This document provides guidance and instruction for offensive linemen. It emphasizes the importance of toughness, effort, discipline, technique, and playing as a cohesive unit. Specific tips are provided for stance, blocking techniques like down blocks and reach blocks, making line calls and protections, and finishing blocks. The goal is for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage through physical play and execution of assignments.

1. OFFENSIVE LINE
STEVEN CIOCCI

3. “ If you are versatile, tough and smart you will be a successful offensive lineman.”
-- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)

4. • As an Offensive Line you set the tone for the rest of the
football team
• Toughness, Grit, Nastiness, Relentless Effort, Intense Focus,
Selflessness, Accountability, Trust, Great Work Ethic
• No Man is an Island, you must draw your strength from
others

5. Rules:
1. BE EARLY – 5 Minutes early is late!
2. BE PREPARED – Have manual and playbooks ready to go….bring pen or pencil
3, BE READY TO WORK – No attitudes just ready to go
4. BE RESPECTFUL – Nothing is personal
5. HAVE FUN – What is said in meetings stays in meetings, but laugh when we need to
• Be honest with yourself as a player, did I work as hard as I could have that
rep, that drill, that practice….and that game?
• If it is easy it is wrong
• One Unit – Its about us

6. • We will be the hardest working position
group on the field. We will be physical,
disciplined and play with great pad level and
technique
• Need to have nasty players all across the
board.
• Score with your man!
• One unit that plays together, bleeds
together and works 24/7 together
• We will block until the whistle blows
• Know your assignment 100% of the time
• Trust your steps and technique
• Need to be violent and aggressive
• We will dominate the line of scrimmage in
the run game and pass game
• Violent with your hands
• Take the fight to them! We will be the
aggressors!

7. • Win the day every day!
• 100% Assignment Execution
• 100% Hustle and Effort-we will
never walk on the field!
• Play with feet fire and hand
violence
• No selfish penalties
• Protect your quarterback! No
excuse to give up a sack
• No Tackles for Loss ever! Win
with your man downfield
• OWN THE 4TH QUARTER

8. • Be accountable and do your
job
• Communicate every play!
The more the better!!!
• Establish the line of
scrimmage on every play
• Make first contact with
defenders (with controlled
aggression)
• Aim to finish every block
with a pancake or cut

10. • The edge of our offensive line.
Needs to be excellent pass blocker
and run blocker
• Has to be athletic to reach blocks
on read plays and physical enough to
play within our inside zone and
power schemes
• Responsible for seeing edge blitzes
and pressure
• Need to communicate to the guards
and tight ends
• Responsible for making sure tight
ends know who to block
• Has to be very athletic in pass pro,
understand pocket depth and be
able to win 1 on 1 situations
• Living on an Island, protect
quarterback’s blind side

11. FOOTBALL VIDEO EVALUATION
POSITION: OFFENSIVE TACKLE
NAME: HIGH SCHOOL: YR:
BENCH:
SQUAT:
CLEAN:
VERT:
OTHER:
SCHOOLS/OFFERS: EVAL BY:
RC:
FILM:
OTHER POSITIONS:
GPA:
SAT:
ACT:
4.90 5
5.10 4
5.30 3
5.50 2
5.70 1
6.00 0
POINTS:
285 5
270 4
255 3
240 2
225 1
210 0
6’6”+ 5
6”5” 4
6’4” 3
6’3” 2
6’2” 1
6’1” 0
SPEED: WEIGHT: HEIGHT:
TOTAL:
POSITION SKILLS:
(RATE BY POS COACH)
CRITICAL FACTORS:
(RATE BY REC COACH
BALANCE/BODY CONTROL CHARACTER:
QUICKNESS FOOTBALL IQ:
EXPLOSION ACADEMICS:
INSTINCTS ATTITUDE:
TOUGHNESS COMPETITIVENESS:
FINISH DEPENDABILITY:
5 4 3 2 1
EXCELLEN
T
VERY
GOOD
GOOD AVERAGE POOR
COMMENTS:
PHYSICAL:
SKILL:
CRITICAL:
FINAL:

12. • Most physical players up front
• Need to be big and athletic to move
3 techniques as well as assist center
with 0 shade
• Need to be athletic when facing 3
down defenses and they need to
climb to second level
• Need to be good at pass pro and
have to work twist pickup with
center as well as tackle
• Have to be able to get movement
against head up defensive lineman
• Athletic enough to pull and move in
space
• Assist center and tackle in blitz and
front identification and pickup

13. • The focus point of our offensive
line, he is the general
• Runs the show, needs to make all
front and box identification calls
• Makes combo calls with guards
• Needs to be able to identify blitzes
and work twist pickup with guards
• 100% PERFECT SNAPS! NO EXCUSES
• Athletic enough to pull into space
and get to second level
• Needs to be able to block a 0
Technique in 3 down defense
• Shotgun and Under Center
snapping

14. FOOTBALL VIDEO EVALUATION
POSITION: CENTER / GUARD
NAME: HIGH SCHOOL: YR:
BENCH:
SQUAT:
CLEAN:
VERT:
OTHER:
SCHOOLS/OFFERS: EVAL BY:
RC:
FILM:
OTHER POSITIONS:
GPA:
SAT:
ACT:
4.90 5
5.10 4
5.30 3
5.50 2
5.70 1
6.00 0
POINTS:
300 5
290 4
280 3
270 2
260 1
250 0
6’5” 5
6’2”-6’4” 4
6’1” 3
6’0” 2
5’11” 1
5’10” 0
SPEED: WEIGHT: HEIGHT:
TOTAL:
POSITION SKILLS:
(RATE BY POS COACH)
CRITICAL FACTORS:
(RATE BY REC COACH
BALANCE/BODY CONTROL CHARACTER:
QUICKNESS FOOTBALL IQ:
EXPLOSION ACADEMICS:
INSTINCTS ATTITUDE:
TOUGHNESS COMPETITIVENESS:
FINISH DEPENDABILITY:
5 4 3 2 1
EXCELLEN
T
VERY
GOOD
GOOD AVERAGE POOR
COMMENTS:
PHYSICAL:
SKILL:
CRITICAL:
FINAL:

17. C B A A B C D

18. • It is important for our offensive line to identify the difference between the defensive alignments
• Something as simple as a 2i vs a 2 technique could signal a defensive stunt or blitz
• Defensive alignment identification is critical in the run and pass game blocking schemes

19. WS
M
N SR EW T NR EW T
M
T
S
R E
W
N
M
S
W
T EN
SS
TQTQ
TQTQ
Bear
Okie StackOkie 20
M
S
M
N
S
R E
W
T
M
N
S
R E
W
T
Over 10TQ T Q
MAN ZONEF
Even 10
Bear

20. NR ET
M
T
S
R E
W
N
M
N SR E
W
T
N SR ET
Over Heavy 10
W
TQTQ
TQ TQ
M MWS
Over 20
Under 10 Under 20

22. • EFFORT
• They need to buy in right away
• Must play for each other
• Special group of guys
• Preparation, they must know how to handle everything
• Knowledge allows them to use Great Effort = Confidence
• ONE UNIT
• BALANCE
• Run game and pass game
• Base / Full Foot in the ground / repeated deliberate movements
• Cannot have your head down and your ass up
• FINISH
• Send a message every play
• Nothing better for an offense than physical, violent offensive
linemen
• Score with your man

23. • SPLITS
• Wider for inside plays
• Tighter for outside plays
• STANCE
• 50/50 Stance
• Comfortable – not interested in robots that look good
• Be able to run block and pass block out of the same stance
• Everything is tight and compact
• 3 point vs. 2 point

28. • Feet shoulder width apart. Toes pointed
forward or slightly out. Center feet stay
parallel. Guards toe to in-step stagger
and Tackles toe to heel stagger.
• Squat down placing your forearms on
your thigh, bow your neck, Keep all 7
cleats in the ground
• Extend your outside hand in front of you
and sit back in your hamstrings. Keeping
all your cleats in the ground
• Place your hand down on the ground
just inside of the knee. Have a flat back
with eyes up ready to scan the defense.
Have weight 50-50 on the inside balls of
your feet. From this position you should
be able to run block, pass block and step
in any direction
• Off hand should be in an attack position
ready to strike

29. • Take the same stagger
that you use in a 3 point
stance
• Squat down with knees
inside your ankles
• RAM ROD you back
• Place hands on your
thighs
• Weight 50-50 on in-steps

33. • Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN
• You have to end up blocking someone
• Box Drill
• Feet Drive Finish
• Combos
• Chaos

34. • Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN
• Work back only when the numbers allow it
• Drive Block – Landmark - Execution
• Tight Reach Block – Landmark – Execution
• Reach Block - Landmark – Execution
(POSITION STEP / POWER STEP )
A / B / M / JET / SWEEP

35. • Take proper splits. It can be determined by which adjacent
lineman you are working with or if you are on the backside
or front side of the play.
• Communicate: In all zone schemes the uncovered lineman
is responsible to make the call
• Take proper landmarks. Be mindful of the alignment of the
defender
• Hit your target and work to get vertical push.
• FINISH!!!!

36. • Take a 3”- 6” lateral lead step
(Depends on width of the
defender), Pre snap,
determine alignment of
defender
• Aim to get your inside foot on
top of the defenders inside
foot
• Punch from low to high and
latch on to breast plate
• Facemask under the chin
• Drive thru the defender
• FEET, DRIVE, FINISH!!!!!!!!

37. • TARGET: MIDLINE:EYES TO THE APPLE
• POSITION STEP: EYES TO TARGET, SQUARE
• POWER STEP: GET IT IN THE GROUND
• PUNCH: THUMBS UP, HEELS
• WIDE BASE: PUSH OFF INSTEPS
• FEET: TOES POINT OUT, STRAIN
• DRIVE: 7 CLEATS, FIRE THE FEET
• FINISH: EXTEND, EXPLODE THROUGH FINISH
1) POSITION STEP
2) POWER STEP
(VERTICAL)

38. • Take 6” lateral lead step
(depends on the width of the
defender)
• Aim to get your inside foot to
the crotch of the defender.
• Keep your shoulders square
to defender
• Punch inside hand to the
sternum of the defender.
• Work to get hat placement
outside
• Feet, Drive, Finish!!!!

39. • TARGET: OUTSIDE ARM PIT WITH EYES
• POSITION STEP: OPEN, EYES TO TARGET
• POWER STEP: HAS TO GET TO THE CROTCH
• PUNCH: SHOULDER AND STERNUM
• WIDE BASE: RUN THROUGH THE TARGET
• FEET: RUN
• DRIVE: ON TRACK THROUGH TARGET
• FINISH: CREATE AN EDGE
1) POSITION STEP
(MORE LATERAL)
2) POWER STEP
(VERTICAL)
(IF WIDE DEFENDER YOU CAN LOSE SOME
GROUND TO GET TO AIMING POINT)

43. M
NE E
W
T
SLIP
TANKSOLID
S
S M
E E
W
T
TUS
SCOOP
M
N
S
E E
W
T
SLIP TANK
GUS
M
N
J
EW T
SCOOP TUS

44. • TED-TIGHT END DOWN WITH THE TACKLE PULLING
AROUND FOR OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
• TANGO/TANK-TRUE DOUBLE TEAM BLOCK WITH THE
TACKLE. WORK VERTICAL THROUGH THE DEFENDER
UP TO THE SECOND LEVEL DEFENDER. DO NOT LEAVE
BLOCK UNTIL LEVERAGE IS SECURED. COMMUNICATE
WITH TACKLE.
• TUS-DOUBLE TEAM CALL BETWEEN GUARD AND
TACKLE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THIS CAN ALERT THE
TIGHT END TO A POSSIBLE SOLID CALL MEANING YOU
ARE ALONE AGAINST YOUR DEFENDER
• BOX-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT ENDS BLOCKING
DEFENDERS IN THE BOX. TURNS A ZONE SCHEME INTO
A MAN SCHEME
• PUSH-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT END ZONING TO
AN EXTRA DEFENDER IN THE BOX EVERYONE WORKS
ONE MAN OVER THAN THEIR ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT
TANGO TANK
TUS
TED
BOX
PUSH

45. • Where is everyone going
• Center is the decision maker up front
Center blocks “0”
Guards block “1”
Tackles block “2”
TE / FB / QB “3”
• The BST is the adjuster and has the hardest job
when running the read, the lock, or the option off
the zone play
• Find the B gap defender or the QB player

46. N TR E
MW
S
0 2
1-1
3-2-3

48. • Option
• QB will call out his pitch man so everyone is on
the same page, this will then be re-
communicated up front
• BST is the adjuster, hardest spot to play up front,
needs to be athletic enough to take on those
tough blocks

49. Tags off the Zone Play

51. • GAP = GAP - COMBO - MAN
• Every lineman (including tight end) is responsible for a gap
unless he is the puller
• Down Block– Aiming Point-Combo Block (Blitz=TIMBER!)
• Power– Pull Technique / Identifying PS LB
• Counter / Trap- Kickout Technique– Execution
• 1 Back vs. 2 Back Power
Gap Scheme responsibilities:
• PS Tight End: C Gap
• PS Tackle: B Gap
• PS Guard: A Gap
• Center: A-B Gap
• BS Guard: Puller
• BS Tackle: C Gap or Puller
• BS Tight End: D Gap

52. • Combo blocks are what we
use in our gap scheme runs
like Power and Counter
• These double team blocks are
extremely physical
• These combos usually work
back to the first or second LB
head up to backside of the
Center
• Emphasis is vertical
displacement of defender
• Cannot get caught up in
combo blocks if you have a PS
gap defender!

