Drills for developing offensive lineman. Also has a set of defensive line drills as well.

1. Offensive Line Manual 2019
Dominick Zappia
Lutheran High School

2. Run Blocking Coaching Points
•Balanced Stance.
•Leverage not momentum. Force is based on leverage.
•Feet rooted. Hands in front of you.
•Condensed frame (Arms tight).
•Triangle Framework. Knees and Toes out. Body forward – Legs behind you.
THIS IS ALL ONE MOTION
•TAKEOFF- Depends on ball path and alignment of target defender. Feet are always behind hips.
Make sure you are in striking posture after initial steps are taken.
•Brace-Pop. Outside brace. This allows the shoulders to open to target when we want to attack
on a slight angle. 2nd step pins and gains ground.
•Brace-Pin. Inside Brace, 2nd step up field slightly to pin and to gain ground.
•UNCOIL HIPS. Transfer weight forward, Foot fire forward, Toes out, Knees Out. Double Under
Strike and Play Long with arms. Keep ‘Z’ in knees.
•CLIMB AND CLOSE. Lift and drive. Get hips through into Arc Strength position. Elbows will
collapse into buttress position against ribs. Foot fire to close the distance.
•Work to COVER the defender and maintain that position OR define him with Firm Arm. The only
thing the RB should see is your back and daylight on either side of you. Do not get split by the DL
(that is what he wants to do). Use hi-leg / firm arm or torque (circular force).

3. Bag Drills – Demeanor Weave
BAG DRILLS – High Kneeing first and then power step with both feet landing inside the bag boundary before
moving on to the next. Holding Med Ball
DEMEANOR WEAVE – Get in good run fit / pass set body posture. Power Slide and Kick Set as you weave
through bags. Holding Med Ball

4. Skate the Board – Ropes / Ladder
WORKING THE DRIVE FOOT – Skate the Board. Idea is
to skip over boards with inside foot as your outside foot clears
the board but does not touch the ground. Action is similar to a
speed skater movement.
ROPES / LADDER: Proceed vertically and horizontally using duck walk steps in good posture.
1
Angle A or B
2
WORKING THE DRIVE FOOT-Slide on Disks.
Drive off Post foot and slide left then right with
slide disk on kick foot. That foot stays on ground.
Can also slide Post foot and drive off Kick foot.

5. This drill will teach the OL to use footfire steps that are on the ground fast. Maintain proper
body posture (COIL). Weight on insteps.
• Setup the boards the length of the chute. We try to run through chute. Arms in guard
position. Body forward, feet behind hips. Add difficulty by holding a medicine ball in
punch position all the way down the boards.
• Next have them foot fire out of the chute in COIL position and strike a shield. This will
test to see if they are moving in COIL position.
• Have a partner w/ shield add resistance. Fit in and duck run with foot fire as hips close.
As he duck runs remove resistance to check balance.
Duck Walk in the Chute

6. Hand/Arm Strength and Leverage
Fast Hands
Towel Drill
When driving the defender, in order to maintain control and leverage we must not allow the elbows to flare outside our
frame. This drill teaches the OL to snap the elbows to the body, forming the buttress. Start in 2 pt. posture. On
command snap the elbows in and work brace posture footwork as the partner tries to move from side to side.

7. Takeoff Strength
We use this to develop the Drive / Catch movement. Momentum is gained with your body, not by moving the feet.
Drive Strength
We use this to develop hip drive force, This is like the Hook Drill, except we only use the hips to apply force. Attempt
to jump out of stance and obtain lift. No sled then use heavy bag or partner w/ shield.

8. RUN BLOCKING
Here are seven important points when teaching drills.
• Teach a handful of drills with a lot of variations in each
• Teach the fundamentals. “Fundamentals Win Games.”
• Rep everything and get as many reps as possible, but remember attention to detail.
• Repetition must be accepted as a way of life for an offensive lineman.
• The drills you teach must transfer to the game.
• It is important you coach the defenders in your drills.
• Demand great effort from your players.
• Your players must finish. Teach it. Coach it. Demand it.
9 ----6 5 ----4 3 ----2 1---------1 4 ----52 ----3

