How to Pull for Sweeps as an Offensive Lineman

Outside runs and quarterback roll-outs pose a big-play threat. However, they take a long time to develop and can potentially result in a losses of yardage. Often, preventing this from happening means stacking protection out in the flats. That's where a pulling offensive lineman comes in. While the backfield's speed getting to the outside is important, they're many times exposed to hungry, speedy defensive backs and linebackers. It's the much slower pulling lineman's job to contain them. What he lacks in agility is compensated for with positioning. If he pulls straight down the line like it's an inside trap, the play doesn't stand a chance. Here's how to pull for sweeps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. As you approach the line of scrimmage, look at the defense presented. Unlike many pulls, you're target won't likely be a down lineman. A cornerback, strong safety or outside linebacker will be lurking in the open field. Notice which one isn't accounted for.

2. Fire off the line of scrimmage laterally. This is similar to an inside trap technique. You want to step immediately in the direction you're pulling without advancing up field. You'll then follow through with you're other leg, stepping directly down the line. On outside plays, like sweeps, this is particularly important for setting up the third foot step.

3. Step into the backfield. After your first two steps down the line, you'll step "out," meaning your next step will open up your gait. This pulling play doesn't move right down the line, but forms a slight arcing motion.

4. Arc, or loop, your pull. Your trajectory should arc about two yards behind the line of scrimmage in a crescent shape. You need to be in as much open field as possible to gain speed and positioning, without hindering the play.

5. Head upfield. As you loop around a few yards outside of the last offensive lineman or tight end, you'll want to square your shoulders as much as possible. The man you're likely blocking will be approaching the play from a few yards off the line of scrimmage. You'll need the ability to view all potential targets, though the play will call for one specifically.

6. Make contact in the open field. This is difficult to do. As mentioned, you're going to be much slower than the defender. And he will be moving at full speed up the field to make the play. Your advantage is that his eyes will probably be on the ball carrier. He won't see you until the last second. But you absolutely have to make contact for at least a second. That might give the running back enough time to read your block and change his direction.

7. Block the defender in the easiest direction possible. A hard hit and big contact is great but tough to do. This is about getting your hat on the defender and sealing him off. If he's moving outside, take him outside. If he's moving inside, turn your hips and take him inside. There's plenty of field for the running back to work with. Just make sure your man is blocked.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your head up.
• Watch the defender's hips. They juke with their shoulders and legs, but their hips give away their direction.
• Try to stay low, but getting there quickly is primary. It's probably a good idea to run tall, and drop down before contact is made.
• Block the first person you see. There could be leaks in the offensive line, a blitz coming the outside, or something the offers you a new target, last-minute. Regardless of who you're "supposed" to block, hit the first man through.
• The defender is faster than you. If you have too much momentum going, or your head is down, the defender will juke right past you and make the play. If you don't have a direct shot, it's a good idea to slow up a bit to anticipate the defender's moves.
• Don't run too deeply into the backfield. You can run into the running back. He is also faster than you. He'll be a couple of yards behind you, following your block. Don't look for him, but be aware that he's there.