55. Mate
M
NR ET
F
T
• TACO
Mate
M
N
S
R ET
F
T
RUB
M
N
J
R S
W
T
F
T
TWIN TWIN
M
N SR
J
W
T
F
T
TACO
SW W

56. Mate
M
NR ET
F
T
TACO
SW
Mate
M
N
S
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F
T
W

58. • Own your man!
• Mentality of back to a cliff,
only you stand between
defender and quarterback
• Balance and control of body
• Patience vs. Aggressiveness
• Developing a good punch
• Weight loaded on foot
opposite of direction you
are kicking/posting
• Shoulders back/proud chest
• Ramrod your Back!
• Hands ready in attack
position!

59. • 6 Man “Man” Scheme Protection
• Number of DL plus LB(s) away from Mike ID
• 1 RB/TE/WR in protection with OL
• RB has # 1 to #2 inside out
• Zone side alert for possible fan call vs. edge rush
• Protection alerts RB which side he is reading/defending
60 PROTECTION
52
N
55
E E
56
T
“ID”
ZONE MAN
TQ
#1
F
60

60. Even 10
M
N
S
R E
W
T
M
T
S
R E
W
N
Under 10
M
N
S
R E
W
T
Over 10
M
N SR E
W
T
Under 20
M
N SR E
W
T
Over Heavy 10
60 / 61 ROY / LOU
Over 20
Bear DBL Eagle
M
N SR EW T
WS
M
N
S
R EW T
WS
M
T S
R
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W
N
Okie 20
M
S
W
Okie Stack
T EN
SS
T Q
TQTQ
TQ TQ
TQTQ
TQTQ
“ID”
#1#2
MAN ZONE
M
N
S
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W
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“ID”
ZONE MAN
TQ
#1
F
ROY LOU
60

61. • 6 Man “Gap” Protection
• Responsible for blocking and cutting play side gap to call side
• 1 RB in protection with QB
• RB has 1st defender off of the BS Tackle
• Inside-Out for RB protection, cannot get beat inside
• QB alert for check to pressure
68 PROTECTION
52
N
55
E E
56
T
T
Q

62. We will use 3 Types of Pass Sets:
• Jump Set
• Kick Set (Drop and Drag)
• Vertical Set

63. • This is an attacking pass set use mostly by centers and guards but can be
used by tackles to switch up their set vs. a heavy or tight technique
• Snap your head up out of your stance
• Mirror defenders feet with yours exactly how you would on inside zone
landmarks
• Attack the inside number and sternum with a 2 hand punch
• Stun him off the L.O.S.
• If you can lock up do so, if not pull punch back and reset off the L.O.S

64. • Kick Set (Kick and Post)
• Snap your head up and
back out of your stance
• Set to the near point
• Be patient with your
punch
• Make him commit to one
direction (Outside)
• If you land a solid punch
inside, lock him up and
anchor. Never get beat
inside!!!

65. • This set is used by our tackles when they have to block a
wide technique or speed rusher.
• Tackles must gain ground on the first 2 initial kick slides.
(maybe 3)
• DON’T BE A SLOOPER!!! Stay Square in your kick slide. Don’t
turn until the DE makes you turn. Then Punch near target
and make him go around
• Keep your inside toe pointed straight up the field. This will
help keep your shoulders square and you can change
directions vs. a counter move inside and brace against the
bull rush

66. • Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with
• Cannot allow inside penetration
• Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with
• Cannot allow inside penetration
• Centers and Guards have 3 yards of space to work with
• Cannot get beat off the ball
• Cannot allow inside penetration
• Critical to keep defenders in front
• Back against the cliff mentality
5YARDS
5YARDS
3YARDS
3YARDS
QB

70. “ I make my practices real hard…..because if a player is a
quitter I want him to quit in practices, not in a game.”
Bear Bryant Alabama
• We will practice hard, fast and physical. Our practices
will involve high energy and enthusiasm from everyone
on the unit.
• Every player will receive a high amount of reps and we
will operate with the “Next Man in Mentality” every day.
• We are a family that will play together, look out for each
other and win with each other every day in practice.
• Our practices will be hard so that gameday is easy
compared to it.

