DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Sports

Football: How to Block

Sports >> Football >> Football Strategy

Blocking practice before the game
Source: US Army
Blocking is one of the main components of tackle football. It enables small fast running backs to escape into the open field. It also gives the quarterback time to throw the ball. Every offensive player on the field needs to be able to block. This is especially true of the offensive linemen whose primary job is blocking.

Stance

When linemen set up at the line of scrimmage they get into a stance that helps them to move into a blocking position quickly. The most common stance is the three-point stance.

blockers in stance
Source: US Navy
Three-point Stance - Linemen can run or pass block from the three-point stance. To get into a three point stance, do the following: In passing only situations, you can use a two-point stance. This is where neither hand is on the ground but held up and ready to pass block.

The Snap Count

One of the advantages the offensive line has over the defense is the snap count. By concentrating on the snap count and beginning your block the second the ball is snapped, you can gain an advantage on the defender. This takes concentration as you don't want to take off early and get a false start penalty.

Run Blocking

In run blocking the idea is to drive the defender away from an area. This may be straight ahead or off to the side in order to create a hole for the running back to run through. There are a number of types of blocking techniques used in run blocking including the drive block, double team block, trap block, and crack back block.

When run blocking you want to: Pass Blocking

In passing situations, offensive linemen are looking to protect the quarterback. They form a pocket around the quarterback and keep the defenders from getting through. Each lineman should have an assigned defender to block. Sometimes two linemen will be assigned to one player in a double-team block.

To pass block you want to:


More Football Links:

Rules
Football Rules
Football Scoring
Timing and the Clock
The Football Down
The Field
Equipment
Referee Signals
Football Officials
Violations that Occur Pre-Snap
Violations During Play
Rules for Player Safety
Positions
Player Positions
Quarterback
Running Back
Receivers
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Linebackers
The Secondary
Kickers
Strategy
Football Strategy
Offense Basics
Offensive Formations
Passing Routes
Defense Basics
Defensive Formations
Special Teams

How to...
Catching a Football
Throwing a Football
Blocking
Tackling
How to Punt a Football
How to Kick a Field Goal

Biographies
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Jerry Rice
Adrian Peterson
Drew Brees
Brian Urlacher

Other
Football Glossary
National Football League NFL
List of NFL Teams
College Football

Back to Football

Back to Sports



Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.