How to Coach an NFL Line

Offenses and defenses in the National Football League (NFL) are only as successful as their linemen. Offensive linemen protect the quarterback and open alleys for the running game while defensive linemen try to get to the ball carrier on every play. Your task as an NFL line coach is to get your players to recognize these goals and stay technically sound on every play. Read on to learn how to coach an NFL Line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Clipboard
• Tackling Dummies
• List of Plays
• Whistle

Instruct an NFL Line

1. Teach your linemen that their lower body is crucial to getting the job done. Offensive linemen need to have quick feet to fend off a pass rusher while defensive ends need to use their legs to drive through blocks. Tools like the Speed Demon allow you to coach your players on fundamentals while testing their physical prowess. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Work with your coordinators to get skill players and linemen on the same page each week. You should review game tape on your team and the next week's opponent with coordinators to develop a comprehensive game plan.
3. Limit your use of full pads in practice to training camp and pre-season practices. In the early stages of the season, you need to have players in pads to simulate game play for evaluation purposes. As the regular season progresses, eliminating practices in full pads will keep your players healthy.
4. Facilitate the ongoing development of your linemen through regular examinations. You should test each of your linemen on the particulars of the weekly game plan as well as any special plays included in the general play book.
5. Keep your players accountable by viewing game film together on a weekly basis. You can coach individual linemen better by showing them repeated errors or areas of weakness during a game. Your linemen also improve their understanding of the importance of working as a unit by watching their successes.
6. Simulate game day conditions in practice by calling penalties. In training camp, the NFL sends out referees to each team to help implement rules changes. Use your line coaches and other assistants to call holding, offsides and other penalties to create a better practice environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid placing your linemen into specialized positions during training camp. Offensive and defensive linemen who are versatile can save your team a roster spot by backing up another positions on the line. Regular rotation during practice gives linemen an opportunity to understand their responsibilities from another perspective.

Who Can Help: