Things You'll Need:
- cleats
- practice defenders
- open area
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Step 1
After breaking the huddle, come to the line of scrimmage and get into your 3-point stance. Make sure spacing is appropriate.
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Step 2
Survey the defensive scheme. Find and identify your intended linebacker. If in a 5-2, you have the strong-side linebacker. If in a 4-3, you have the outside linebacker (the tight-end will break off his block to get the middle linebacker).
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Step 3
When you hear the snap count, powerfully swing your left elbow backwards, turning your body perpendicular to the line of scrimmage. At the same time, take a power step in the same direction.
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Step 4
Almost immediately after the elbow swing, begin running to where the tight end was set up. The tighter to the line of scrimmage you get, the more chance you'll have of catching the scraping linebacker by surprise.
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Step 5
When you get to the end of the line of scrimmage, immediately turn upfield, looking for your defender. Don't stop running - you'll lose your momentum.
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Step 6
When you've found your linebacker, put your head on the side between him and your runningback. Put your shoulder on his waist and put your hands on either side of him.
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Step 7
Turn the linebacker's shoulders parallel to the sideline, and drive through him - essentially taking him out of the play. If necessary, continue blocking him until the whistle blows.
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Step 8
Once your defender is sufficiently blocked, break away and head downfield. You may be able to spring your runningback for more yardage with another well-timed block.
