Coaching the offensive line can be a very difficult thing to coach since many youth want to be the next Walter Payton. As a former offensive lineman and a running back I can tell you playing in the trenches was more rewarding than scoring touchdowns. The reason being is this simple offensive lineman blocking rule: GAP-ON-LINEBACKER. Applying this rule was fun and I never made a blocking mistake, which was even better.
There are several variations to this rule, but I’ve found that this variation is very easy to understand and very easy to teach. Remember nothing will work unless you have repetition with your playbook and rules – [tag]football practice[/tag] without constant repetition will yield an unsuccessful season.
Offensive Lineman Blocking Rule: ”˜GAP-ON-LINEBACKER’
- GAP: (1st Level) Refers to the inside area for the offensive lineman, which is the most important area to block. When teaching young athletes this rule they often want to block the man over them even when there is a man in their gap, but if you apply the rule ”˜ON’ which is the second part of the rule; they shouldn’t get confused.
- ON: (2nd Level) Refers to the man directly over you, pretty easy.
- LINEBACKER: (3rd Level) If there is no man in your ”˜GAP’ (inside area), or directly over you ”˜ON’, than the lineman proceeds down field and blocks a linebacker.
Rule Changes:
For instance, when a Guard or Tackle is pulling to lead block for a trap, sweep, counter, bootleg, passing, etc. this rule obviously does not apply to them, but for the rest of the line it would.
However, 90% of the plays you run at the Youth or High School level applies, enjoy!
Coach notes