 1st defensive lineman past Center (shade does not count). Do not be concerned with 2nd level defenders but keep eyes open for them as you combo block Driving the DL into 2nd level causes creases to open for the ball carrier

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Last Revised: February 1 2009

 DART- Call made when play calls for blocker to Dip And Rip Through the head up or shaded defender to allow a trap / kick out or read (i.e. backside T.E. on zone read vs. outside D.E.)

Last Revised: February 1 2009

ZONE RIGHT CALLS VS. 5-2

ZONE RIGHT CALLS VS. 3-3

ZONE RIGHT CALLS VS. 4-3

Last Revised: February 1 2009

ZONE RIGHT CALLS VS. 4-4

AIMING POINT:

Near number of the defender

The Must-Know Basics:

Always step with your playside foot first Second step should always gain ground Never block back on zone Each blocker should have 1 hand on the defender while keeping their eyes on the 2nd level defender You are not responsible for a man, you are responsible for your playside gap only Last Revised: February 1 2009

COMMON QUESTIONS ON ZONE BLOCKING

When do I come off the double team to the Linebacker ?

Do not worry about the linebacker unless he is directly head up on you. As you are combo blocking with your teammate, when the linebacker invades your personal space (2-3 feet) is when you would come off and get your hands on his near number and drive him backwards.
When do I stop chasing the Defensive Lineman if he slants away from me ?

If the defensive lineman slants away from you into the backside gap (for example, youre an O-T and the D-Lineman slants into the B gap), you would NOT chase him. If the defensive lineman slants into your gap, you will stay on him trying to keep your shoulders as square to the line of scrimmage as possible.
If I am uncovered, and my teammate to the play-side is covered, and the D.L. on him slants into the gap away from me, what do I do?

Keep your eyes open for a stunt. If no stunt, you would then continue on your tracks, protecting your gap while keeping an eye on the linebacker. Remember in every solid defense, some defender is responsible for every gap.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Week: ___________________

AGILITY
Ladder Fit & Drive & FINISH Fit & Drive & React

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

RUN BLOCKING
Stance Starts Gold/Silver Landmarks - Splits Area-Near Knee- LB Prog. Lead Lateral Reach Down Pull (trap, seal) Demeanor (COMPETE) Solo Blocks DART Blocks Scoop(Rip, Reach, Overtake) Double Covered Zone Combos vs. 40 Zone Combos vs. Slanting DL Zone Combos vs. 50 Zone Combos vs. Bear Zone Combos vs. 60 LB Personal Space Decision Zone Combos vs. Blitz Threat Scraping Over-the-top LBs Review Zone Calls Red/White/Blue Sled Get off ground / hurry up

PASS PRO
61/62 Quick Protection 50/51 5 Man Protection 81/82 Sprint Out Protection Knife Mirror Punch, Leverage and Control Screens Responsibilities- IDs Blitz pick-up Play action Smoke Switch

Name:_______________________

Coach:________________

Last Revised: February 1 2009

SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA (Sunday Night Meeting) 1. Roll call, agenda review, announcements, Linemen of the Game Award (10) 2. Distribute Previous Game Grade Sheets (5) 3. Previous Game Run Game Review (20)
Choose 4-5 players to verbally grade particular play in front of group

4. Re-energize activity and bathroom break (5) 5. Previous Game Pass Protection Review (20)
Choose 4-5 players to verbally grade particular play in front of group

6. Upcoming Week Group Goal (5) 7. Review practice plan for tomorrow (5)

Last Revised: February 1 2009

3 Rules:
Do the best you can. Show people that you care. Do the right thing.

If you can follow these 3 rules, you will be not only successful on the field, but in life.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME:

Enthusiasm. I will give you my absolute best effort to help you reach your goals and become better football players and men Honesty. I will tell you how it is whether it is good or bad and I expect the same honesty in return Fairness. I will only do what is best for the team Discipline. Always do the right thing. Communication. I am open to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week about things on and off the field. My contact information is on the following page.

Last Revised: February 1 2009

Kyle McElvany Offensive Line Assistant Football Coach Phone- (734) 652-6822 Email- kyle_mcelvany@hotmail.com

Last Revised: February 1 2009