71. PRACTICE COMPOSITION- These are the
themes our items will look to cover
everyday for at least ten minutes a day
1. Stance – First Steps
2. Base Run Technique – Punching and
footwork
3. Base Pass Pro – Working Slide and
Punch
4. Finish Drills – Emphasizing No play is
over without five defenders on the
ground
5. Man on Man Drill – Competition is the
best drill work there is
6. Team Drill – Put it all together
7. Assignment Period – Mentally Sharp

72. 1. Duck Walk Progression- Step with play side Foot, cock arms
2. Duck Walk Progression-Bring second step, punch with arms
3. Duck Walk Progression-Bring third step finish duck walk for five
yards (hip explosion)
4. Sled Progression-Zone Drive Blocking 10 yards each direction
(multiple reps), focus on putting together Duck Walk
Progression and exploding through blocks
5. Install-new plays, blocking schemes on air

73. 1. Boards Tight Reach (no bags)
2. Boards Wide Reach- run off end of board
3. Boards with Bag (PREFIT), Drive on command
4. Boards with Bag Feet Fire 2 Step Progression
5. Boards with Bag-fire off board weave drill progression
6. Boards with Bag-LB depth
7. Chutes Zone Blocking
8. Power Pull open and run to sideline (Counter Pull)
9. Power Skip Pull (Power)
10.Power Skip Pull- hit bag 4 ½ yards depth
11.Power Double Team Progression/Bag Between Hips
12.Power Double Team Defender to LB
13.Pass Cones
14.Box Drill Pass
15.Waterfall
16.Vertical vs. Power Step
17.Half Line Twist Pickup
18.Full Line Twist Pickup

74. “We are offensive linemen, part of the o-line. Five guys working as a unit within the football
team to establish the tempo and demeanor of the game. Our job description doesn't sound
fun, interesting or flashy, nor should it. Those who know football know the game is won or lost
in the trenches, along the line. We start the play and if we are good we finish it. We are the O-
Line, we set the examples, we "LEAD FROM THE FRONT.”
-- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)
“The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that
requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football
team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.”

75. 1. SELFLESSNESS-BECOMING A MAN MEANS SERVING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING
GREATER THAN YOURSELF. CHANGE THE THOUGHT PROCESS FROM SELF TO “US”.
“No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that
it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself.” ~ Woodrow T. Wilson
1. CONSISTENCY-REAL MEN ARE PEOPLE THAT OTHERS CAN COUNT ON. ANYONE CAN DO
THINGS RIGHT ONCE IN A WHILE, A REAL MAN DOES ALL THE TIME. SHOWING UP TO
CLASS, DOING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, MAKING WORKOUTS EARLY NOT ON TIME!
ETC CONSISTENCY IS THE GAME FOR PROS, WHO ACTUALLY HAVE PEOPLE COUNTING
ON THEM, MEN WITH REAL RESPONSIBILITY, REAL MEN.
1. HUMILITY-REAL MEN ARE SECURE IN THEIR ABILITIES AND DO NOT FIND IT NECESSARY
TO PLACE THEMSELVES IN HIGHER ESTEEM THAN THOSE AROUND THEM. REAL MEN
CHOOSE RESTRAINT AND HUMILITY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEAMMATES AROUND YOU,
TEACH THEM HOW TO DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY.
My power will be in humility ~ Walter Russell

76. 4TH QUARTER
THE PAIN OF COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT CAN BE PAINFUL. INDEED, IT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF
PAIN, THAT COMMITMENT FINDS MEANING AND POWER. OF WHAT
VALUE COULD COMMITMENT BE IF IT DID NOT HAVE ITS PRICE?
CHOOSE YOUR COMMITMENTS
EXPECT PAINFUL TIMES
BE READY TO MAKE SACRIFICES
BE READY TO SEE IT THROUGH
BUILD SOMETHING GREAT
DISCIPLINE EFFORT
TOUGHNESS
DO WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO
DO WHEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO
DO IT EXACTLY LIKE IT’S SUPPOSED
TO BE DONE, AND DO IT THAT
WAY ALL THE TIME
IT TAKES NO ATHLETIC ABILITY TO
GIVE GREAT EFFORT. IT’S AN
ATTITUDE. BE RELENTLESS, AND
COMPETE FOR 60 MINUTES
THE ABILITY TO PERFORM AT YOUR VERY BEST TALENT AND
SKILL REGARDLESS OF COMPETITIVE CIRCUMSTANCES.
WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING

77. WHAT WILL YOU SACRIFICE
FOR YOUR COUNTRY!
BEAT CANADA!