How can i be a better offensive lineman?

Question

I am a very inexperienced offensive lineman, i never played football untill i tried out for the football team my freshman year which i made, i started at defensive tackle strictly because i could hit, i finally got the form down but then the next year they put me at offensive line, a whole different position i had to learn, my aggressiveness and run blocking ability got me a spot on varsity in 10th grade, i am very undersized i weigh about 200 pounds, i lean alot when i block but since i am undersized its hard to get my back straight and move people off the ball, what lifts or tricks can i do to move those big boys/fast athletic lineman off the ball this year?

Answer 1

My answer may be a basic one, but hopefully it will help you.

First, lift weights. Do cleans, squats, and bench. Clean is the most important kind of weight lifting, then is the squat. Do not waste too much time making your chest look like it can fit into C-cup.

Second, make sure you keep your feet moving when pushing another player. It's the most basic technique yet people, especially when they are outpowered, often forget. Keep them moving always.

Third, stun the guy you are supposed to block in a rushing play. The best way to stun him is to be quick on the snap and give him a head-to-head collision to start with. Football prohibits head-to-head collision like basketball prohibits any physical contact; meaning, it's in the rulebook but no one gives ****, especially when it comes down to hurting a lineman. Illegal or not, hit his facemask with your helmet to start with. This may throw him off-balance and you may have an easier time pushing him around.

Fourth, know which route your running back is supposed to run when doing a rushing play. Put your head into that direction, making it a bit harder for the opposing lineman to go and grab your RB.

About passing protections... I think it's easier to do a passing play than a rushing play. However, you may experience difficulties if your arms are not strong and long enough.

Answer 2

Well unfortunately being small hurts on teh O-line. I can recommend a few things that should help. First, you need to lift more. You want your first big push to knock them to the ground. If you get some power behind those legs and arms it will be hard to get past you. Also you need to be quick. You need a quick first step so you take away any advantages they might see. Next you really need to get your form down. It is very important that you do this. It will be harder to take you down. Once you get the form down. Square up with them. And by this I mean make sure you have 1 hand on each shoulder. IF you learn how to square up, get a quick first step, and add some power. NOONE will get past you.

Answer 3

1. know your plays - this is your advantage against the D line, you know where the ball is going. Know them inside out, in case of audibles, blitzs etc. This will help you read defenses as well.

2. Stay low- the lowest person always wins. I like aiming for the hip of the D line with my shoulder. That way you are lower than him and can use leverage.

3. Move your feet- even if your initial hit is good, you need to move your feet, creating momentum to follow through and push the D line to create the hole. If you don't, the D line will adjust, read the play,grab you, through out of the way and make the tackle.

4. Use your hands - Pop them with your hands, make sure your hands are inside the shoulder pads (avoid holding calls), keep them moving like a sumo wrestler to maintain your advantage.

5. Envision your blocks before the play - know who you are going to block, and envision driving them 10 yards away from the play. Just getting in front of them isn't enough, the hole remains closed, pushing them 10 yards, that creates a hole. Take pride in your blocks.

6. Communicate with our other linemen- it is a team game after all. If you see a blitz, need a double team, call it on the line.

As other people mentioned - be agressive, work on a quick first step, work on your body positioning and keeping your feet.

Work out - agility drills for fast feet - the box etc.
drills to remember which foot do you move first related to the play- work on explosiveness and thrusting your hips. Ask your coach to help you find the right position. take a picture of it and practice getting in and out of your stance.


Somebody said focus on lower body, I agree (lunges, squats, box jumps, cleans, dead lifts etc evened out with a bit of abs and upper body. Don't forget to study the play book. Lineman should have huge butts and big brains.
Have fun, be proud of your work and welcome to the O line.

Answer 4

Lifts to do:
Squats
Power Clean
Bench
Auxilaries (other lifts/machines that will help you to be more "explosive")

Work on your form.
Keep your hips underneath you.
STAY LOW!!! The lower man in any collision will win. Stay pad under pad.
Learn how to fight off D-line moves (swim, rip, spin, etc.)
Improve your footwork, so you can be faster off the ball and beat D-lineman/Linebackers to different spots.

Talk to your coach and have him help you with the different techniques (it'll also show him you want to improve in the off-season).

Good Luck!

Answer 5

cut back away from defender or trick them into running while you stay back and don't repeat anything a lot of time because the defense will get use to your tactics and stop you dead in your tracks.