PHILOSOPHY
BEHIND THE BULLDOG DRIVE BLOCK
Two
years ago I had the chance to hear Steve Loney, the Iowa State
offensive coordinator and O-Line coach. Since that time
I have taken Coach Loney's 4 phases of the drive block plus
my own beliefs and created an o-line Philosophy. If you
have ever had the chance to hear or see Coach Loney's
beliefs on the drive block progression this will be nothing
new to you.
In my
opinion all blocks derive from the basic drive block.
It is essential that this technique is taught first and given
the proper amount of quality instructional time. When
I teach the drive block I use the two hand punch technique.
This is not the only way to teach this block. It is
up to you as the coach to decide which technique is right
for your lineman.
These are
the notes That I put together for a mini-clinic with our staff.
I. The Drive Block
A. This block is used at the point
of attack when you have the option of taking the defender in
any direction.
B. The block should be taught in 4 phases.
II. Phases
A. Approach- Begins when you leave the huddle and
ends when contact is made.
1. Alignment- this is your own personal preference
2. Stance- this is your
own personal preference
3. Starts- first step ties second step wins, important
to get the second step out of the box and planted
before the defensive lineman does: if both the offensive and
defensive player are taking
the same first step, it is then important to get the second
step in the ground quickly
to gain the inside leverage. The first step should be
a quick 6 to 8 inch power step just outside
the defenders base. The next step needs to be knee to
crotch. Aiming points are very
important in training the young lineman and should not be
over looked.
B. Contact Phase- Begins at after the first step
is made and continues to the whistle is blown.
1. Fit-Form Up- aiming points: screws of the helmet
at the middle of the play side # grab
cloth at pits
2. 1 step contact- done after the form up while still
in the fit position (see drill sheet)
3. Form a Triangle- screws of the helmet and hands should
form a triangle
C. Follow Through- Continues
from contact and ends when the whistle has blown
1. 3rd step phase get down hill movement continue to
the whistle blows 4th step, 5th, 6th, etc.....
2. Defender disengages accelerate feet climb and go
for the pancake
3. 100% drill sustaining and straining. Live drill with
shields, players block for 15 to 20 yards
I sometimes like to surprise my players
and will do this in pre practice
D. Attitude Phase
1. Teaching Attitude
a. Directly- Telling the player the outcome of his assignment
if done correctly.
b. Indirectly- Your actions or reactions to certain
situations(Steve Loney, Iowa Sate)
c. Player selection- select players to that can
the job done!
d. Remember: Try to be the coach on your staff that allways
has something positive to say a bout a
kid!
III.
General O-Line Blocks
A. Combination Block
1. Technique (bulldog run
page)
B. Down Block
1. Technique (bulldog
run page)
a. aiming point is near hip of defender
b. step with the near foot towards the defender
c. drive feet until whistle blows
C. Double Team Block.
1. Cover lineman
2. stand defender up (bulldog run page)
D. Trap Block
1. Short quick step slightly parallel with the LOS.
Whip elbow around to help turn body.
2. Short trap make contact v of the neck slide head
to backside to prevent the roll off
IV.
Alternate Blocks
A. Scramble Block / Cut block
1. Technique
a. scramble place helmet and shoulders
outside play side knee don't drop head
b. cut block place helmet inside play side knee punch
hand outside knee
c. Keep feet moving grab grass keep pressure and bear
crawl
B. Lunge Block (goal line)
1. same technique as the drive block but lower harder
and faster.
C. Arch Release (T.E.)
1. T.E. block used to block a loose playing lb or safety
2. Step with play side foot to the side line and continue
flat with eyes on the target
3. Maintain a outside relationship.
D. Reach Block
1. Technique
a. fist step almost flat outside the defender's base
b. second step inside the defenders play side leg
c. aiming point is # on play side sleeve
d. accelerate your feet-flat back
e. overtake the defender with your hips
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