Things You'll Need:
- Several members of your offensive line to walk through the steps
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Step 1
Determine where the play is headed. When on offensive line, you must know where the ball carrier is looking to run. Widening the play works most effectively on plays that are run to the outside, like a sweep or pitch. This spreads the defense and allows you, as a member of the offensive line, to force the defensive player away from the ball.
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Step 2
Line up on the line of scrimmage. It is imperative that the defense does not read where the play is going. Assume your formation as normal without "cheating" to one side.
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Step 3
Move off the line the moment the ball snaps. Remember that you need to get to the defensive line before they get to you. Otherwise, you will be back on your heels.
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Step 4
Punch the defensive lineman in the pads. "Punch" is a football term used for where and when you have made the contact to the defensive line. Because you are looking to push the defender away by widening the play, your point of contact should be his armpit as well as the center of his chest. This will spin him away from the ball while widening the play in the process.
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Step 5
Scan the field for any loose defenders that you need to block. Remember, just because you took care of your man, doesn't mean someone else wasn't beaten. Work together as a team and keep the defense at bay.
