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Step 1
Perfect your stance at the line of scrimmage. Knees down, weight forward and head up. The exact same stance that is used for run blocking. But instead of firing out at the defensive lineman in front of you, you are going to give ground in order to form a pocket around the quarterback.
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Step 2
Take 2 to 3 steps backward and get your hands out in front of you. You have dropped back to give your quarterback a protected area to throw from, but you are not going to give any more ground. The defensive lineman is going to come charging at you and you are going to have to absorb a blow. It's difficult, but you have to take it and then fire back with your own hands. A two-hand punch to the chest is very effective at stopping the defensive lineman in his tracks.
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Step 3
Follow-up that punch with a forearm or with another aggressive shot with your hands. Generations ago, offensive linemen could not use their hands to block defensive linemen. They had to keep their hands closed and use their forearms if they wanted to hit defensive linemen. That no longer is the case as it was determined that offensive linemen needed some help when it came to protecting themselves and the quarterback.
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Step 4
Work on your footwork, especially when blocking quicker defensive ends from the offensive tackle position. Defensive ends are outstanding athletes with great quickness and speed. It's one thing for them to get after the quarterback by trying to overpower you, but it's much more difficult to stop them when they try to use their speed to get around you. Offensive tackles must use their feet to get in their way and set up a roadblock in front of the quarterback.
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Step 5
Watch as much videotape of your opponents as possible. Learn their moves and techniques. You will have a much better chance of being a successful pass blocker if you can anticipate the move your opponent is going to make next.