9. We use takeoff type steps (Depends on the block given the POA and alignment of defender.)
Shoulders slightly turned to target on approach. All footwork is Drive/Catch for generating
power and momentum. So we are always driving off the brace foot, transferring weight in the
direction you want to move, then catching yourself with the opposite foot. That is technically the 1st
step. Stepping doesn’t generate momentum.
1. Your footwork must position you to cover the DL and establish a base to either lift and drive or
torque the defender. You must be in COIL posture prior to contact.
2. Work right and left. Take off and footfire down the boards.
3. Use a weighted bag or the grappling dummy to set hands and lift as you duck walk down boards.
Can also use the resistance belt.
Takeoff Footwork on Boards
Brace – Pin
Inside Run
DL
Brace– Pop
Inside leverage vs.
tight alignment
DL
Drive
Drive
2
DL
Drive
Brace – Pin
Outside Run

10. Striking and Finishing

11. Striking and Finishing
•Can use Resistance Bands on Air, Shield or Sled.
•Start in 2 point stance. Body Posture.
•Start with the stationary strike to ensure proper pad level, uncoil,
and punch. Knees inside ankles, toes pointed out.
•Teeter forward by transferring weight to front of feet. Toes out
and knees down and out. You do not want to arch your upper
back upward, forward lean with feet behind hips on contact. Do
not hit on the rise.
•Deliver VIOLENT double under punch by UNCOILING hips.
Your arms are slightly extended (long) and hands are under the
defenders’. Your hips move toward your elbows allowing force
to be transferred to hands. When fitted in, do not step, continue
closing hips to defender, the feet will foot fire under you
•Reset. X5 Reps..
DRILLS TO ASSIST
1. Fit to Uncoil on Post (Teeter and Tuck the Tail)
2. Fit to Finish on Pole (Close w/ footfire)
3. Coil to Fit on Post
4. Teeter Drill with the Harness (Footfire close)
5. Coil to Fit with Harness and Narrow Pad (pictured right)
6. Brace to Fit on Pole (Brace Step to Uncoil to Fit)
7. Wrecking Ball - partner or on sled (Close w/ footfire and
lift). Emphasis on speed of hip uncoil.
8. Hook Drill (Lev-Cuffs) and Launch Drill

12. Hook Drill / Clog for Finishing Block
•Start in Fit Position. Body Posture.
•UNCOIL the hips, close the distance with footfire steps as you lift. Slight bend in knees. Do not lift with arms,
snap elbows in like in the Towel Drill.
•Bringing hips and completing uncoil into Arc Strength position provides the lift.
AFTER LIFTING
•We want to apply pressure with the arm on the same side as the Brace foot (i.e. right brace – firm right arm). At first,
only attach with firm arm leaving opposite arm free. Attempt to lock out at elbow.
•As the defender moves to the POA, we will continue the brace – pin sequence while we apply pressure with our firm
arm.
•Next, attempt the torque. Release the firm arm and drive with other arm as you rotate hips and toss DL past POA.

13. Down Block
•Start in normal stance.
•Use Brace-Pin takeoff. It gains ground. Shoulders stay square. Maintain good posture.
•Inside single arm pillar to inside breastplate of DL
•Outside club hand lands inside armpit of outside arm.
•Ascend hips. Climb and Close.

14. Combo and Coop Block Types
Combos work to the angle of the target LB.
Hammer
Inside Zone variant. Uncovered man is working
with PS teammate into DL on the angle to the
target LB. He will try and shove him across the
covered mans face. Covered man will brace
inside foot, pin outside foot and attack with
double under.
Hi-Leg – Combo
Simply a hip to hip combo vs. a target LB who is tight on
or stacked on the DL Uncovered man uses Brace-Pop to
est. Hi-Leg and strikes with shoulder/forearm. The
covered man uses Brace-Pin footwork and strikes with a
double under. Work vertical to LB,
The uncovered man attacks at the angle to his target
LB/gap. If the LB is more stacked, the more we use pure
hip-to-hip vertical.
Versus a LB who is more to the PS, we want to maintain
the correct angle to the LB but still provide help to
covered man, the UC man opens on his angle playside but
then bangs back into the DL if he widens with the covered
man. The covered man uses Brace-Pin footwork and
strikes with a double under and runs the DL to the LB.
Overlap – Coop
Outside Zone. BS partner looks to
take over a defender aligned on
inside or head of PS partner.
Covered man uses Brace-Pop to
the playside and strikes with
shoulder/forearm. Overtake man
uses wide brace pin to put him on
correct angle.
E
Backside Combo
Here we work the to the angle of the ball. Uncovered
man works hi-leg to the vertical. Covered will attack on
the angle to the LB. If the target LB is behind (minus)
then we work a hip-to-hip vertical.
N
M
N
M
N
M
N
M
E
B

