Pass Protection: Holding the Edge on the Right Side

Pass Protection: Holding the Edge on the Right Side

Pass protection is a crucial aspect of an offensive line's success in football, especially for a right tackle tasked with defending against some of the most explosive edge rushers. Let's dive deep into the techniques and strategies that empower a right tackle to excel in pass protection.

Key Techniques for Effective Pass Protection

1. Footwork: Establishing a Solid Base

Footwork is the foundation of great pass protection. Here's how you can ensure top-notch footwork:

• Kick Slide: Implement a disciplined kick slide to maintain balance and alignment. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and slide them back diagonally to match the defender's movements.
• Quick Feet: Stay light on your toes and be ready to make quick adjustments. Use short, controlled steps to avoid being knocked off balance by the defender's moves.
• Anchor Step: When you feel a strong bull rush coming, use an anchor step to plant your inside foot firmly, providing a solid base to absorb the force.

2. Hand Placement: Striking with Precision

Proper hand placement can make or break your pass protection capabilities:

• Punch Technique: Engage defenders with a quick, controlled punch. Aim for their chest plate to jolt them and halt their forward momentum.
• Refit and Reset: Oftentimes, defenders will try to swat your hands away. Practice quickly refitting and resetting your hands to re-establish control.
• Independent Hand Usage: Train to use each hand independently, allowing you to counter moves from different directions effectively.

3. Leverage: Mastering the Art of Balance

Leverage is about using your body mechanics to maintain an advantage over the defender:

• Low Pad Level: Play with a low pad level to maximize your leverage. Bend at the knees, not the waist, and keep your back straight.
• Strong Core: A strong core helps you maintain balance and resist being overpowered. Focus on core-strengthening exercises to enhance stability.
• Timing and Strength: Combine timing with brute strength to resist the defender’s rush. Anticipate their moves and apply force strategically to sustain your position.

Coaching Wisdom: Drills and Practice Tips

Here's some valuable coaching wisdom to sharpen your pass protection skills:

1. Mirror Drill: This drill enhances your ability to mirror the defender's movements. Set up a cone-based path and mimic the defender's rush, focusing on footwork and hand placement.
2. Punch Bag Drill: Use a heavy bag to practice punch techniques. Work on delivering powerful, controlled punches and refitting your hands quickly.
3. Leverage Line Drill: Work on maintaining leverage by engaging and driving against a sled. Focus on keeping a low pad level and using your legs for power.

Conclusion

Becoming an elite right tackle in pass protection is not just about physical strength—it's about mastering techniques and developing the right habits. Focus on disciplined footwork, precise hand placement, and superior leverage to keep your quarterback clean. By blending player knowledge with coaching wisdom, any right tackle can dominate the edge and anchor their offensive line.

Remember: Practice these techniques with dedication and intensity, both in individual drills and live scenarios, to hold the edge like a pro.