Run Blocking Drills: Improving Power and Precision

Run blocking is the unsung hero of a successful running game in football. A cohesive offensive line can be the difference between a breakout play and a loss of yardage. To achieve this, players need to master both power and precision in their blocking techniques. Whether you're a player looking to elevate your game or a coach aiming to build a formidable line, these drills are designed to fine-tune those essential skills.

Importance of Power and Precision

Power is crucial for creating push against the defensive line, while precision ensures proper targeting and engagement with defenders. Balancing these aspects allows for consistent and effective run blocking. Here’s how you can bring them together through targeted drills:

Drill 1: The Gauntlet Drill

Purpose: Improve initial contact power and follow-through in blocks.

Setup:

6-8 blocking pads
Line up the pads in a staggered format to mimic a defensive line

Execution:

Stance and Start: Players begin in a three-point stance.
Engage: At the whistle, the player explodes from their stance and engages the first pad with equal force.
Drive: Continue through each pad, maintaining low pad level and driving with legs.

Table - Gauntlet Drill Breakdown:

Phase	Focus	Key Points
Start	Explosion	Low pad level, fast burst
Engage Pad 1	Initial Hit	Strong hands, chest-to-chest
Engage Pad 2	Sustained Push	Maintain leverage, keep feet active
Through Pad	Follow-Through	Drive through, finish strong

Drill 2: Ladder Footwork

Purpose: Enhance footwork precision and agility.

Setup:

Agility ladder

Execution:

Basic Steps: Begin with two feet in each square, focusing on quick, controlled movements.
Lateral Movement: Transition to side shuffles, ensuring feet stay inside the ladder squares.
Change of Direction: Incorporate directional changes at the command of the coach, emphasizing quick foot placement and balance.

Table - Ladder Footwork Progression:

Phase	Movement	Key Points
Basic Steps	Two Feet In	Quick, controlled movements
Side Shuffle	Lateral Steps	Balance, feet stay in ladder squares
Directional Change	Coach's Command	Quick reaction, foot placement certainty

Drill 3: Combo Blocking

Purpose: Develop precision in executing combo blocks with a teammate.

Setup:

Partner pairings (one offensive lineman, one defensive player)
Blocking sled

Execution:

Communication: Pre-snap communication between linemen on target defender.
Initial Double Team: Execute double team block on defensive lineman, focusing on shared leverage.
Peel Off: One lineman peels off to second-level defender, ensuring the initial block maintains its strength.

Table - Combo Blocking Steps:

Phase	Role	Key Points
Pre-snap	Communication	Identify target, clear call-outs
Double Team	Initial Engagement	Share leverage, strong initial hit
Peel Off	Second-level Move	Smooth transition, maintain strength in block

Conclusion

Improving run blocking requires a harmonious balance of power and precision. Incorporating these drills into your training routine will enhance your ability to execute effective blocks, pave the way for the running game, and ultimately lead to more successful offensive plays. Whether you're the bulldozer or the tactician, mastering these skills will elevate your role in the game.

Remember, it's not just about the muscles; it's about the synergy between power and precision, transforming chaos into calculated execution on the gridiron.