15. Hammer Technique
•Gain ground FAST. 1st step braces, Drive/Catch to target. Strike. Play Long.
•Use double arm strike. Turn turret not tank.
•Strike at breastplate or hip. Hip is better target.
•Work through the man, not around him. Drive him into the OL you are
working with. Hips stay square as you EYE THE LB.
•With an LB in the drill, we want to train the ricochet reaction to his
movements.
•If he anchors or attacks then release and cover.
•Always eye LB target and your gap. Break off and attack 1st threat to
your gap.
47:00 Film #2
End Sled Pad or Shield Holder
Brace, upkick, hammer strike, lift,
release to inside of LB. Have LB
attack gap.

16. Hi-Leg Technique
•Drive off outside foot as you transfer weight toward the target. The inside leg catches and becomes the Hi-Leg. We
want to gain ground FAST.
•Shuffle (gallop steps). Strike with either a lazy forearm or a single under to side of defender. Work on the angle to the
LB target.
•If the LB is wider in the gap, use ricochet technique where we drive off inside and our catch 1st step lands PS. We are
now in our PS gap. Then drive off that leg and dent the DL back into BS gap as you work up field.
•Lift as you stay square eyeing the LB. Do not walk around the block. You must not get washed into the play. Resist
the momentum of the defender by proper bracing of the outside leg.
•With an LB in the drill, train the hi-leg to the LB on the correct angle and the ricochet technique.
Hi-Leg Combo Drills
M M

17. Skip Pulling. Used when we want the OL to pull and target a 2nd level defender.
Pulling and Trapping
Trap Pulling. Used when we want the OL to pull and target a 1st level defender and attack him horizontally.
N
B
T
Trap Drill
N
B
T
When blocking down to 2nd level and you are
covered, stay square on takeoff in case DL being
trapped slants inside. Trapper must recognize
DL is gone and immediately tun upfield, looking
for inside target.

18. •Pull Block Technique:
•Skip/Square pull
•Backside shoe crossover step
•Eyes on the second level defender
•Keep shoulders square to the LOS
•Must get depth to allow room for the down block
•Locate the second level defender
•Aim one man past the current location of the defender
•Hat play side; feet under control; great pad level and
explosion
Pin
Pull
Pin and Pull Concept

19. Pass Blocking Fundamentals
Set the feet (Quick to the Set)
Balance the body (Wide base with stager)
Control the Punch (attack the defender)
STANCE
The feet should be about shoulder width apart. The inside foot
is called the POST and the outside foot is called the KICK.
The POST foot is forward and the KICK foot is back. The
KICK foot should be pointed out at 45 degrees with knee
inside. Shoulders tilted slightly inside. Leaning back will get
you beat on an inside move. If the knee is out, you cant
redirect on an inside move.
Weight- Heavy on the POST foot and distributed on insteps
of feet. Tall at 90 degrees- shoulders should be perpendicular
to ground and create 45-degree angle with legs.
Eyes should up and out, control chin in an upward manor.
Arms should be raised and relaxed within the framework of the
chest.
Back & Shoulders
Straight Up – should be perpendicular to ground and create 45
degree angles with your legs
Head & Eyes
Up & Out- should control chin in upward manner
Arms
Relax set high and tight to body ready to deliver punches to
defender. PROTECT CHEST. Elbows cocked
SETS
C and G: Angle A, Upkick, Jump
OT: Angle A, B, C, Jump
Footwork
Staggered base at all times.
Kick or Power Step. Kick foot is usually lead step. Angle depends on
alignment of target.
Stay Square to LOS as you engage target.
USE YOUR FEET TO GET POSITION ON TARGET. Do not try to
reach defender with hands.
Positioning & Striking
Square to defender / Square to QB
Outside foot splits defender. (1/2 Man Relationship)
ROOT THE FEET.
We use the Single Pillar strike. Do not wind up. Do not lean forward.
Arms are extended. Striking is either a pillar type strike or a low to
high blow. Either way we eant to get under the defenders arms and
lift.
Movement (feet) keep feet active
Uncovered Drop 1st step with inside step (Active Feet)
Slide Shuffle (Kick)
Stay rooted. If being pushed back, hop back to reset feet.
Guard – Center – Guard control depth of the pocket
Tackles Control the width of the pocket.

