Offensive Line Drills

• By Rick Bouch

Pass Protection Drillon Drillrill

Purpose: To teach offensive linemen to sustain and finish pass blocks

Execution: An offensive lineman goes up against a defensive lineman. Coaches set up a stand-up dummy

to represent a quarterback standing in the pocket. On a coach’s signal, the offensive lineman pass sets

and the defensive lineman uses various pass rush techniques to get to the dummy and record a “sack.”

The offensive lineman will attempt to prevent his opponent from reaching the dummy prior to a coach’s

whistle signaling the end of the drill.

Fold Drillld Drillrill

Purpose: To teach the fold block

Execution: A pair of offensive linemen work together against a defensive lineman (or dummy) and a

linebacker. With a guard and tackle working against a 3-technique for example, the tackle executes a

down block using inside technique to engage the defensive lineman. The guard, or fold blocker, executes

a bucket step to allow the tackle to clear, rips through, and proceeds to block the linebacker.

Stance & Start & Starttart

Purpose: To teach proper stance and takeoff

Execution: A group of offensive linemen align in proper 2-point or 3-point stance. The eyes are up with

good bend in the knees and hips. Once the stance is perfect, a coach will give a cadence and all linemen

will maintain good leverage while moving as close to full speed as possible for five yards.

Double Teamble TeamTeam

Purpose: To teach proper technique and movement of the double team block

Execution: A pair of offensive linemen work against one defensive lineman. On command, the offensive

players work together to drive the defender backwards. Both offensive linemen must work to stay

square and not allow the defender to split the double team. The defender will resist, but eventually he

should be moved off of the line of scrimmage. The drill can also be used with a second level defender

and one of the offensive linemen can work off of the double team to that linebacker.

Double Team: Playside & Backside Player

The Draw Blockaw Blocklock

Purpose: To teach correct execution of the draw block

Execution: The drill can be done in a 1-on-1, 2-on-2, half-line, or full line setting. Offensive linemen will

pass set with power and then determine the direction of the defensive lineman. Once the defender

begins moving, the offensive lineman works to execute essentially what amounts to a drive block. He

drives the defender where he wants to go and does not allow him to cross his face.

L Drill>L Drillrill

Purpose: To improve explosiveness and agility

Execution: A coach sets up a two cones five yards apart. To the right of one of the cones, another cone is

placed five yards from it making the shape of an “L”. On command, a player sprints to the first cone and

back. The player then turns and sprints back again looping around the cone and turning right toward the

cone on the far right. After looping around that cone, the player retraces and turns left at the next cone

and sprints through the starting line.

Power Step & Kick Stepick StepStep

Purpose: To teach proper execution of the power step and the kick step

Execution: A coach sets up two lines of cones approximately three to five yards apart. On command, the

offensive lineman will power step across to the first cone. Then, he will kick step as if in pass protection

diagonally to the next cone. This process of power step and kick step is repeated until the player reaches

the final cone. Coaches emphasize good demeanor. The drill can be done in both directions.

Ball Punchll Punchunch

Purpose: To train the hands in the punching of defenders

Execution: An offensive lineman placed a medicine ball on the ground in front of him. From a good initial

position, the lineman picks up the ball and pushes, i.e. punches, the medicine ball to a partner standing

five to eight yards away. The drill trains an offensive lineman to punch a defender who is rushing at him.

The drill can be used as a warm-up too.

Cut Off Blockff Blocklock

Purpose: To teach proper execution of the Cut Off Block

Execution: A defender holding a shield or dummy lines up across from an offensive lineman. The

defender can line up head up or on the inside shade of the offensive lineman. On command, the

offensive lineman will work to ‘cut off’ the defender from making a play on a ball carrier. The lineman

steps with his inside foot and attempts to make contact with his outside shoulder pad with the

defender. Coaches emphasize the offensive lineman keeping his shoulders in front of the defensive

player to cut off any penetration.

Duck Walk Drilllk Drillrill

Purpose: To teach proper body demeanor in coming out of a stance

Execution: Offensive linemen get into a full squat position with the feet shoulder width apart. The heels

should be turned slightly outward. On command, the linemen advance 10 yards forward in the ‘duck

walk’ position. The drill is repeated with the linemen duck walking backward.

Drive Block Drillck Drillrill

Purpose: To teach proper execution of the drive block

Execution: For optimal results, this drill can be done in the chutes. Offensive linemen begin in a good

stance. A defender holding a shield or bag lines up across from the lineman. On command, the offensive

lineman uses the proper footwork to fire out and fit into the defender. After the fit, the lineman will

drive the defender with the shield or bag a pre-determined length. Coaches stress a good base, good fit,

and proper finish.

Hand Combat Drillat Drillrill

Purpose: To help offensive linemen deal with defensive linemen’s hands

Execution: An offensive lineman and a defender work against one another. The pair start in an engaged

position. The offensive lineman is in pass protection and the defensive lineman has his hands on the

offensive player. On command, the defender tries to remove the hands of the blocker. The blocker tries

to avoid this by rotating his arms and hands accordingly. The drill can progress to add kick steps by the

offensive lineman. It can also progress to start from a stance. Coaches emphasize the offensive lineman

maintaining leverage and executing forceful punches.

Check out more recommended offensive line drills & courses

Up Front Offensive Line System by Dave Christensen

Advanced Pass Pro Training System with Coach Paul Alexander and Willie Anderson

MacAttack COURSE 12: Offensive Line Drills by Jason McManus