How can i avoid blockers?

Question

My position now is defensive end, however i can play olb. When i play olb i have only one problem when getting to the ball, i cant get away from the blockers and i get tied up to much to make a play. how can i shed or avoid all the blockers so i can be the olb i think i have the potential to be.

Answer 1

You are supposed to be blocked...
remember the purpose of that block...it tells you the ball is coming your way as an OLB.

First and foremost...trying to avoid the block is NOT a trait of any linebacker I coach: you have to know how to go through the blocker and fill the C gap.

Your first steps should always be forward (except in a cover 3) while you read the play.

The first and easiest technique is called the "hold and shield".
As you approach the LOS - knees under your shoulders - extend your inside hand, thumb up and catch the inside shoulder of your blocker, low and to the outside edge of his breast plate....the whole time watching for the ball carrier...keep your arm extended and never lose contact....he's now your shield against any other blockers. Use this leverage to position yourself directly in front of him so he cannot seal you off.

When you find the ball carrier...he is looking for the a@@ of your blocker and hoping to get outside...typically there's a full back leading the way to blow you out...so use your "shield" and put the fat body in the path of the full back.

This should shut down your gap forcing the ball carrier outside for you to to angle block and drive to the ground....so keep your head outside and in front...if not - pull your fat body down and take your man.

The second technique is similar..."Hit and shed".
Take the blocker in the same manner...but instead of catching his breast plate...put your inside shoulder there and deliver a forearm shiver to his exposed midsection.
Always keep your outside arm and leg unencumbered.
When you deliver this blow...the force will be enough to get you past him and towards your gap....be weary of a leading blocker...
always stay to the outside - forcing the ball carrier to the middle where you have more help.

The last technique i use is for strong, powerful linebackers...I call it "Stand up and drive". When that lineman initiates the seal....hit him low, head to the outside, both palms against the lower borders of his breast plate...thumbs up...
PUSH AND LIFT his shoulderpads...he will stand right up ...then keep driving him back to the line of scrimmage while you're looking for the ball carrier.

Against a weaker opponent - don't be suprised if you tackle that ball carrier by driving his own fat lineman right into him.
Also: if you apply this technique a little too low (below the breast plate...like in the diaphragm)...you might knock the wind out of the lineman and take him out of the game for a series.

I hope this helps and it applies to DEs as well.

Keep your outside arm free as a DE - contain the quarterback. Never go deeper than 3 yards unless you're in hot persuit of the quarterback. You have "deepest man" trail requirements if the ball goes away from you.

Answer 2

lol LUCKIELY i play middle linebacker sumtimes and im a star at saftey so i can tell u what EXACTLLY what it is u have to do

wen approching an offensive player u do the same ish that u do as a d linemen trying to get away from an o line men except the guy is probelly gona be alot smaller and u can rip him out ur way if u noe how to do that or sumtimes its good to take on the blocker quicker than he gets too u because than some 1 else can make the tackle and save the offense getting a score if the coach see's u doing it than he will like it but if u dont than just rip him or what to c what develops in the play than if just the back comes to ur side smoke him if the full back comes to just rip him and take out the runnin back

Answer 3

Avoiding blockers is problematic since it's their job to block you. What you want to do is shed them quickly. I recommend using power hand movements... don't let them grab your jersey & lock onto you. Improve your hand/wrist strength & perhaps learn some basic martial arts hand-to-hand moves. This will increase your arm strength & fluidity. A fast, downward swim or slapping hand motion can help you get past blockers & reach the ball carrier w/ speed. Flexability will also allow you to get into positions lineman aren't equipped to exploit. Sometimes bigger is just an empediment. Good Luck~

Answer 4

i was a MLB what you need to do is work on speed and get low!!!!!!!!!and try not to make the contact with the blocker use the swim move if you can its an easy move but it works and when your low coming in from the out side vs a tackle you should have more speed then him go across his body with your opposite arm don't let him get too close to you pop him and move that's the key pop and move !!!!!!!!! or as soon as the snap goes make it look like your going to make contact and throw your arm over him in the gap the faster your get your body through the gap the faster you get to the quarterback. and he can't black you if your low and fast low man always wins!

Answer 5

Charles Haley and Deacon Jones used the head slap-a hard open palm to the side of the helmet-right on the ear.

LT and Derrick Thomas used the spin move-move towards the OL at full speed and spin just before you can make contact.

Or just do what Brian Cox used to do. He used to imagine that his opponent had raped his mother or wife. If that doesn't get you pissed enough to blow that dude out of your way nothing will.

Answer 6

Tons of leg press work...work on your explosiveness...speed and agility..fine tune the swim move..learn to turn and twist..work, work, work

Answer 7

eat alot of fiber and drink lots of water and increase your activity.

Answer 8

i dont know i am a aussie