20. Practice getting in your pass protection posture post snap and then kick setting and power setting. Kick set back 2 or 3 times
then Power step. Setup in 2 groups and make sure each man works from both left and right sides of ball. We can vary the
sequence of Kick Slide / Power Slide by having the coach direct the OL one way and then another at random. Move with
hands up protecting the chest.
Kick – Power Step
Kick Set Angles
Next we will create pass blocking scenarios where the OL will simulate various sets that he will use in a game. Ex. Have him
kick set, power slide, double under, hop back and brace. Attach bungee cord to partner to simulate being tugged, pushed, or
torqued.
1
Angle A
2 1
Angle B
2
1
Angle C 2
Power
1 2
Below are techniques and tips for blocking the wide rusher.
1. Narrow the stance with the toe pointing outward slightly. The narrower stance allows the blocker to cover more ground on
the kick step. Increase the stagger of the stance.
2. Determine the junction point. The junction point is the point at which the defender will turn toward the QB (and the Tackle).
Knowledge of the junction point is important because the blocker’s shoulders should be parallel with the shoulder’s of the
rusher when he turns toward the QB to prevent the outside shoulder from being grabbed. Tips to determine the junction point.
a. If the rusher’s outside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 3rd step.
b. If the rusher’s inside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 2nd step.
1
Angle B vs. wide align. Note
the narrower stance w/ deeper
stagger.
2

21. Striking – Single Pillar
½ Man alignment to defender / Square to
QB. Frame feet to target. ROOT THE
FEET. We use the Single Pillar strike. Do
not wind up. Do not lean forward. Arms
are extended. Power comes from the
shoulder and the hips. Shoot the shoulder
and hip at the target without bending at the
elbow. ALWAYS PUNCH TO OUTSIDE
OF NUMBERS, CONTROL SHOULDERS
OF DL.
The first hand we strike with is determined
by the following rules:
Outside alignment – kick step -
outside hand to outside shoulder.
Inside alignment – post step - inside
hand to inside shoulder
If the defender rushes opposite his
alignment, either out his stance or mid –
rush, then we will use the second hand to
strike and adjust to his attack.
Drill with striking pads. In a pass set, as
the holder moves to one side the OL will
strike with the same side hand Movement
left, single pillar left. Movement right,
single pillar right. Reset and repeat.

22. •The finish technique depends on the path of the rusher.
•The Wheel technique.
•If the DL aligns outside attempts to rush outside then we stay strong with the pillar hand and use an inside club/lift with
the other hand.
•If the DL aligns outside and rushes inside then we reverse our hands. The inside arm becomes the pillar and the outside
becomes the club/lift.
•The Club technique
•We can also use a pillar / club combination where we maintain the pillar and drive a stiff arm blow with the opposite
hand. Similar to what we do in down blocking
•Haybale
•Best when we get bull rushed. It is a Pillar with a Single Under lift. The mechanics vary between Guards and Tackles.
Pass Pro Finish
•Purpose: To train the OL how to initiate contact then counter the movements of the rusher.
•We usually strike with a single arm pillar strike. The hands are already in the guard position when we setup. The striking technique is a
1 – 2 combination like in boxing. The core concept is we want to strike with the same hand as our initial step to the opposite breastplate,
then work to get both hands on the defender. We want to get hands on the defender as quickly as possible.
Power
1
Kick
1
2
Finish.Initial
Re-Fit

23. Striking – Haybale Technique
Square to defender / Square to QB
SPLIT DEFENDER ( ½ MAN RELATIONSHIP) . ROOT THE FEET
This is an excellent counter to a Bull Rush.
We use the Single Pillar strike. Using the same rules as the single pillar we strike long, but as he keeps rushing into
me I fit in with a lifting, under type, strike. Like a 1 – 2 punch from a boxer. Take the pilar off when executing.

24. Pass Pro – Guard Jump Sets
Square to defender / Square to QB
COVER DEFENDER AS IN A RUN BLOCK. ROOT THE FEET
Simply involves closing the space between you and the defender using FOOTFIRE. We do not step or run at
opponent. Footfire to the target as you elevate the hips a you approach.
When striking, use a 1-2 combination of a HAYBALE with the outside arm and a CLUB with the inside. CLUB is not
a lateral swipe but a low to high angled strike starting from waist level landing just under his shoulder. Remember to
be in ARC STRENGTH posture.

25. Tackle Jump Set
Gives the illusion of an Angle B or C set. SPLIT DEFENDER ( ½ MAN RELATIONSHIP)
Instead of attacking with a pillar, we foot fire into the man and strike.
The sequence is kick, slide, plant the kick, and foot fire into strike.
Becomes more of a run block so we would want to use a double under. Experiment with a single pillar and a haybale.
Pass Pro – Tackle Jump Sets
KICK
SLIDE PLANT
FOOTFIRE - JUMP

26. Pass Pro – Angle A Sets
Angle A
BODY POSTURE out of stance.
Hands in the guard position. Post leg vertical, weight on post leg.
Kick foot out at 45 degrees with the knee in.
Shoulders tilted slightly inside.
Get to your point, The feet get you to the defender. ½ MAN RELATIONSHIP (OUTSIDE
KNEE TO CROTCH
Use Angle A which is a 20 degree set. If you set to deep you become
soft and allow the rusher to gain momentum. If you set to flat you will
get compressed allowing the rusher to rip or swim you.
Set with Angle A. Land a single pillar with the outside arm. The
sooner you land it the better. Do not wind up or lean in, strike from
guard position using shoulder and hips. Inside hand strike on an inside
move.
On an inside move, strike with inside
arm executing a double under or a
haybale. Keep the outside hand
locked onto rusher. Can drop the
POST foot with an inside move.

27. Pass Pro – Guard Up Kick
Up Kick vs. a 3 Technique
BODY POSTURE out of stance.
This is used vs. a normal 3 technique..
In this set we actually advance the kick foot forward.
SPLIT DEFENDER ( ½ MAN RELATIONSHIP)
We strike with a pillar that starts low and swings in an
upward motion like a pendulum.
Do not punch or extend the arm from a bent position.
The inside hand is still ready to react to an inside move.
Use either a club, pillar, or haybale. If he continues
outside, keep that arm locked and ride him out.

28. Offensive Tackles - Pass Pro vs. Wide Aligned Rusher
BODY POSTURE out of stance.
Hands in the guard position. Post leg vertical, weight on post leg.
Kick foot out at 45 degrees with the knee in. Shoulders tilted slightly inside. The feet get you to the defender.
Angle B or C. Get to the point where defender makes his move to the QB. SPLIT DEFENDER ( ½ MAN
RELATIONSHIP) . Strike with Single Pillar.
Do not go foot to foot, place yourself in position to limit his options. Remember that you control the width of the pocket.
In SLIDE Protection Away, you would want to set with C so as not to widen the pocket and create huge gaps .
1. Narrow the stance with the toe pointing outward slightly. The narrower stance allows the blocker to cover more ground on
the kick step. Increase the stagger of the stance.
2. Determine the junction point. The junction point is the point at which the defender will turn toward the QB (and the Tackle).
Knowledge of the junction point is important because the blocker’s shoulders should be parallel with the shoulder’s of the
rusher when he turns toward the QB to prevent the outside shoulder from being grabbed. Tips to determine the junction point.
a. If the rusher’s outside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 3rd step.
b. If the rusher’s inside foot is back, he will usually make his move to the QB on the 2nd step.
If he moves inside, POST UP
and shoot inside pillar hand
and Work the Wheel.

29. Defensive Line Manual 2019
Dominick Zappia
Lutheran High School

30. Agility
BAG DRILLS
Good posture. Slap each pad with both hands.
Wrap Up Form Tackle
Dip and touch cone
w/ inside hand.
Hip Turn on Exer. Ball Beat the Cut Block

31. Run Defense
Stance
• Toe – Instep. On the balls of your feet. Outside foot forward. Hips higher then shoulders. Down hand in front of
eyes. Weight forward. Off hand in knife position.
• Eyes up. Work LH and RH stance
Get Off (cannot be effective if we cannot get off the ball)
• Transfer weight forward. 6” power step with back foot. (Overstepping causes shoulders to come up)
• 2nd step gathers and establishes base.
Drill #1 - 6 pt. stance quick hand punch. 5 pt. quick hand punch
• Low to high. Lock elbows. Explode hips through.
• Elbows tight to body, not flared out.
• Second version we just strike in 5 pt. stance on reaction to movement. Multiple reps.
Drill #2 – Power step and Punch
• Use towel as guide for landing 1st step. Weight Shift. Power Step. Flat Back. Punch. On air first.
• In a gap control scenario the inside hand lands on the mid-line, the outside hand on the gap shoulder.
• In 2 gap both hands land on the breastplates.
• Second, do this in A-B format where you take 2 fast power steps, punch, reset and do again.
Drill #5 – Open the Hips
• Simple. Hands in pillar position, approach shield, rotate body into gap, slide past to next shield, repeat
Drill #3 – Escape (Get hips clear of OL so your are ½ in gap and ½ covering OL. Establish space.)
• Single arm pillar. Push with gap arm, other arm is free. Work hips through into gap.
• Start in Fit Position, Double pillar him, lift like the Hook Drill in OL training. Work hips to clear blocker. Do not rip
or swim.
• Next use push/pull. Sense pressure OL is putting on you and firm arm him with same arm as pressure.
• Use the Wheel technique which is like the “wax on, wax off” motion. Arm swing is a wheel motion tight to the body.
• React to Down block. Feel pressure. Single arm lockout. Clear hips towards the pressure as you rip BS arm through.
Drill #4 Escape to Ball.
• Same as 4 except release to ball.
Drill #5 – Split Double Team. Shoot the gap. Get skinny. Sink hips into the uncovered OL.

32. Stance

33. Pass Defense
Stance
• Toe – Instep. Stagger can be somewhat deeper. Outside foot forward slightly more then in run. Hips higher then
shoulders. Weight forward. Off hand in knife position.
• Eyes up. Work LH and RH stance. We want to get 1st two steps on the ground as fast as possible.
Takeoff
• Transfer weight forward. 6” power step much longer with back foot then in run. 2nd step gathers.
Drill #1 – Ball Get Off (can use chute)
• 1st step much longer. Use towel as guide. 1st step must clear over towel. 2nd step on ground fast.
Drill #2 – Hoop Drill
• 2 ropes forming circles. Get off, run around circle, leaning inwards as if coming off edge.
Drill #3 – Hoop Drill w/ Pressure
• Lay out one rope forming a circle or an arc that leads to QB.
• Get off ball and run around circle or hugs arc, leaning inwards as if coming off edge.
• Partner applies pressure with resist belt.
Drill #4 – Pop Up Drill (use ½ round as target)
• Get Off. Inside slaps down arm of OL.
• Outside arm pulls you through in a circular clubbing motion. Inside hand rips or swims.
Drill #5 – Open the Hips
• Simple. Hands behind back, approach shield, rotate body into gap, slide past to next shield, repeat
Drill #6 – Beat the Set.
• With partner as OL. Partner goes into vertical set. Beat him off his edge to QB.
• Get outside arm on OL. Open hips to get square to QB.
• Dip and Rip past OL. Do not let OL position himself between you and QB.
• Next allow the OL to overset to outside. Steps 1 and 2 up field.
• Slap down with inside hand to his inside arm. 3rd step inside with Rip.
• Last use Bull Rush. Dbl Pillar, Open hips, Rip. Inside and outside rush lane.

34. Rotate Hips

35. Pass Rush

36. Pass Defense
Rush Lane Integrity
LB
2
2
S
1
3
N
-1
T
3
1
E
-3
LB
4
0
LB
-2
Stunts involve switching lane assignments. In this example, the T cannot get pinned inside.
LB
2
2
S
1
3
N
-1
T
3
1
E
-3
LB
4
0
LB
-2